Cheongsam with a Train Looks a Little Like a Gown

Have you ever feared even a full length cheongsam isn't formal enough for the day on which you are the star of the show, and opted for a long gown with train instead to look better for march-in?

Beside our sexy super short mini cheongsams, our other popular length lies on the other end of the spectrum. A Mandarin Collar paired with a gown-like mermaid bottom, for the traditionalist is a violation, but a fuss-free solution for the busy modern bride.

A fusion as such yields a clean solution. The subtle mandarin collar addresses the cultural issues while a long train provides the visual impact needed for any formal event. Who needs another dress in a wardrobe full of clothes we convinced we need.


Two of our signature cuts in one. A sexy mini with long train. Only this one shaped like a spade to echo that of a phoenix's tail. After the mini cheongsam walked the aisle in the day, the train attaches to for visual arrest at wedding dinner.



Something less experimental such as this extend the contrast banding all the way to sit atop the low back making a bow, and a sash that forms part of the train too.



The bride who thinks most gowns are not simple enough and yet not enough grandeur inspired this stunning red cheongsam gown. With a simple opened mandarin collar and a widened and lengthened train in traffic stopping red, this simple cheongsam commands attention in even the most overwhelming of venues.



Shown above is another elegant combination of a cheongsam top paired with a gown-like flared skirt with semi chapel length train held together with a pleated sash with Mandarin knot buttons. The idea of a skirt detached in the future for use of the mini cheongsam alone for future occasions suits many practical, eco-friendly bride well.

Gold Chinese Silk Cheongsam with Gold Lace Overlay

For you who are familiar with Mazzario Cheongsam, you would know that Chinese Silk Brocade is one of our favorite fabrics to work with. Be it a classic Tea Dress with double trimming or the fashion-forward customer favourite Empire Halter Mini Cheongsam; the Talia Toga Cheongsam or the Mystic Corded Mini Cheongsam we constantly strive to revive the beautful traditional fabric to it's former glory.

 

Here comes the bride who just like almost every girl and even more so bride-to-be out there ( or here!), can't give up the love for the delicacy and glamour that lace fabric lends, even to a cheongsam.

Yet, a cheongsam carries with it the many burdens of its important role in Chinese period dramas and Wong Kar Wai's movie In The Mood For Love.




Of the greedy nature that we sometimes deny, we would not refuse combination of the two for this bridal cheongsam. Afterall, Singapore is all about fusion-everything. See for yourself how the golden lace overlay glimmers on the traditional cream coloured brocade with traditional florals. Fully lined in red just for that extra dose of Chinese auspiciousness, even on the inside.

Mystic Cheongsam With Hand Knotted Cords on Actual Wedding Day

Mystic Cheongsam has lived up to it's name since our first creation. The intricacy of the tedious handiwork of the cording as well as the visual impact has captivated the hearts of many modern edgy lady and bride to be alike.




Thank you Agnes for sending us your wonderful photos. The piece custom made for Agnes spots a different shape from the original to suit her figure. It has no side slits, and is tulip shaped to balance to winged tips of the cords.

If you have ever stared hard at your screen and tried to make out what the embossed pattern is made of, keep reading for the mystery to be revealed. Some of you who have visited us at our store at the Centrepoint might have caught us playing with large coils of straw-looking objects.



These are cords made from many very wide strips of Chinese silk brocade. They are them carefully twined to form the desired shapes—desirable shapes that accentuate desirable figure. They are then positioned and hand stitched to a completed cheongsam. The result is what you see, a captivating modern cheongsam that is unique and different from anything you have seen.

Simple White Elegant Cheongsam for Wedding & ROM

White cheongsams are gaining popularity these days. It is mostly favoured for solemnization and simple wedding day reception for the modern brides.

Simple but not without elegance, the intricately adorned opened standing mandarin collar piece shown here is a great example. A cut that can't get less complex, using as little seam as possible, leaving a very sleek appearance. Swarovski crystals sitting atop the lace applique provides just enough embellishment for the confident bride.

This is very similar to another elegant cheongsam we have done for another bride with different embellishment style.

Custom Made to Order. Also available off the rack in other colours.

Annie and her 3 puppies' Festive Cheongsams

It's time to celebrate the festive time of Chinese New Year. Isn't this just great inspiration and a loud cheer to couple our aniticipation?

On her: Custom order pink Chinese brocade & black mandarin collar wrap dress
On them: Custom order matching pink Chinese brocade cheongsams

Lauren Lace Mini Cheongsam

'Tis the season to be jolly... What better than Lauren Lace Mini Cheongsam with it's dramatic lace on contrasting satin, to exude the opulence called for this season.

A simple silhouette with a a halter neck bareback, no slits for a even closer fit to highlight those legs.

We made Lauren in Onyx Black on Nude or Cherry Red on Fuschia. It is ready to wear, available in sizes, and already flying off the shelves.

