The Cheongsam
The Cheongsam, also known as Qipao, is considered the embodiment of Chinese fashion. Nowadays, you can see the elegant dress in art, advertising, movies and even some brides opt to use a Cheongsam on their wedding days. However, this delicate garment's origins date to the 1920s in Shanghai.
Right after the overthrow of the Qing dynasty and founding of the Republic of China. Influenced by Western values in the early twentieth century women's fashion in China started to evolve and brought with it the earliest form of the Qipao. During the 30's and 40's the Cheongsam kept evolving in mainland China. However shortly after the rise of the Communist Government, the Cheongsam existence in mainland China was threatened and nearly eliminated.
The Shanghainese community of tailors who flew the mainland introduced the body-hugging dress to the British colony of Hong Kong where it quickly became a fashion phenomenon that was adopted by movie stars and the wealthy clientele. Furthermore, the tense colonial environment in British Hong Kong further expanded the popularity of the Cheongsam among Chinese women who desired to assert their identity. The dress, as portrayed by members of the educated upper class conveyed an air of sophistication and Chinese propriety.
The modern Cheongsam, Qipao, is associated with a red silk dress that many movie stars have worn. However, "The most invaluable gift of the Cheongsam and Qipao heritage lies in the ability of an experienced tailor to accentuate the best in the woman while downplaying the flaws". Thus, the dress can be sew based on the client's individual characteristics.
Woolen Cheongsam
"The inspiration of making ladies Cheongsam comes from my mothers fashion heritage from the 50's and 60's. Because we are wool fabric merchants from Shanghai in addition of being tailors, we decided to made this custom made piece; unlike other peoples' Cheongsam, ours it is made out of wool to better fit the needs and style of our clientele. Nonetheless, we are very open to custom made any colour and use any material our dear customers desire to use to express their unique style" - Tony Wong
