For special occasions such as weddings or Chinese New Year, the cheongsam remains the classic garment of choice for those looking for a traditional outfit. Whether it’s because of its classic beauty and evergreen elegance or the flattering feminine cuts that render it dressy enough for the important occasions in your life, the Chinese qipao, as it is otherwise known as, remains ever as timeless today.
Here, we share the best stores to check out for cheongsam shopping in Singapore. From bespoke pieces updated with a contemporary flair at Studio HHFZ to the exquisite polished designs at Shanghai Tang, make sure you get well acquainted with these labels if you’re contemplating where to make your next cheongsam purchase.
This classy-meets-sexy piece is the label’s bestseller for good reason. A signature piece from the current collection, the dress boasts structured shoulders and cleverly placed peek-a-boo cut-outs. Go for the classic black, or stand out in bold red. Alternatively, you can also opt for the Miao cheongsam, which boasts a detachable cape detail, that’s modern and successfully marries form and function. Wear the full look for a more sophisticated feel, or remove the cape for a more casual look. Versatility is the name of the game.
Prices range from $198 to $238 depending on the design.
Pao Pao label is available online at https://www.paopaolabel.com/
You can always count on stores like Tong Tong Friendship Store for some of the best cheery pieces in the market. This season, you can look forward to a wide range of cheongsam tops and dresses that are adorned with adorable food and animal prints that add a splash of fun to your festive look. Some personal favourites include the TP Amah Sloth and TP Pipa Grocery Cats.
Prices range from about $189 for the cheongsam tops to $329 for the A-line dress.
Tong Tong Friendship Store is at 231 Bain Street, #01-59, Bras Basah Complex, Singapore 180231 | Tel: 6396 3887
The easiest way to make this mandarin collar style look modern — to opt for more contemporary materials and fit. Chinese fashion brand Shanghai Tang of course, is a go-to for knitted cheongsam dresses and tops with a relaxed fit; a look that can be easily worn to the office too.
Prices ranging from about $945 for a jacquard mini qipao to $1,135 for a stretch long qipao.
Shanghai Tang has multiple store locations including Raffles City and The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
For more timeless cheongsam pieces for you and your mum, why not visit this cheongsam chain. Established in 1992, this family-run business is a hit for its large size range that goes from XS to XXXXL. Besides the all-time favourites that feature cap sleeves, you’ll also find some unique cheongsam styles like their modern classic red tweed cheongsam with handsewn applique.
Prices average between $80 to $568 for cheongsam dresses.
Mama & Misse is at International Plaza, #02-10, 10 Anson Road Singapore 079903 | Tel: 9661 0188
Details like knotted buttons, tall mandarin collars and floral prints are must-haves for some avid cheongsam fans; it’s what brands like Cloth.ier have in abundance. Be it modern ready-to-wear cheongsam that is specially crafted to be incorporated into everyday wear or gorgeous floral printed silk cheongsams that are sure to turn heads at a wedding, the label’s pieces are designed for the modern woman in mind.
Prices range from $98 for a cheongsam blouse to $688 for a silk qipao.
Cloth.ier is at #B1-07 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Rd, 247909 | Tel: 6684 4868
As featured as one of the 60 inspiring women in our #HerWorldHerStory series, founder of Studio HHFZ, Hu Ruixian, devotes herself to every unique handcrafted cheongsam she crafts for her customers. The designer creates individual bespoke pieces that feature refreshing whimsical prints (some of which were created by local Singaporean graphic designers), unique embroidery and delightful contemporary designs (peep the green tweed cheongsam worn by Andrea Chong).
Prices range from around $650 and above and may vary depending on the design.
Book a consultation at https://calendly.com/studio-hhfz, Tel: 9118 8567
Singapore cheongsam brand Lark & Peony offers some of the most chic designs to date and it’s guaranteed to turn heads at all your gatherings. Some of the most stylish finds include lightweight printed cheongsams with flared skirts that are not only statement-worthy but are also comfortable to spend the whole day in.
Prices range from around $258 and vary depending on the design.
Lark & Peony is at Far East Shopping Centre, 545 Orchard Road, 12-08, Singapore 238882, and strictly by appointment only. Walk-ins will not be entertained.
Specialising in beautiful batik prints, Yeo Mama introduces a fun-loving celebratory vibe to the modern cheongsam. You’ll find chic silhouettes and cuts such as button-down swing dresses and peplum details with the brand’s many tongue-in-cheek pieces – all of which are rendered in charming intricate batik patterns in bright vivid colours. See the traditional cheongsam in a brand new light with these playful pieces.
Prices range from around $258 and vary depending on the design.
Yeo Mama is at Oxley Bizhub, #01-87, Singapore 408729
If money and time is no object to you, you can try booking an appointment with local atelier Time Taken To Make A Dress for a bespoke piece that is tailored and custom-made to your liking. If the name sounds familiar, you might remember their dress from when local actress Constance Lau wore a Time Taken design to the Hollywood premiere of Crazy Rich Asians.
Known for their intricate and fantastical designs, no two dresses are the same here. And just like it’s namesake, the minimum time it takes for a dress to be created is four to six months as founders Letitia Phay and Jade Swee really, really want to create the cheongsam of your dreams at this studio.
There’s two ranges at the studio, and clients can choose from either depending on their budget.
The bespoke service begins with an in depth consultation where they study the client’s personal style and body shape which is used as a source of inspiration during the design process. Once a design has been decided on, they will then proceed with constructing a mock-up in a thin calico to work on perfecting the design. Fabrics are then meticulously sourced and imported, creating that one and only dress made specially for you.
The made-to-measure line was launched due to the pandemic and created with fabrics and precious remnant laces collected and kept away over the years as fabric stores were closed. The designs are set and follows standard dress sizing.
Prices range from $800 from the made-to-measure line, and $4,000 for a bespoke piece.
Time Taken To Make A Dress is at 337A Beach Road, Singapore 199565 and available by appointment only.
Homegrown label The Missing Piece distinguishes itself from other cheongsam ateliers with its knack for unexpected, on-trend details such as feminine puff sleeves, signature waist cut-outs, and ruffle trimmings. All of its pieces are made-to-order and crafted from soft breathable fabrics for maximum comfort. You’ll also find lovely prints like toile de jouy, colourful polka dots and florals that pop on the cheongsams from The Missing Piece.
Prices range from around $250 and vary depending on the design.
The Missing Piece is at 501 Bukit Timah Road, #03-05, Singapore 259760, | Tel: 8023 1213