Sexy, elegant, chic: The enduring tradition of China’s iconic dress
Cheongsam story —
From its turn as a 1920s feminist statement to modern incarnations, the Hong Kong Museum of History's "A Century of Fashion: Hong Kong Cheongsam Story" celebrates the iconic dress. This contemporary version (not featured in the exhibit) is from Hong Kong fashion brand Shanghai Tang.
courtesy Shanghai Tang
Guru of golden era —
Founded in 1966 in Hong Kong, Linva Tailor has watched the rise and fall of the cheongsam's popularity. "Cheongsam becomes trendy every decade or two in a cycle," says owner Leung Ching-wah.
Hiufu Wong/CNN
Innovative designs —
Founded in Hong Kong in 1994, Shanghai Tang has been a pioneer in transforming the cheongsam into a modern ready-to-wear dress. Last year's fall/winter collection incorporated sleek leather in place of traditional silk.
courtesy Shanghai Tang
"A Century of Fashion" exhibit —
The Hong Kong Museum of History's cheongsam exhibit explains the evolution of the iconic and beloved Chinese dress through 130 gorgeous displays.
Hong Kong Museum of History/Courtesy of Ms Louisa Chan
Secrets of a slit —
Worn by Hong Kong actress Linda Lin Dai, four-time Best Actress award winner at the Asia Film Festival, this cheongsam exhibits a popular style in the 1950s, with an extremely narrow hem. A zip sewn into the top of the side slit on the left side makes it more convenient for the wearer to get in and out of a car.
Hong Kong Film Archive/Hong Kong Museum of History
Miss Hong Kong 1977 —
This cheongsam was made by master Mong Kar-mo and worn by Loletta Chu-Lo when she won the 1977 Miss Hong Kong Pageant. Master Mong currently teaches a class on how to make cheongsam at the Hong Kong YMCA.
Courtesy of Mrs Loletta Chu-Lo
Intricate beauty —
The main elements of the dress's original silhouette -- high collar, flower buttons on the placket -- make it easy to incorporate into new designs.
Hiufu Wong/CNN
Ready right now —
At Hong Kong cheongsam shops, customers choose a style off the rack before deciding on details such as flower buttons on the placket, sleeve length and slit depth.
Hiufu Wong/CNN
Custom fit —
Master tailor Leung Ching-wah (here with wife Joana Fung) suggests longer sleeves for customers conscious of their arms and a higher waistline for those who wish to hide their stomachs.
Hiufu Wong/CNN
Representing Hong Kong —
Per tradition, Miss Hong Kong candidates wear cheongsam during the award ceremony, as shown here by the winner and runners-up in 2006.