A century of fashion: the Hong Kong cheongsam story
HF: In Hong Kong, qipao is more commonly known as Cheongsam, which carries a distinct Hong Kong flavour. With its well defined lines and myriad designs the cheongsam combines light and soft fabric with a tight fitting cut to show off the beauty of the female silhouette and highlight a woman’s graceful manner and elegant charm.
Undated black & white pen and ink drawing by Gretchen Shields. Source: folkwear.com
It was in the 1920s that the Cheongsam first became all the rage, as students, teachers, ladies from wealthy families, singers and movie stars in Hong Kong began wearing the dress, and the vogue then experienced a surge in the 1940s and 1950s after a large number of tailors from Shanghai migrated to Hong Kong.
Maggie Cheung Man-yuk wearing cheongsam in the film In The Mood For Love Source: scmp.com
As the tradition of wearing the cheongsam has been passed from generation to generation, the garment has undergone several changes. It remains hugely popular in Hong Kong today and continues to be worn by many women to important occasions.
A family photo in traditional Hong Kong cheongsam dress, about 1960. Source: facebook.com
Source: Hong Kong Memory Project
This article was first posted on 3rd August 2025.
Related Indhhk articles:
- Famous HK Tailors (Part One)P
- The Prince of Garments: Wong Mee of Sweetmart and Carlo
- Easey Garment Factory