The cheongsam or qipao often gives people a “old-fashioned” image, but have you ever thought that with just a little creativity, this traditional attire can also become a daily fashion statement, or even a favorite on the fashion show stage? Hong Kong Arts Centre is currently holding the “Fashion of Mix and Match: Contemporary Cheongsam Exhibition”, showcasing the cheongsam creations of 9 Hong Kong designers. With their skilled hands and fashion creativity, the finished clothing pieces are stunningly beautiful!
Exhibiting artists include: Blind by JW, Cantosoul, Grace Choi, Polly Ho, Ranee Kok, Janko Lam, Kenny Li, Mountain Yam, Mary Yu.
The cheongsam is one of the intangible cultural heritages, originally a traditional costume of the Manchu people. Later, the cheongsam gradually became a national symbol favored by many cultural figures in the Republic of China, such as Hu Shi and Eileen Chang. Eileen Chang’s cheongsam later developed into the Shanghai-style cheongsam, combining the characteristics of traditional Chinese tailoring and European tailoring, highlighting the figure of Chinese women. Influenced by many internationally award-winning Hong Kong films such as Wong Kar-wai’s “In the Mood for Love” and Ang Lee’s “Lust, Caution,” the cheongsam is still a fashionable formal wear in Hong Kong and a symbol of feminine elegance.
Like any other thriving cultural heritage, the development of the cheongsam remains diverse, and has become a new theme and source of inspiration and creativity. Its three key elements – stand-up collar, floral buttons, side or right side slits on the legs – are unique, and can be mixed and matched with fabrics such as crepe silk, giving the cheongsam different styles and shapes, meeting a variety of functions and occasions.
The magic of the cheongsam lies in its simple tailoring and stunning effect, highlighting the personality of each wearer. The cheongsam has evolved over several generations. In Hong Kong, the cheongsam continues to evolve under the careful design of many contemporary designers, whose work goes beyond the scope of traditional cheongsam and sees the cheongsam as a constant source of innovative design inspiration.
This exhibition showcases the unique charm of the cheongsam as an intangible cultural heritage and cultural symbol of Hong Kong, as well as the creativity of Hong Kong fashion designers. They have injected new vitality into the “eternal” cultural symbol of the cheongsam, making it relevant to the contemporary world. Do you feel compelled to get one of these innovative cheongsam designs?
“Fashion Mix: Contemporary Cheongsam Exhibition”
Date: From now until November 13
Time: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Location: Pao Galleries, 4th Floor, Hong Kong Arts Centre
Source and learn more: Hong Kong Arts Centre
