7 local fashion labels with modern cheongsams in Singapore

A traditional cheongsam can feel tight and restrictive, but Dear Samfu’s rendition, the Cherish dress, marries form and comfort with airy, slitted skirts that flow from a nipped-in waist. These beautiful and feminine pieces are available in floral prints and solid colours like cherry and lavender. For those who relish a bit of mix and match, Dear Samfu also has cheongsam tops, wrap tops, and puff sleeve tops, which you can pair with its voluminous Moments skirt or fitted Melody trousers. Dear Samfu is inspired by the practical samfus worn by many in the 1950s and 60s, but we promise their looks will never grow old.

Look easy, breezy, and beautiful this Chinese New Year with Yacht 21’s collection of modern cheongsams and festive fits. The classic cheongsam gets an edgy update in the Lauren Denim Cheongsam, which has a detachable mandarin collar and a cinched waist to accentuate the figure. If you’re looking for some colour, the collection also includes short cheongsams covered in vibrant floral prints as well as CNY-appropriate midi and maxi dresses in various flattering cuts and styles. Throw on stylish slides or white sneakers to complete the look.

Good Addition, a fashion label by popular lifestyle influencer Andrea Chong, is all about adding stylish and versatile pieces to your wardrobe. That philosophy holds true in its Lunar New Year collection, which is characterised by timeless silhouettes and elegant fabrics. The figure-hugging halterneck cheongsam in gingham fabric is proving to be a best-seller, and the same for the subtly sexy cupro wrap dress. While these are sadly out of stock, more gorgeous styles are still available online, including a satin maxi cheongsam, separates like satin off-shoulder tops and straight-cut pants, or crepe asymmetrical tops and skirts.

Trust Love, Bonito to come up with Chinese New Year fits that are festive yet evergreen. The local fashion powerhouse’s collection is full of elegant dresses, rompers, and separates – defined by clean and classic lines, they nevertheless give subtle nods to the season, seen in mandarin collars, vibrant floral prints, and cheongsam-like silhouettes. Love, Bonito also has adorable fits for the little kids, from bloom-covered ‘midaxi’ dresses for girls and embroidered collar shirts for boys.

Keep it youthful and chic with modern qipao styles from The Tinsel Rack. The most outstanding is the matching Rui Qipao Top and Ming Knotted Skirt. The former has a flattering curved hem and button knot detail while the latter has a high slit to show off some leg. It’s covered in a dreamy grey-blue marble print that’s guaranteed to turn heads. The Tinsel Rack also has mandarin collar maxi dresses with a cut-out below the collarbone, knotted maxi skirts and tops – and for those who want to keep it casual – festive tees printed with phrases like “Mahjong Master”. If you’re into the puffer bag craze, then you might want to cop The Tinsel Rack’s adorable Pouf Mini Bag too.

This one’s for stylish moms. MGP Label’s Chinese New Year collection has been designed with the whole family in mind, featuring adorable matching cheongsams for mother, daughter and son. Take the Cherish Contrast set with a form-fitting and sleeveless cheongsam for mom and a breezy dress with playful flutter sleeves for girls. Want to twin with your son? Pick the Together series, which has casual midi dresses for moms and a smart mandarin collar shirt for boys. The rest of the collection has cheongsam-inspired fits designed with modern halter neck silhouettes floral prints and colourblocks.

Faire Belle’s Lunar New Year collection is full of bold, eye-catching prints that take inspiration from Chinese ceramics and nature. Those looking for a more traditional silhouette can’t go wrong with the cheongsam dress, given a modern update with dragon and floral motifs in a style reminiscent of Chinese paintings and a scalloped hem around the collar. Peplum cheongsam tops accentuate all the right curves, while A-line and skater cheongsam dresses provide a roomier but no less classy fit.