This scarlet red cheongsam with cut-in sleeves is embellished with colourful embroidered flowers made of tulle, raffia and thread. The overlaid beads and sequins enhance the three-dimensional effect of the dress. The embroidery extends to the collar and the back of the cheongsam. The halter neck design of this cheongsam is quite popular in Singapore due to the tropical climate.The outfit belonged to donor Mary Leadbetter, who made it to wear for a friend's wedding. Subsequently, she wore the dress for cocktail parties. The cheongsam is designed by local fashion designer, Francis Cheong. Cheong started his career in fashion design in the late 1970s. In 1981, he won the Singapore Designer Contest and launched his label Francis Cheong Couture.
