Purple cheongsam with burn-out floral motif

This purple translucent cheongsam is made from silk crêpe with burn-out pattern effects on velvet. Extremely popular with women in the 1930s, the effect can be produced by using chemicals to dissolve parts of the fabric to create the desired motif. The cheongsam is decorated with simple knotted buttons on the collar while the side of the dress is secured by press studs. By the 1930s, the cheongsam had evolved from loose to slim fitting as a result of Western influence.This cheongsam belonged to Mrs Kwok Swee Ying, the donor’s mother, Mr Kenson Kwok.

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Black cheongsam with purple floral motif

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Beige velvet cheongsam with matching jacket