Bring back the cheongsam, girls! Here’s where you can shop for your traditional outfits!
Chinese New Year is creeping up on us really quickly (wasn’t New Year’s just yesterday?!) and we can’t wait to see what you girls will be decked out in this CNY! Colour and print may play important roles (bright red, jewel tones, oriental blooms and cheerful prints) but why not trade in the usual formal, Western silhouettes with something that gives a nod to your traditional Chinese roots? Yep, we’re talking about the Cheongsam!
Wearing one not only shows you’re upholding tradition (and will undoubtedly get plenty of compliments from your ah ma!), but the cheongsam is actually extremely flattering on many body types, and can be the epitome of chic in the right shade and style. Never doubt that options for the traditional dress are limited, because we found it to be quite the contrary with a whole bevy of choices being offered by local and international labels we’re sure you’ll love!
BLUM & Co.
Over a decade old, BLUM & Co. is a label that’s no stranger to the local fashion scene. They appeal greatly to stylish Singaporeans thanks to their continuing presence on television and print, and make some of the most attractive threads made with beautiful fabrics from all over the world. We love their new line of weekend occasion wear with a variety of prints and colours to suit every mood this CNY!
BLUM & Co., 10 Bayfront Ave, #01-65 Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018956, (+65) 63582127, www.blumnco.com
Déjà Vu Vintage
The leading retailer for high-end vintage and cool, quirky finds, Déjà Vu Vintage loves having a piece of the cheongsam action come CNY with vintage cheongsams coming from France, the UK and US dating all the way back to the 50s. Expect to see one-off designs that give ode to past eras. You’ll never find someone else having the same piece!
Déjà Vu Vintage, 9 Raffles Boulevard, #01-70 Millenia Walk, Singapore 039596, (+65) 63388013, www.dejavuvintage.com
Intoxiquette
Starting out as just an online business, Intoxiquette is now a fully-fledged physical brand that’s stocked in leading malls like Marina Square and The Centrepoint. With modern casual and work wear, they also release CNY collections to cater to the festive occasion and the celebratory mood that comes with it. Affordable dresses in a myriad of colours and styles will have you spoilt for choice!
Intoxiquette, 6 Raffles Blvd, #02-338 Marina Square, Singapore 039594, www.intoxiquette.com
Lark & Peony
Lark & Peony’s beautiful fusion of watercolour prints and modern shapes make their cheongsams look oh-so-easy to wear and go beyond the festive period. Just imagine pairing one of these tops with tailored trousers or skinny jeans, and you’re suddenly all set for the office or a weekend dinner!
Lark & Peony, www.larkandpeony.com
Mama & Misse
The appreciation that Mama & Misse have for the art of cheongsam tailoring is hard to miss when laying eyes on their well-made creations. These ladies definitely dedicate everything to their craft, and only with the most luxurious fabrics that withstand time! Owning one of their cheongsams will truly be like having a work of art.
Mama & Misse, 10 Anson Road, International Plaza #02-10, Singapore 079903, (+65) 6221 1865, www.mamanmisse.wix.com
Ong Shunmugam
Local fashion darling Ong Shunmugam is one to play up local traditions fused with contemporary designs. Previously involving much of her work with Peranakan culture, she has now taken inspiration from previous well-loved designs reinterpreted into The Monkey Year collection. Our favourites are definitely the two-piece culotte sets!
Ong Shunmugam, 16 Raffles Quay, B1-36 Hong Leong Building, Singapore 048581, (+65) 62234804, www.ongshunmugam.com
Sissae
Hailing from Indonesia, Sissae and their QiPaos are modern, elegant and made for the 21st century woman. Every piece is said to be handmade and can be tailored to the most fitting of your preference, with embellishments that make every dress unique. Check them out at Isetan and Tangs before they’re swept off the racks!
Sissae, 350 Orchard Road, Isetan Scotts Level 2, Singapore 238868 and 310 Orchard Rd, Tangs Level 2, Singapore 238864, www.facebook.com/sissae.qipao.page
The Happy Cheongsam
This mother and daughter label is a favourite among the style set for their bright, cheery designs. Get ready to look straight out of a chic 60s movie set with pattern-clashing looks that are guaranteed to have you wishing you could wear them everyday! They even have matching kids’ sets you could gift your little family members with.
The Happy Cheongsam, thehappycheongsam@gmail.com, www.thehappycheongsam.com
Tong Tong Friendship Store
Only quality dresses come from the shared space that is the Tong Tong Friendship Store. Here you’ll find everything from casual cotton cheongsams to brocade designs and even little accessories to adorn your outfits with!
Tong Tong Friendship Store, 100 Beach Rd, People’s Optical – Shaw Towers, Singapore 189702, www.tongtong.sg
Zalora
Asia’s one-stop destination for all things fashion doesn’t shy from offering ethnic occasion wear. With a permanent collection of baju kurungs and kaftans on Zalora for all those celebrating Hari Raya, you know they’ll have a collection that’s just as extensive for CNY! Another plus point is that they’re incredibly affordable and have an amazing delivery service. Great for any last-minute purchases!
Zalora, www.zalora.sg