Tagged: Cheongsam

Wedding Dress full lace red fit-and-flare Cheongsam, Suet's side

Wedding Dress full lace red fit-and-flare Cheongsam, Suet's top

Wedding Dress full lace red fit-and-flare Cheongsam, Suet's front

Wedding Dress full lace red fit-and-flare Cheongsam, Suet's neckline

Wedding Dress full lace red fit-and-flare Cheongsam, Suet's back

Wedding Dress full lace red fit-and-flare Cheongsam, Suet's close-up

Wedding Dress full lace Cheongsam, Suet's front

 

Suet and Mike’s Wedding

Suet and Mike had their beautiful engagement photographs taken at Cheong Fatt Tze, Penang on a lovely sunny morning. Her vibrant red Cheongsam was a wonderful contrast with the  walls of the Blue Mansion.

The engagement photography featured one of Suet’s wedding dress, which was a custom designed, made-to-measure, fit-and-flare Cheongsam in full Japanese lace. The sheer low back of the dress was adorned with lace appliques and lined with matching lace buttons. Her hair accessory was a handmade flower from the same duchess satin of her Cheongsam. Pearls were sewn at the center of the petals to highlight the lovely piece.

Suet contacted us online as she made preparations for her wedding from abroad. Her wedding dress was made in advance and was ready for her first fitting session when she returned to Penang a few days before her wedding.

Wondering how we managed to create a made-to-measure dress without first meeting the bride? Chiffon & Lace has established a system exclusively for this purpose. The design ideas, sketches, material selection and dress delivery details were communicated via emails. Suet was guided through an easy-to-follow but comprehensive measurement guide. Typically, these measurements are done by a local tailor. However, due to its simplicity, Suet appointed Mike to take her full body measurements. The unique body measurement system enables us to make a dress that fits the bride’s body as close as possible. Rarely, minor alterations are required – but thanks to Mike! – Suet’s wedding Cheongsam was a perfect fit on the first fitting!

All that hard work was rewarded with a happy smile on Suet’s face when she put on the Cheongsam for the first time. We would like to thank Suet Kee for trusting us to make her wedding Cheongsam although we had not met in person until the first fitting. We would also like to thank Alex Tan for the beautiful pictures that showcase the dress.

Our Real Bride this week is the lithe Alice with her exquisite full lace dress.

 

Full Lace Wedding Dress

For her church ceremony, she wears a full-laced, one-shoulder, fit-and-flare wedding dress. Just look at the intricate floral details encapsulated in her French lace bridal gown!

The lace-work on the wedding dress took a lot of skill and experience, which Chiffon & Lace tailors and designer were happy to provide. It takes skill and dedication to work on such fragile and delicate material.

Her full-bodied train is the one of the most distinguishing feature of her wedding gown, owing its elaborately designed lace highlights, a testament to the skill of our team. Alice looked simply wonderful, with the abundance of lace that complimenting her slender physique. The lace grants her dress lightness, making it seem ephemeral.

A detachable lace flower is placed at the lower back, a natural highlight that complements the fluid elegance of the lace.

Wedding Dress full lace, fit-and-flare, Alice side

Wedding Dress full lace, fit-and-flare, Alice back

Wedding Dress full lace, elaborate train, Alice front

Wedding Dress full lace, elaborate train, Alice side

 

 

Cheongsam for Wedding Reception

Alice wears a stunning ankle-length turqoise Cheongsam for her wedding reception.

Her fetching Shantung silk Cheongsam is decorated with pink sheer lace on the neckline, sleeves and back. Matching French lace appliques decorate the collar, sweetheart neckline and the high slit (of course!).

 

Wedding Dress lace turqoise Cheongsam, Alice front

Wedding Dress lace turqoise Cheongsam, Alice side

 

 

Chiffon & Lace thanks Alice for letting us make your wonderful dresses!

We also would like to thank Grace Tan from Stories, for capturing and sharing with us the beautiful pictures of Alice and her husband.

Did you know that the Cheongsam (??) or Qipao (??) was once the day-to-day attire of both men and women in the Qing Dynasty? The earliest Cheongsam was long and steep with a profusion of embellishments that emphasised the beauty of the dress rather than the wearer. Women were forbidden from expressing their ideas and thoughts in the male-dominated patriarchy of those olden days. Similarly, the garment was also made long and loose to conceal the female body.

The fall of the last Chinese emperor and the rise of western influence has led to a renaissance of the venerable Cheongsam.  Young and educated women began wearing the ‘refined’ Cheongsam as a bold statement to their rising prominence in modern Chinese society. Made popular by Shanghai celebrities in the 20’s, the modern Cheongsam has since gained recognition in the international arena of high fashion. The Shanghai-style Cheongsam features a form-fitting dress with high collar and slits, and a sleek cut that accentuates the slender curves of Chinese women. Critics say the Cheongsam is elegant and gentle, mirroring the temperament of Chinese women – this is certainly something that this writer can quite happily agree with!

The convergence of fashion from the East and West has led to widespread acceptance of the Cheongsam in modern society. The Cheongsam is a highly visible aspect of Chinese weddings, which still feature many aspects of traditional culture. In addition to a western-style white wedding dress, many Chinese brides opt for a Cheongsam during the tea ceremony and the traditional ying bin (??) which is the welcoming of guests at the wedding reception. Wedding day Cheongsams  are bright and delightful, adorned with intricate embellishments that symbolise happiness and prosperity.

The pictures below feature Chiffon & Lace brides in their flattering, custom designed, made-to-measure Cheongsam.

Wedding Dress lime green Cheongsam with sheer lace back

An ankle length, sleeveless, bright golden green Shantung silk Cheongsam with gold trimming and sheer, lacy, low back. The delicate lace appliques were carefully arranged to emphasise the arch of the back. High slits on both sides of the dress subtlety show off the bride’s slender legs and transforms her into a classical oriental beauty.

Wedding Dress, two tones short Cheongsam

Wedding Dress Cheongsam embroidery

A halter top, bare back, two-tone Shantung silk Cheongsam with hand-sewn flower embroidery appliques. The mix and match of two contrasting colors (pearl white and dark turquoise), visually emphasises the curve of the bride. The pink trim complements the mixture of white, pink and turquoise flower appliques, which adds a delicate touch to this otherwise short and sassy Cheongsam. The best part about a short Cheongsam is its lightness – casual enough to be worn during less formal occasions such as a night in town.

An updo or half-updo hairstyle goes well with the high-collar of the Cheongsam. The accessories are usually kept to a minimum to complement the elaborate embellishments on the Cheongsam. In fact, a matching pair high-heels is the most important piece of accessory to go with a Cheongsam. Besides enhancing the wearer’s slender look, the shorter length of the Cheongsam (above the ankles) draws attention to her heels. It is important to be meticulous, right down to the smallest details – even the bride’s  feet :)

The classy oriental dress will certainly be one of the many highlights on your wedding day!