With Chinese New Year coming up, it’s the perfect occasion to up your style game with a cheongsam – because when it comes to traditional wear, there’s nothing quite as alluring as this perennially chic Chinese costume. From classic qi paos to modern styles, off-the-rack, and bespoke pieces you can wear for CNY and all-year round, we’ve sussed out the best shopping spots for cheongsams in Singapore.
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Ong Shunmugam
It should come as no surprise that Ong Shunmugam tops our list. After all, the home grown fashion label is best known for its refreshingly contemporary and wearable take on the traditional cheongsam – think jumpsuits with mandarin collars, matching crop tops and culottes ensembles, and cheongsams with a clever mix of prints like batik and chinoiserie that perfectly toe the line between old and new, modern and timeless. Prefer something a lil’ more unique? Ong Shunmungam also offer customisation.
Atelier Ong Shunmugam, 16 Raffles Quay B1-36, Hong Leong Building, Singapore 048581, p. 6223 4804. Open Mon-Fri 12-7pm. For customisation, by appointment only.
Shanghai Tang
If you’ve got a taste for traditional Chinese wear with a modern twist, Shanghai Tang is your best bet. The Hong Kong-based label takes luxury to a whole new level with its runway-ready collection that run the gamut: from classic cheongsams in graphic prints to qi pao tops with leather accents and men’s style Mandarin collar jackets for the ladies.
Shanghai Tang, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Takashimaya, Raffles City, and Changi Airport. Visit website for more info.
Zalora
Can’t decide what wear for the Chinese New Year festivities? Trust the e-retailer to solve all your wardrobe woes. The Zalora CNY capsule collection offers a stylish selection of cheongsam tops and dresses with modern touches like lace, colour-blocking, and floral prints that are oh-so-wearable all year-round. And the best part? They’re affordable too, with everything under $100!
A slider with the ID of 284 doesn't exist.Lark & Peony
If there’s anyone who can revive the nostalgia of cheongsams, it’d be Lark & Peony. The online-only label makes no concessions to modernise the traditional Chinese costume. In fact, it offers a collection of unapologetically classic designs made from quality fabrics specially sourced from Japan, Australia, and USA. Featuring vintage-style Chinoiserie patterns, graphic prints, and monochromatic hues, these stylish cheongsams will appeal to women of all generations for every occasion.
Tong Tong Friendship Store
Who says cheongsams have to be boring and old-fashioned? Tong Tong Friendship Store puts that notion firmly to rest with its collection of cheongsams and qi pao tops that feature funky ‘70s-inspired prints and playful patterns in colourful hues. The icing on the cake? Tong Tong’s cheongsams are pretty exclusive too – with a limited number of pieces for each design, you won’t risk turning up to the reunion dinner in the same dress as Grandma.
Tong Tong Friendship Store, #01-04/05 Shaw Towers, 100 Beach Road, Singapore 189702, p. 6396 3887. Open Mon-Sat 12-8pm.
A slider with the ID of 282 doesn't exist.The Lady General
Launched in 2013, The Lady General is every girl’s answer to the predicament “What do I wear for Chinese New Year?”. The e-store is chock-full of chic cheongsams tailored for the modern woman, thanks to its elegant use of exclusive fabrics, contemporary silhouettes, and fine finishings. Easy on the eyes and on the wallet, all cheongsams are priced under $200.