Cover Here’s where to get in cheongsam in Hong Kong for Chinese New Year (Photo: Getty Images)
Here’s where to get in cheongsam in Hong Kong for Chinese New Year (Photo: Getty Images)
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From Vivienne Tam to Sau Lee, these brands offer cheongsam in a plethora of styles that are just perfect for ringing in the Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is a time to celebrate Chinese traditions, and what better way to do that than by buying a stylish cheongsam to incorporate into your wardrobe?
Many local and international brands are embracing this time-honoured Chinese outfit, whether it’s by staying true to the classic silhouettes or by loosely interpreting elements and transforming them into modern pieces. If you’re looking to don a quality garment to ring in the Year of the Snake, these are five brands adapting cheongsams for daily wear and occasion wear alike.
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1. Sau Lee
Hong Kong-based brand Sau Lee carries a selection of modern cheongsams that spin traditional design; longer slim-fitting gowns feature sleeveless and high neck mandarin collars, whereas short-sleeved styles are given a flirty touch with short hemlines and cut-out details. While colour palettes offer neutral shades like black and white for prime elegance, those who prefer a pop of colour will enjoy power red, poppy pink and shimmering metallic options.
2. Stand TallD
Hong Kong-base brand Stand TallD, available to shop on the online retailer Etsy, offers a selection of cheongsams in both long and short varieties in classic and modern styles. The dresses can be customised as per your specifications so you can opt for a looser fit, a stretchier fabric or even a different skirt silhouette for your desired feel. It also offers unique patterns, for example retro ’60s prints that wouldn’t look out of place of the set of In the Mood for Love, or more whimsical patterns from art and pop culture.
3. Vivenne Tam
Ring in the New Year with classic cheongsams in vibrant and funky prints from Vivienne Tam. The Shanghainese designer has reinterpreted Chinese motifs in creative patterns, and in 2024 she’s returning to the dragon motifs she did in 1997, this time with brighter colours. Tam introduces variations in design elements to keep things visually exciting, from using different fabrics such as denim to including details like floral button holes.
4. Sparkle Collection
Karen Chan, founder of Sparkle Collection, took the idea of the cheongsam and transformed it into bold “east meets west” pieces which carry the essence of the original dress—they seem familiar, yet come in unexpected variations. Her cheongsams incorporate futuristic elements in wearable ways: leather sleeves are cut at sharp angles to highlight the mandarin collar, and neon shades of fabric are spun into voluminous skirts that feel regal. Sparkle Collection also offers bespoke services in case you want something ultra-special.
5. Yi-ming
Yi-ming offers a variety of cheongsams online and in its Sheung Wan boutique, from slim-fitting styles in more traditional celebratory colours to looser pieces featuring local motifs or playful prints. Some dresses also play around with more delicate details—lace trim on the sleeves and hem of the skirt or ruffles on the neckline to further emphasise the high collar.
Amalissa Hall was the style writer at Tatler Hong Kong. Primarily focused on writing digital articles, she covers news, tracks trends and interviews experts from the fashion, beauty and wellness industries, as well as entertainment spheres. Interview highlights include Formula One driver Alex Albon, award-winning costume designer Jany Temime and prolific make-up artist Lisa Eldridge.
She has also produced print stories featuring make-up artists, perfumiers and other upcoming figures discussing Asian representation on social media, sharing industry insight and trends as well as explaining new approaches to wellness in Hong Kong.