Mystic Cheongsam With Hand Knotted Cords

On Flickr, a cheongsam design that receives more hits than others; in store, gets touched and stared at with shocked expression most often, has to count the Mystic Cheongsam.

We have written about it in our previous blog post here, but been told that the photos do not do the actually dress justice. The compliments Mystic gets, makes all our sleepless nights and hunger pangs worth it. 

Here is a close up showing the details of the Cheongsam. You can even see the beautiful gold foil brocade we used for making the cords!

Looking for similar designs? Check out -
Amplified Chinese Knot Corded Cheongsam
Mystic Reinterpreted

Design More Cheongsams, Talk & Post Less

It has been a while since we last posted, and seem to have kept some avid followers waiting for new inspiration for their next designer cheongsam. As we approach the second half of the year, work load gets heavier and heavier, we may post a little less, while we make a little more. Thank you all for your kind understanding.

More Othelia Cheongsam for Wedding

We received many enquiries about Othelia Cheongsam we featured in our previous post. Especially internationals buyers are wondering how it looks on human. Here we are answering your requests.

Othelia is available made to order, in a few other colour combinations. Commonly requested are:-

White with white sash, black with silver sash, red with black sash and more upon request.

Send us any request we will try our best to help you with your designer cheongsam selection.

Cheongsam Dress Style for Apple-Shaped-Body-Type—Part 2—Cut & Paste

Following the last 3-part series of How-To for the pear-shaped body-type, we went on to show you several cheongsam styles that are suitable for the apple-shaped body-type. We showed you how to dress, as much as you would deny in public—slimmer, taller, & younger— by choosing the right silhouette to accentuate your pride and hide the less-than.

In this post, we pick up where we left off in Part 1, we will be showing you how to choose the right cutting and print for your apple-shaped body-type.

First, take a look at the set of photos below. They may look seemingly different at a glance, but there is ONE similarity.

Have you picked out the similarity? It may not be very obvious... all 3 designs are waisted, at natural waist. This way, the waistline which, beforehand, was less obvious is now highlighted. The ruching treatment in all the dresses also adds more 3-dimensionality to the otherwise flatter silhouette. 

Next, what is common among the following 3 cheongsam designs?

Did you guess elaborate hemline? If you did, you are absolutely right.

From left to right:
The Talia Toga has a thigh high front slit that leads to a elaborate metallic lace insert;
The V-neck low waisted cotton mini cut across just above the hips, increase visual weight and horizontality;
The Petals Cheongsam has intricate lace applique adorning the otherwise simple black keyhole cheongsam, bring the attention down, to your legs instead.

Using the above 2 Cut & Paste techniques combined with identifying the right silhouette in Part 1, you should be well equipped for your next cheongsam spree. Remember, in doubt, trust your instincts, or in case that fails, visit or email us for advice as well as product enquiry.

Wedding Cheongsam—For Ariel

Grandmothers used to say, if you are young and pretty, you will look good even in rags.

While rags for weddings may be reserved only for the adventurous indie bride, Ariel chose to have a very simple cheongsam that allows her personality and natural beauty to shine through.

The opened mandarin collar melts seamlessly into the rest of the cheongsam, together with the narrow opening further accentuated Ariel's height and slender frame. There really is nothing much to say about this minimalist cheongsam except for the custom beaded embroidery adorning the collar, framing the happy face for one of the most important days of her life, yet.

Cheongsams do not always have to be of the so-called cheongsam fabric with all the big vivid florals. Our modern cheongsams are for the contemporary forward thinking city-chic girls like you.

Cheongsam Dress Style for Apple-Shaped-Body-Type—Part 1—Slimmer by Silhouette

Following our introduction to how-to dress for pear-shaped body type, in which we covered different techniques in 3 the 3 part series—

• Part 1 - Hide & Conceal
• Part 2 - Distract & Balance
• Part 3 - Cut & Print

we shall look at a completely different type in this post. This type is always envious of the Pear, just as the Pear is of them.

Apple Shaped Body Type typically has an enviable upper body and problems in the middle with thicker waist, smaller hips. Many wish they could do fair exchange with the Pear Shaped body type.

The first idea that comes to mind for the Apple body types, just like everyone else, is to cover up the parts you dislike about yourself. We notice many clients wear loose fitting dropped waist dresses, and Korean Hanbok-like flared-above-bust tops that only makes matter worse.

Isn't Cheongsam only for the hourglass screen siren? Many have asked.

There are certainly more options for the blessed, but life isn't all that grim for the Apple body type either. We have summarized 2 categories of cheongsams suitable for the Apple body type with a bigger waist.

PART 1—How to Look Slimmer by Silhouette

Cheongsams or Qipao, or even just dresses in general, that fulfill the following will most likely be suitable for your Apple body type with a less-defined waist line.

