The Return of Hong Kong Cheongsam: The 1990s to the Present

Lined turquoise short-sleeved cheongsam embroidered with floral-and-phoenix motif
Mid-1990s
Hong Kong Museum of History collection
This cheongsam is made of turquoise satin fabric lavishly embroidered with a traditional Chinese garden scene featuring exquisitely sewn flowering trees and phoenixes, the outlines highlighted with gold thread. The edges of the cheongsam are adorned with turquoise bindings and narrow gold metallic piping.
This dress was designed and made by Hong Kong fashion designer Benjie Wong for Mrs Olivia Leung Wu Kwai Man, Vice-chairperson of Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong, who is known for her endeavours to help the disabled develop their artistic potential. Lined short-sleeved cheongsam woven with Heung Yee Kuk logos on pale blue ground
2010
Hong Kong Museum of History collection
Created by Hong Kong designer Virginia Lau, this cheongsam is made of a thick silk fabric bearing the logos of the Heung Yee Kuk, a statutory advisory body in the New Territories in Hong Kong. The edges are adorned with dark blue bindings and narrow yellow piping, while the collar is stitched with a pair of dual-coloured flower buttons.
This dress belonged to Dr Liao Su Lan, who has been a councillor of the Heung Yee Kuk since 1997. Women councillors of the Kuk started wearing the cheongsam as their official dress in 2010. Sequined halter-neck cheongsam
2000s
Hong Kong Museum of History collection
This ceremonial cheongsam incorporates a number of innovative elements, such as the high collar, the back closure, the halter neck and the bare shoulders and bare back. Pleats made of transparent fabric are sewn to the side slit on the left. The entire surface of the chiffon shell fabric is covered with sequined pattern to give the dress a resplendent, dazzling look.
Film star Michelle Yeoh wore a ceremonial cheongsam of the same design in 2002 when attending the 55th Cannes Film Festival. Lined coral-coloured cheongsam with asymmetrical shoulders and tulle overlay
2000s
Hong Kong Museum of History collection
This ceremonial cheongsam was designed by renowned Hong Kong fashion designer Barney Cheng. The asymmetrical shoulder design leaves the right shoulder bare but the left shoulder covered by a cap. The tulle overlay of the satin cheongsam is embellished with sequins and black floral laces, producing a dazzling overall effect. Lined white sleeveless see-through knitted cheongsam adorned with beads and sequins
2005
Hong Kong Museum of History collection
The donor of this cheongsam had it tailor-made at Beverly Shopping Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui for her wedding. Decorated with double borders in peach and white, along with two sets of flower buttons, the garment features a low-cut, backless see-through design.

Lined 'crossed-sleeve' cheongsam with velvet leaf pattern and golden metallic threads on light yellow ground
1996
Hong Kong Museum of History collection
This dress was tailor-made by Hong Kong Sze Sze Tailor's Shop for Linda So, former Executive Director (Corporate Services) of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, who wore it instead of a traditional Chinese gown at her wedding. The cheongsam is often seen at weddings in Hong Kong. Lined light blue sleeveless cheongsam with tulle overlay and see-through shawl
2002
Hong Kong Museum of History collection
This light blue crepe silk cheongsam is embroidered with exquisite white floral pattern. The see-through shawl of the same colour is adorned with pearls and a sewn-on high collar, which features a button and loop that form a straight line and double bindings.
Famous Hong Kong actress Louisa So Yuk Wah used to wear this dazzling cheongsam on the set of Love in A Fallen City by the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre. All cheongsam featured in the drama were sponsored by a globally renowned Hong Kong Chinese fashion brand. Famous Hong Kong actress Louisa So Yuk Wah used to wear lined light blue sleeveless cheongsam with tulle overlay and see-through shawl on the set of Love in A Fallen City by the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre. Lined black sleeveless off-shoulder chiffon cheongsam with train, adorned with dual-coloured floral pattern and crystals
2007
Hong Kong Museum of History collection
This cheongsam is a creation by Blanc de Chine. Founded in the late 1980s, the brand upholds the view of translating traditional Chinese cultural values into modern lifestyle and designs. All Blanc de Chine designs are guided by eight aesthetic elements: simplicity, serenity, subtlety, sensuality, harmony, purity, functionality and comfort. Lined burgundy velvet cheongsam with asymmetrical shoulders and tri-coloured sequins
2009
Hong Kong Museum of History collection
This cheongsam is another creation by Blanc de Chine. Given the form of the traditional cheongsam, modern design elements were added and coupled with an innovative tailoring technique.

Lined short-sleeved cheongsam embroidered with bat-and-peony motif on dark blue ground
2011
Hong Kong Museum of History collection
This traditional cheongsam with a Western touch at the hem was made by the Chinese Arts & Crafts (HK) Co., Ltd. The company initially specialised in jade ware and Chinese crafts. Since the 1960s, it has produced cheongsams for sale and has sponsored the Miss Hong Kong Pageant several times. The design concept of the company is to instil Chinese culture into modern ways of living. Lined mid-sleeved cheongsam with dots and multicoloured floral pattern on black ground with embroidered vest
2000s
Hong Kong Museum of History collection
Tailored in the traditional fashion, this suit attests to the popularity of cheongsam among women in the modern era. Lined black sleeveless knitted lace cheongsam with beige mid-sleeved jacket
2000s
Hong Kong Museum of History collection
With a bold selection of shell fabric and Western-style jacket, this suit is an example of breakthrough for the traditional cheongsam.