An orange sleeveless cheongsam with prints

Title
An orange sleeveless cheongsam with prints
Year/Period
1960s-1980s
Region
Singapore
Dimension
Gross measurement: 113 x 44.2 cm
Accession No.
2011-00063
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Irene Lim

This is an orange cheongsam made from cut out lace and decorated with circle prints and a floral motif at the hemline. The flap on the top right of the garment is secured by press studs sewn on the collar and shoulder. Cheongsams made from lace were usually reserved for more formal occasions.The cheongsam is a ubiquitous Chinese dress that first gained popularity in the early 20th century and was an essential part of a typical woman’s wardrobe. It has its origins in the originally long robes worn by Manchu women of the Qing Dynasty. The cheongsam is usually bespoked to ensure a fitted silhouette and its other distinctive features include a high collar, side slits at the hem and a decorative knot and loop fastener for the collar or shoulder flap, called the ‘hua niu’.