Choosing a Cheongsam

Choosing a Cheongsam

June 2nd, 2010 @ 3:10 pm by Mrs. Sewing
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Simply put, I need a cheongsam/qi pao/Chinese dress to wear at both of our receptions.

Unsimply put, I haven’t really started looking for one yet.

Obvious, right? Go to Chinatown and buy one. Well, I sort of tried. But I got lost in the chaos by myself. Plus I’m deathly afraid of the store owners since a) I don’t speak the language b) I kind of, uh, don’t know what the heck I am doing, and c) I read on Yelp that they criticize you if you’re fat. Well, okay, because of letter “a”, I probably wouldn’t know they were criticizing me, but still!

So bring my mom with me, then?

Well, she doesn’t speak Mandarin/Cantonese/etc. either. My plan was to bring my grandmother. Her answer? Ask your aunt. Urgh. Apparently no one else wants to deal with this either.

However, she also advised me to draw out what I wanted in a gown beforehand, so I’d know what to look for. Okay, I can do that!

Must be red. Aside from being one of our wedding colors, it’s also considered lucky. Not that I believe in color-luck, but that’s besides the point.
Must be the floor length 1-piece kind. You know, the kind with the sexy thigh-slit up the side?
Dragon and phoenix print is preferred, ’cause who doesn’t love dragons? Plus, they are traditional wedding symbols.
Must not be super expensive. Nothing more costly than my wedding dress, so that means a less-than-$300 budget.
Must be the sleeveless halter style. The traditional look with the sleeves makes this wide-shouldered-sewing look like a big brocaded box! Not so fun.

I’m looking for something like this, only imagine that there’s a big gold dragon on it somewhere:

So now I turn to you, readers. Help? Where can I find this? Do I *have* to go to the scary-dress-shop-ladies? Does anyone want to go with me and hold my hand? Is it okay to buy online, or is that too risky? Should I just buy a pre-made dress and alter it myself?

Any other half-Chinese girls out there looking for a dress but too afraid that your not-so-petite torso won’t fit in the tight silk? Erm, that’s a little specific. I’ll try again:

Anyone else wearing a traditional cultural dress? How did you and your dress meet?

Tags: cultural, dress, honolulu |

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34 Responses to “Choosing a Cheongsam”

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Bee

Miss Hamster (message) 4,045 posts, Honey bee

Yes, the Chinese cheongsam shop ladies scare me as well! I didn’t wear one for the wedding, but I happened to fit into my mom’s old one so I wore it for the tea ceremony (just for kicks, really). Good luck with yours!

6/2/10 @ 3:23 pm (reply)

Member

pinkginger (message) 68 posts, Worker bee

I ordered mine online. There are a few out there but I ended up going with efushop.com since you can custom order the dress and have it made to order for your body. The only trouble is I’m not sure if I measured myself correctly. It was a lot cheaper than the quotes I had in the store. I figured with the money I saved, I can always have it altered and still end up ahead.

6/2/10 @ 3:24 pm (reply)

Bee

Miss Scissors (message) 7,343 posts, Bee Keeper

I know nothing helpful to tell you re: finding one, but I can’t wait to see what you get! I am a big fan of these.

6/2/10 @ 3:25 pm (reply)

Guest

LilMissPriss

what about these:

http://www.oriental-cheongsam.com/backless-red-brocade-qi-pao-cheongsam-pc-1071.html

http://www.oriental-cheongsam.com/custom-made-chinese-ankle-length-cheongsam-pc-1087.html

6/2/10 @ 3:33 pm (reply)

Bee

Miss Seashell (message) 1,713 posts, Bumble bee

I’m with Scissors on the no advice thing, but I can’t wait to see the final product!

6/2/10 @ 3:34 pm (reply)

Member

kfowler (message) 44 posts, Newbee

One of the best known aspects of a Chinese wedding is the red cheongsam or qipao traditionally worn by the bride. The cheongsam is a long fitted dress made of rich silk, which often features embroidered symbols. The phoenix is one of the most auspicious motifs for a bridal cheongsam; another top choices is peonies. Many brides will select cheongsams that are created from lucky red silk with gold embroidery. The traditional accompaniment to the cheongsam or qipao is a crown or tiara created from gilded silver and decorated with feathers and pearls (in honor of the phoenix). In lieu of a tulle veil, a red silk cloth is attached to the headpiece. Due to the large size and considerable weight of the crown, brides these days will usually only wear it long enough for a few photos. It seems like most Chinese-American brides will wear a combination of the traditional cheongsam with crown for one portion of the wedding, and the classic white American wedding gown with pearl or crystal wedding jewelry for another part of their special day.

