Exploring the Timeless Elegance of the Cheongsam

Years ago, I encountered the cheongsam (also known as qipao) at an exhibition titled "Timeless Elegance: Variations of the Cheongsam." Once a staple of women's daily wear, the cheongsam, with its tailored designs, accentuates the graceful curves of the wearer. The beauty of the cheongsam lies in its craftsmanship, cutting style, choice of materials, and even its accessories. However, as master tailors age and fewer successors emerge, this traditional craft is gradually fading. In Hong Kong, a few small shops still uphold this art: Passing by the century-old Mei Wah Fashion, I was drawn to a white cheongsam adorned with pale pink roses displayed in the window. This tiny shop, complete with a small workspace, an old-fashioned foot-pedal sewing machine, a worktable, and a collection of threads and needles, is the domain of third-generation owner Kan Hon-wing. During its peak, the shop employed over 30 tailors. Now, apart from Master Kan, only two tailors remain. As Master Kan introduced the vibrant fabrics and his exquisitely crafted cheongsams, his eyes sparkled with passion, reflecting his deep love for the craft. His creations exude understated elegance. (Address: 76 Queen's Road West, Sheung Wan) Master tailor Yuen Bong-kwan, with over 50 years of experience, offers a distinct style of cheongsam. Yuen's Tailor Shop is one of the few in Hong Kong skilled in making Scottish kilts. Having once tailored uniforms for the British Army stationed in Hong Kong, Master Yuen has preserved this nearly lost art. From military camps to the Central Market and now Tai Kwun, his cheongsams blend Chinese and Western elements. His plaid fabric cheongsams and capes are stylish, elegant, and unique. (Address: Shop 207, 2/F, Barrack Block, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central) Eighteen Twenty-Two, a cheongsam shop in Central Market, offers ready-to-wear cheongsams, accessories, and bespoke tailoring services. Their designs are youthful and avant-garde, featuring fabrics that evoke a "wow" factor. The playful accessories can even be paired with jeans for a casual look. (Address: Shop P05A, 2/F, Central Market, 93 Queen's Road Central) More to come next time.