The Decline of Hong Kong Cheongsam: The 1970s and 1980s

Lined orange sleeveless silk cheongsam with shoulder-closure and jacquard-woven phoenix-and-peony motif
1977
Hong Kong Museum of History collection
This silk cheongsam with a shoulder-closure is adorned with black decorative borders embroidered with flower-and-butterfly motif and flanked by very fine trimmings in black and red. The most notable features of the dress are the exquisitely crafted cloud-like ruyi (sceptre) pattern on the chest and the top of the side slits symbolising 'wishes fulfilled'.
Made as a bridal gown by Woo Chuen Chun for his eldest daughter Woo Mei Fung in 1977, the cheongsam was endowed with the tailor's best wishes for her future happiness. Lined sleeveless cheongsam with hand-painted floral design on dark blue ground
1976
Hong Kong Museum of History collection
The front of this dark blue organza cheongsam is painted with peonies and shaoyao blossoms (Chinese herbaceous peonies) in a traditional Chinese style. The painting was completed before the fabric was cut. The dress also features exquisite dark blue satin bindings and narrow red satin piping. Lined long-sleeved cheongsam with embroidery on black ground
1980
Hong Kong Museum of History collection
This cheongsam was made by British fashion designer Jenny Lewis. In an innovative design feature, the loops of the frog closures are deliberately stitched to the upper rather than the under-flap. The black satin shell fabric is embroidered with pine, plum blossom and bamboo motif, which discreetly conceal the designer's name near the front hem.
This thoughtfully designed suit was worn by Mrs Teoh Lin Wai Hing, Chairperson of Advocacy Committee, Zonta Club of Kowloon, at international events. Zonta Club of Kowloon is a member of Zonta International, an international service organisation dedicated to advancing the status of women. Lined short-sleeved cheongsam with floret roundels printed on black ground and matching mid-sleeved jacket
1989
Hong Kong Museum of History collection
This cheongsam suit is printed with multicoloured floret roundels, while the edges are adorned with black satin bindings and narrow pink piping. The sleeves of the jacket are slightly bell-shaped.
This suit belonged to Mrs Lung Tong Miu Hing, a student of True Light Middle School of Hong Kong who later became the first full-time principal of North Point Methodist Primary School. Lined turquoise sleeveless cheongsam with hand-painted pattern
1977
Hong Kong Museum of History collection
This cheongsam was made by Mong Kar Mo. The light chiffon fabric gives a graceful and elegant impression, and the floral pattern – painted on the fabric before it was cut – resembles a sketch. The relatively high slits allow the wearer to show off her legs.
The cheongsam was an important garment in Hong Kong beauty pageants. As early as 1946, a cheongsam competition was part of the Miss Hong Kong Pageant. In 1973, when Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) took over as the organiser of the pageant, the contestants continued to wear evening gown-style cheongsams when they made their first appearance on stage. Mrs Loletta Chu Lo wore this cheongsam in the 1977 Miss Hong Kong Pageant, which she won.

Lined orange short-sleeved chiffon cheongsam with golden metallic threads
1970s to 1990s
Hong Kong Museum of History collection
This cheongsam belonged to renowned Hong Kong vocalist Li Bing (1934-2012). A legendary mezzo-soprano, Li studied vocal music in the United Kingdom in the 1960s. In 1977, she became the first Chinese vocalist to hold a vocal recital at Wigmore Hall in London. Li devoted her life to music education and was an inspiration to all her students. She was trained in Western vocal music, but had a strong passion for Chinese culture. After she passed away, her husband donated this cheongsam of hers to the Hong Kong Museum of History. Lined black long-sleeved cheongsam with double front-flap and embroidered floral pattern
1970s
Hong Kong Museum of History collection
The hem, sleeves and under-flap of this cheongsam are embroidered with a red floral pattern, and the entire garment is adorned with red borders. It features a double front-flap design: the left flap is decorative, and pressed studs are sewn inside the right flap. This cheongsam belonged to renowned Hong Kong vocalist Li Bing (1934-2012).