6/2/10 @ 3:35 pm (reply)

Member

alivoo01 (message) 2,622 posts, Sugar bee

I have the IDENTICAL vision too, but I firstly need to decide if I will be wearing one or not then find one…

6/2/10 @ 3:39 pm (reply)

Member

ChillyBear (message) 175 posts, Blushing bee

You did so good with your wedding gown…. is making one an option?

6/2/10 @ 3:41 pm (reply)

Member

jduck84 (message) 1,529 posts, Bumble bee

I probably wouldn’t order it online if I were you, unless you’re prepared to do some possibly painstaking alterations. Those dresses seem to hug the body as tightly as an ao dai, so going somewhere so they can measure you exactly might be worth hearing the scary comments. Besides, like you said, you won’t know what they’re saying anyway.

Can your aunt or anyone you know recommend a real place to visit that does good work and isn’t too intimidating?

6/2/10 @ 3:45 pm (reply)

10.

Bee

Mrs. Pug (message) 3,753 posts, Honey bee

oh i wish i could help you with this! i would be intimidated also!

6/2/10 @ 3:48 pm (reply)

11.

Member

miztpot (message) 3 posts, Wannabee

i have one for sale that is brand new if you are interested…

http://classifieds.weddingbee.com/topic/modern-chinese-qipao-cheongsam-1

6/2/10 @ 3:50 pm (reply)

12.

Member

WhiteChocolate (message) 26 posts, Newbee

you should check out this place it’s in SF. I’m renting a qua (my mom fell in love with it) so that’s what i’m wearing. But they have qi paos you’re looking for. I think you can custom order or rent. HTH
http://www.iromancewedding.com/bridal-gown.html

6/2/10 @ 4:24 pm (reply)

13.

Bee

Miss Cardigan (message) 8,645 posts, Bee Keeper

I can imagine how they would be extremely intimidating! Can’t wait to see what you choose!

6/2/10 @ 4:36 pm (reply)

14.

Member

tofuchic (message) 69 posts, Worker bee

Did you look into Dragonseed in Chinatown SF?

6/2/10 @ 4:54 pm (reply)

15.

Member

ritsi_bitsi (message) 928 posts, Busy bee

I just had one custom-made a few weeks ago when I was in China. It fits me well when I stand up, but when I tried it on in the store, I forgot to try to sit down in it, and now I found out that it’s too tight to be able to sit in it!! I’m a bit disappointed and mad at myself, but what can I do now…at least it didn’t cost that much (about $30 when I factor in the exchange rate). I’ll do it right when I go to Vietnam this winter!

6/2/10 @ 5:52 pm (reply)

16.

Bee

Miss Octopus (message) 1,446 posts, Bumble bee

I think qi paos are so gorgeous. You’re going to look great, Sewing!

6/2/10 @ 5:56 pm (reply)

17.

Member

Ms. Kookie (message) 244 posts, Helper bee

I love the cheongsam! I will be wearing that as well as the 2 piece kwa for the tea ceremony for my wedding. I had purchased them both on my last trip to HK, but there are a few shops in NY that can custom make them for you. I can’t wait to see the one your will decide on!

6/2/10 @ 6:22 pm (reply)

18.

Member

daydreamwanderer (message) 9,017 posts, Bee Keeper

oooooh I wish I could take you! I have several, and as a size 8+ white girl, I could help you make sure it’s flattering.

I’ve always had them made with a local tailor though

I would recommend going to chi-town, seeing what they’ve got and then going from there.

6/2/10 @ 6:35 pm (reply)

19.

Guest

squirt

i’d go with a phoenix instead of a dragon because the phoenix is representative of the female side, if you’re only going to have one. Usually the qipaos have both, though.

6/2/10 @ 6:46 pm (reply)

20.

Member

CheeseCrackers (message) 19 posts, Newbee

I’d avoid Dragonseed–the owners are really scary and several of my friends have had bad experiences. I’ve heard both Oakland and SJ qi pao stores are far less intimidating.

I looked into renting wedding dresses, and both Phuong Trinh and Queen Bridals in SJ have qi paos for purchase/made to order and rent, I think. I like Queen Bridals slightly more since it’s more organized and with a better selection. Both places are Vietnamese owned and speak English. Good luck!!

6/2/10 @ 7:03 pm (reply)

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