Cheongsam Revival

88DB Festive Guide, Fashion — By 88DB Knowledge on January 9, 2012 4:58 pm

Buying new clothes for the Lunar New Year? Get a Cheongsam!

The Cheongsam has experienced a revival recently and is widely loved by fashionable young ladies. Also known as the qipao (旗袍), it is known for creating a tight-fitting and sensuous silhouette.

History

The Cheongsam was at its biggest back in the 1920s, where they were seen on the streets of Shanghai, on socialites and the upper-class ladies. Although it was first created back in the 17^th century, Shanghai women modernised the dress by opting for a figure-hugging cut and also slits up the sides of the dress.

Today’s Cheongsam

The Cheongsam has withstood the test of time and is still a popular feature in Chinese-based fashion shows today. It continues to evolve and now incorporates foreign elements to create international appeal.

There are cheongsams that have a toga top, and also those that are made of chiffon instead of the traditional materials such as shantung silk and cotton. Even though colours such as black and pure white were taboo in the past, designers nowadays do not shy away from them – instead they focus on using creativity and colours to bring out elegance in a woman’s figure.

Perhaps, the cheongsam will replace the Little Black Dress in time to come.

Tips on Choosing a Cheongsam that Flatters:

The Cheongsam is not for the sloppy woman. To pull it off, you’ll need to do some research and make an effort to dress yourself up. For makeup, either emphasize your lips with bold red colours to make a statement, or go for an au natural look. Pull your hair into a simple chignon bun or a sophisticated up-do.

Tall and Slim: Lucky you, you can opt for heavy silk and brocade designs which will help to add curves and fills out your figure. If your legs are very thin, avoid short hemlines and choose longer, flowing dresses (you can have longer side-slits if you like!)

Petite: A medium to short hemline will help show off your legs and emphasise less on your height. Avoid boxy cuts or shoulder pads which can make you feel heavy, and to avoid looking too girlish, choose designs that are not so cutesy.

Plus-sized: You don’t have to fight tooth and nail trying to fit in a traditionally cut cheongsam that are made to fit an unrealistically slim figure. Look for boutiques that sell A-line cuts or empire waistlines which will help hide a muffin top. Avoid heavy materials such as brocade, and a single block colour such as black and other dark colours would have a slimming effect.

Flabby arms: The trick is simple – go for sleeves! You can choose from short sleeves, cap sleeves, mid-length, long sleeves … … the possibilities are many.

Collar?: Apart from choosing the fabric design, this is one way where you can customise and create a cheongsam look that is truly yours! Feeling flirty? Go for a plunging or flared neckline! A more conservative approach would feature a taller neckline with longer sleeves to match. Traditional frog buttons also add a touch of nostalgia to the cheongsam.

How to wear a Cheongsam and Make it Yours: Bring in your desired cloth to the designer to discuss how you can turn it into a fitting cheongsam. Be creative! Try denim, or scout around for prints that you’ll want to feature on your cheongsam. Jazz up the cheongsam by throwing in a blazer and sky-high heels to give it more of a polished, modern look. If you want to recreate the 60’s Shanghai look, don a pair of pearl earrings, grab a clutch, and you’re ready to go!

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