Where To Buy An Elegant Cheongsam In Hong Kong

Timeless and sophisticated, the cheongsam, also known as a qipao, is a type of dress that came to represent Chinese femininity and empowerment in the 20th century. This body-hugging garment can be cut and styled to suit any occasion, from formal functions to parties to casual daywear. If you’re looking for the perfect cheongsam in Hong Kong, here are your best options.

Shanghai Tang

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This luxury Chinese fashion emporium was founded in Hong Kong in 1994 and is known for its iconic and modernized cheongsams. The dresses come in varying lengths, designs and fabrics, ranging from subtle geometric patterns with keyhole cutouts to more traditional florals. The design aesthetic is heavily inspired by 18th-century European chinoiserie, combined with an effortless and contemporary flair. Prices typically range from HK $4,000 to HK $25,000.

Yi-ming

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This emerging brand was founded in 2011 by former Hong Kong fashion model Grace Choi, who has a flair for giving the iconic cheongsam a modern makeover, transforming it into a variety of chic cocktail dresses for a younger clientele. Her designs incorporate contemporary elements such as patterned lace, mixed fabrics, contrasting side panels and more, and each dress typically costs HK $2,000 to HK $3,000.

Olivia Couture

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Famed for her stunning bridal collections, Olivia Yip opened her dressmaking boutique in 2005. The shop offers cheongsam-inspired evening gowns as well as custom handmade qipaos for special occasions. From intricate hand-sewn patterns, to see-through insets and eye-catching flared collars, the most stunning of these dresses are worthy of red-carpet occasions. A custom dress goes for about HK $45,000.

Linva Tailor

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Linva Tailor was founded by Leung Ching-wah and his wife Leung Fung Pui-chun in 1965, and the couple have been honing their craft for over five decades. This small and unostentatious boutique is famous for creating the glamorous dresses worn by actress Maggie Cheung in the highly regarded Wong Kar-wai film In The Mood For Love (2000). A completely bespoke cheongsam requires coming in for multiple fittings over two months, although there are also off-the-rack options with a tailoring service. Prices range from HK $2,000 to HK $6,000.

Mee Wah Qipao

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Founded in the 1930s, Mee Wah Qipao holds the distinction of being the oldest cheongsam tailor in Hong Kong. Nowadays, it’s under the stewardship of tailor Kan Hoi-ming, the grandson of the shop’s original owner. With hand-stitched hems, custom buttons and a variety of premium fabrics, each cheongsam made here is a work of art. Prices range from HK $4,000 to HK $20,000.

Blanc de Chine

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Established in 1993, Blanc de Chine has stores across Hong Kong, Beijing and Taipei. This discreet luxury label is known for reinterpreting traditional Chinese gowns, such as cheongsams and Zhongshan suits, into modern garments. The exquisitely crafted dresses have been worn by Chinese-Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh (best known for starring in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) on the red carpet. Cheongsams start at around HK $4,000.

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