• Halter Neck or Cut-In Cheongsam
• Open Mandarin Collar
• Low-Back or Bare-Back Cheongsam
• Mini or Short Cheongsam
• Mermaid or Fit & Flare Cheongsam Gown

If you happen to encounter more than 2 of these qualities in a single cheongsam, it will most probably be very flattering for you.

The Othelia Cheongsam Gown ticks a few items on the list. It is opened collar to cut the bulk of the upper body, it is halter & bare back style which shows off the well formed area, it is of mermaid shape, with a very flattering fit and flare hemline to bring attention to those toned legs. Plus, it comes with a belt, which we will address in Part 2.

Another flattering style with be the following ruched bustier mermaid cut cheongsam. The ruched bandeau style helps visually slim the middle by proportion, paired with a form fitting fish-tail bottom, it hugs at all the right places to divert attention.

The Bow-Tied Cheongsam is one of if not the most perfect fit for the Apple body type. Low back, check. Cut-in Halter, check. Mermaid, check. Plus it has a contrasting band running from below the front collar to right above the hips, finished with a bow. Everything from the silhouette to the visual proportion makes this is number 1 choice for any one looking for a great cheongsam, qipao, or just any dress to divert attention from what we do not speak of.

By now, you should have a good idea of the cheongsam silhouette suitable for the Apple Shaped Body Type, in Part 2 of the series, you have learn more about using Visual guidance to choose the right designer cheongsam for your body type.

Beaded Collar Cheongsam

We have received email requests for close up shots of The beaded Collar Cheongsam.

We have decided to upload them here to save all of you the trouble and upload the photos here instead.







This Beaded Collar Cheongsam is only available custom made to order, not available as ready-to-wear for its labour-intensiveness, we can only take limited orders on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Beading detail can be used in many other cheongsam designs too.

Email us for product enquiry and LIKE us now.

Amplified Chinese Knot Corded Cheongsam—For Annie

The Chinese knot is not only utilitarian, but has also become an art form on its own. We have used it on The Mystic Cheongsam, making use of a small Chinese knot at the typical and traditional position and grew around the bustier and the waist, framing the bodice part of the cheongsam.

In this Amplified Cheongsam made for Annie, we have crafted the upper part of the cheongsam, including the sleeves and the collar entirely of Chinese knots.


Unlike Mystic Cheongsam which is symmetrical and orderly, the Amplified Cheongsam is a little messy, slightly unkempt, breaking all the stereotypes of a cheongsam. The meticulously corded and twined and stitched was shaped bit by bit on dress form, and hand stitched carefully to the full length Chinese brocade cheongsam shaped bustier with high slits.

Annie said she never expected Cheongsam Qipao could be modern and grungy like this. How else would you like we to change your Qipao Cheongsam stereotype?

Wedding Cheongsam—for Dawn

Kwa—a jacket and skirt set with exquisite gold and silver thread, fitted loosely on the Cantonese bride—is treasured as priceless work of art. Today, however, it is used more as heirloom or art collection than for practical use as apparel.

Dawn was mesmerized by the intricate gold & silver thread Cantonese embroidery but a boxy set of Kwa wouldn't do her enviable figure justice.

We had the set of dragon & phoenix embroidered specially for her, and then hand stitched the cut out to her simple cream white mini halter dress. Sitting on a near transparent mesh, the life-like dragon is a visually arresting.

The short mini halter dress is casual and laid back enough for daytime tea ceremony, and for night, hook on the long train with spade shaped end, resembling the phoenix tail for the grand entrance. Detached again anytime after the wedding for other semi-formal occasions in the future.

In all, this is a everything but the kitchen sink for a bride who can't bear missing the world for her wedding.

Checked Cheongsam Separates—Tabby

Surely remember the checked vintage cheongsam styles as in In the Mood for Love, but which one of us is really confident enough to step in out of the house feeling trendy and modern.

Inspired by love of retro Chinese Cheongsam, the Tabby Checkered Cheongsam is a 2 piece separate set. Wear the halter cheongsam top and wrap skirt n different occasions to dilute the vintage vibe, or together for a themed retro party.

Cheongsam Qipao doesn't always have to be mature and sexy. We can be ourselves, young, fun and preppy.

Tabby is available as Ready-to-wear.

Wedding Cheongsam Gown—for Jessica

Many modern Asian Chinese brides are torn between tradition customs and urban lifestyle preference. They often settle for a gown less than satisfactory giving in to either side. Always optimistic, we helped Jessica and her family's expectations meet half-way.

While simple and sleek silhouette is her ideal, she feared her mother prefers traditional (Read: Red & gold sleeved full length cheongsam). Here at Mazzario we would not let you walk away depressed and old-fashioned.

We suggested a bright red gold and red Chinese Brocade fabric to be made into a simple silhouette, with additional lace applique, both to add sparkles as well as to visually slim the torso. The lace up keyhole back has room for adjustments, and makes for a cute bow at the back. The mermaid flare starts centre front at a v-point, and moves up gradually to mid-thigh at the back, creating curves while slimming the thighs.