The qipao, or cheongsam as it’s known in Cantonese, has journeyed from 1920s Shanghai socialite circles to become an enduring symbol of Chinese elegance and craftsmanship. In Hong Kong, this tradition remains vibrantly alive – evolving through both master tailors who have spent decades perfecting their craft and a new generation of designers reimagining the silhouette for modern life.
Whether you are looking for a fully bespoke heirloom piece hand-stitched by a sifu (master) who dressed Maggie Cheung, or a stretch-knit “everyday qipao” you can wear to brunch, here is your curated guide to the best brands in Hong Kong.
Contemporary Brands
Qipology
Qipology has quickly become the go-to brand for women who want heritage style without the formality. The brand is best known for its “Everyday Qipao” concept, which uses modern fabrics such as tweed, denim, merino wool knitwear, and stretch materials to create garments that transition from casual daily wear to business meetings and evening events. Need a special dress for prom or your wedding? They also offer custom-tailored modern qipaos and dresses for formal events. Every Qipology dress is elevated by a distinctive glamour that blends traditional and modern influences. Available online and at PMQ.
PMQ, 3/F, H313-H314, Hollywood Road, Central
Sau Lee
For brides and fashion-forward shoppers seeking a cheongsam that feels entirely of this moment, Sau Lee has built a devoted following. The brand celebrates contemporary Eastern chic with modern cheongsams that accentuate the female form through detailed craftsmanship and high-quality materials. Available in an array of fabrics, each long or short cheongsam is designed to bring out your inner beauty – ideal for weddings, elegant dinners, or occasions where you want to make an impression. Available online.
Classics Anew
Located in Hung Hom, Classics Anew was founded in 2014 by local designer Janko Lam, who won the EcoChic Design Award for her innovative use of unexpected materials. In the competition, Lam used leftover rough denim from garment factories to create cheongsams – and the novel use of material expanded the possibilities of qipao-making. Her signature Denim Qipao remains the brand’s most iconic piece. Available online and in Hung Hom.
477 Ko Shan Road G17-18, Ko Shan Theatre New Wing, Hung Hom
Yi-ming
Founded in 2011 by former model-turned-designer Grace Choi, and deeply influenced by Western haute couture, Yi-ming’s qipaos appeal to younger generations for their stylish, avant-garde reinterpretation of the traditional garment. Rather than singularly focusing on traditional silk qipaos, Yi-ming is also known for its knitwear collection – think A-line qipaos in 100% merino wool, featuring contrast colours, mandarin collars, trumpet sleeves, and signature oriental buttons with a golden zipper at the back. Available online and in Sheung Wan.
50A Tung Street, Sheung Wan
Shanghai Tang
Shanghai Tang is perhaps the most internationally recognised luxury Chinese label in the world, built on a simple but revolutionary idea: that Chinese design could be modern, luxurious, and globally appealing. Beyond ready-to-wear, Shanghai Tang’s Imperial Tailoring wing offers made-to-measure bespoke commissions. Their master tailor, Master Chan, had previously trained under Shanghainese masters back in the 1960s and still cuts patterns with a bamboo ruler and chalk – just as they did back in the old days. Available online and in stores.
Multiple locations across Hong Kong
Traditional Brands & Master Tailors
Linva Tailor
If you’ve ever watched Wong Kar-wai’s In the Mood for Love and sighed over the way Maggie Cheung’s qipaos cling to light and shadow, you already know Linva Tailor. Master Leung Ching-wah, who has been running the shop since the 1960s, was one of the film’s costume makers. The shop has since become a pilgrimage site for cheongsam lovers worldwide. Linva Tailor is unwavering in its commitment to tradition. Expect at least a few fittings after your initial consultation, during which you can choose everything from the fabric and collar type to the hem length and split height.
G/F, 38 Cochrane Street, Central
Mee Wah Qipao
One of the city’s oldest bespoke cheongsam shops, Mee Wah Qipao was founded by the Kan family in the 1930s. Run by three generations, this Sheung Wan institution holds a century of expertise in crafting legitimate qipaos. One of the last traditional qipao sifus in Hong Kong, the current owner, Kan Hong Wing, has been devoted to making cheongsams using time-honoured, authentic techniques since his youth. Step inside and you will be surrounded by roll upon roll of stunning fabrics – silk, brocade, lace – in prints ranging from dainty florals to understated geometric patterns. Each step of the journey, from taking measurements to cutting fabrics, is done by hand.
76 Queen’s Road West, Sheung Wan