The brightly coloured and embroided qun kwa has seen a comeback in recent years with many Chinese brides donning it for a touch of tradition during their traditional tea ceremony. It is a beautiful costume with its rich embroidery, however, it is often loose and does not show off the figure very well as that was the Chinese fashion style centuries ago. In today’s style and fashion where many brides have great figures painstainkingly honed through exercise and diets, many are starting to opt for the cheongsam or qipao as their nod towards tradition for their wedding. Read on more to learn about the tradition of the qipao and where you can find cheongsam designers in Malaysia and Singapore!
Tradition of the QiPao
Cheongsams or qi paos were made popular in Shanghai during the 1930s and later in Hong Kong during the 1950s. Originally starting out as a loose-fitting one piece dress, it evolved to be a gorgeous figure hugging high neck dress made from silk, satin and even lace.
It exudes tradition and sexiness at the same time for the wearer and a beautiful cheongsam is guaranteed to turn heads at any formal occasion. Who can forget the timeless beauty of Maggie Cheung in her many cheongsams in the controversial movie “In The Mood For Love” that sparked off a qi pao craze in Hollywood?!
Elaborate Wedding Cheongsams
Cheongsams are very versatile and can be made from plain cotton or elaborate silk, depending on the occasion. Wedding cheongsams are often beautiful and elaborate confections made from lace and silk for a breathtaking effect that highlights the Chinese bride’s graceful figure and blushing beauty.
They are popularly worn during the tea ceremony to add an elegant traditional touch to the age-old ceremony. The qipao is also a popular choice during the wedding banquet dinner as a change of gowns especially if you are considering a Chinese or Shanghainese wedding theme.
Cheongsam Designers in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore
Kuala Lumpur
- Divine Couture – designs beautiful cheongsams with sexy lace backs and even trains for the ultimate wedding qipao!
- Kenneth Hoong (Butterfly) – designs contemporary cheongsams with pretty embroidery in striking colours.
- Melvin Lam - designs cheongsams with modern twist in eye-catching designs.
- Emerald, Jalan Imbi – sells ready made cheongsams in all designs and colours.
- Red Lantern, Berjaya Times Square – sells ready made or custom made cheongsams in pretty lace. More affordable than designers’ prices.
Singapore
- Divine Couture – originally from Singapore, sexy and eye-catching cheongsam custom-made designs can be found here.
- Ted Wu Couture – Ted Wu designs beautiful traditional and modern cheongsams for brides of all personalities.
- Mazzario by Mimi – long and short cheongsams available here, mainly in brocade and in some quirky designs.
- Tan Yoong – Local Singapore wedding gown designer who also makes wedding cheongsams. Expect to pay quite a bit!
- Allure Charix – Wedding gown designer who also designs lovely wedding cheongsams.
Do feel free to add on to this list if you know of any cheongsam designer! 
With Love,
Elle
Photo Credits: The Knot, Tommy Yap and Divine Couture
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I also like the cheongsam, it looks very nice is also very classical, women wear it out of his good figure highlights. I also have a few cheongsam pictures, here this is my favorite.
http://world-culture-research.org/c.asp?d=14910
There is also Dylan Boutique who also design made-to-measure Qi Pao for weddings and formal events.
http://dylan.sg/