Peranakan Cheongsam

What
A client wanted a bareback cheongsam with strictly fuchsia embroidery on a lime green background. We were given little time and worked on a tight budget.

With the little time on hand, we could not commission custom embroidery to be done. We were left with the option of either lace or netted embroidery fabric.

How
The original embroidery flowers (as shown above) were ivory. Every flower was painstakingly painted over with 2 washes of bright fuchia. These flowers were then cut out closely along the edges, before being sewn onto the cheongsam before assembly. The flowers were arranged to enhance the female form, accentuating the waistline.

The flowers then flow from the bodice, over the shoulder, to the waist at the back, forming a diagonal fuchsia tattoo florals. This band divides the weight of the full length gown, thus provide more security for the client in the low back dress without sacrificing the aesthetics.

Embroidery Tube Featured

photo: Teens Magazine
Our signature embroidery tube is featured on Teens Magazine.

Our products were styled alongside a vesper years ago too. Mmmm. Wonder why. Shall dig out the old pics for sharing soon... when we're not busy cutting patterns for sea of cheongsam orders.

Embroidery tube also available in 2 new shimmering versions: Black & Fuchia. Also availble in matte light peach, and red (as shown). Now in the classic fit or elastic.

Cheongsam with Beaded Embroidery Collar

A modern cheongsam need not always be asymmetrical or deconstructed, it can sometimes be simple yet not appear disrespectful for the occasion. A sleek plain cheongsam combined with just enough embellishment such as the intricate beaded-embroidery is far from old-fashion.

Here at Mazzario, we have modernized traditional oriental motifs, instead created a colourful and whimsical version with only beaded-embroidery and appears quirky and absolutely appropriate for all cocktail or semi-formal occasions. The weight of the thousands of beads helps the collar and not only helps the collar sit effortlessly, providing the signature structure of a Qipao without sacrificing in comfort.

Poppy Dress

The brief was a cheongsam with red & black floral embroidery. We weren't too sure what the client was expecting, but we gave it a shot.

We begin by tailoring a crisp cheongsam ( or so it was supposed to be ). The stiffened fabric ( which we do not use on ready-to-wear ) made the look very clean, very modern, and we knew instantly the collar should be done away with to preserve it's simplicity.

Flowers. Red. Roses. Boring. What about poppies? I have been very blessed with an open-minded client for her openess to my varied experiments. Disregarding poppy's sometimes negative connotations, she expressed sheer delight with a different kind of embroidery.

The result is avant garde, but very wearable. A happy dress.

Red Lace Cheongsam for Baini

Check out these awesome photos Baini sent us. She proves that a traditional red lace cheongsam can look really contemporary and funky, as long the colour complements your skintone and the style your figure.

Thanks Baini & have a very blessed marriage.

Embroidery Mini Cheongsam

Our Japanese customer Ms Yukako. She is wearing a embroidery mini cheongsam/ tea dress. Does she look like a princess?

Lace Bareback Mini Cheongsam

The lace mini cheongsam is a new hit for tea ceremony and dinner reception...
The slit is made lower than usual, making it more convenient for tea ceremony which this cheongsam is often purchased for.

The red lace mini cheongsam is a good choice for the Cantonese brides whose parents are still nagging at you for not wearing a Kwa ( which we do as well but that is another post ). Available in a shade of red for every skintone -- red crimson, vermilion, wine -- with gold embroidery. Being traditional doe not mean unfashionable.

Also in gold, champagne, and white. Additional beading can be done upon request.

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.

About Mazzario

Mazzario is a cheongsam ( also know as qiapo )shop that expresses contemporary oriental glamour in every creation.

Our design philosophy is inspired yet thoughtful. Inspired as our pieces are a stylish fusion of traditional and western elements that offers you a fresh perspective on the traditional cheongsam. Thoughtful as we believe a cheongsam should be a celebration of individual form, of delicate proportion and intricate workmanship.

From style advice to design conceptualization, colour & fabric selection to hand embroidery, we see you through every step of your image creation. Our tailored-designs stay true to traditional cheongsam principles, flatter different body shapes, complement personalities and even cater to idiosyncrasies.

We offer both off-the-rack and customised cheongsam inspired apparel for every occasion. Our creations range from tea dresses, evening gowns to work wear.

Below are the list of products we offer in general.

Modern cheongsam, traditional cheongsam, tailor made cheongsam, bridal cheongsam, wedding qipao, wedding dress, wedding tea dress, wedding gown, event dress, evening gown, Shanghai cheongsam, fusion cheongsam, designer cheongsam, long sleeve cheongsam, sleeveless cheongsam, cap sleeve cheongsam, chinese dress, cheongsam dress, chinese costumes, mandarin jacket, mandarin, mandarin collar dress, cheongsam alteration service, cheongsam tailor service, accessories.

Diamond Cheongsam Halter Version for Carol

The DIAMOND Cheongsam has long been one of the most sought-after designs not without it's reasons. The cutting, the colour combinations, and the demure front and surprise back view has very broad appeal.

Carol is lanky and has good upper body formation. No wonder she prefers a halter version, with lower neckline, fitted even tighter than the usual snug.

The thick embroidery lace hides a multitude of flaws, especially that below the waist. The tightness enhances the corset effect given by our signature cut and tailoring.

Do not trust us when we tell you a good cheongsam or a custom qipao does wonders, believe only your eyes, and of course, the compliments.

Why Made-to-Measure ( or tailor )

Agenda packed with themed weddings, and corporate functions, but have trouble finding the right dress? A made to measure cheongsam (aka qipao) may just be your solution.

The epitome of oriental glamour, a cheongsam is, form-fit, of delicate proportion & intricate worksmanship, best tailored to fit individual needs.

From style advice to design conceptualization, colour & fabric selection to hand embroidery, we see you through every step of your image creation.

We celebrate individuality with tailored-designs that flatter different body shapes, complement personalities and even cater to idiosyncrasies. 

Mazzario Cheongsam Featured on Simply Her

Mazzario is featured in Jan 09 issue of Simply Her Magazine. This time for work wear. Cheongsam isn't only worn once a year.


Featured are our signature Embroidery Tube, the popular Mini Cheongsam, and everyone's beloved Honey Dress.

Since the increased exposure, all items, and especially so for the Honey Dress is selling much faster than before. Warning: only while stock lasts.

Chrysanthemum Dress

It is a dress for designed for a green-themed dinner. Save for few lucky souls, green simply looks odd on Asian complexions.

I knew we needed the final touch of green embellishment right from the start. We worked backwards.

A simple close to skin-tone off-shoulder shift dress was the chosen canvas.

The client nominated chrysanthemum as the flower of choice for the custom embroidery dress. Chrysanthemum is not to be generalised as petals in tea, but come in varied shapes and colours. I must have embarrassed myself for not concealing my excitement at the perfect excuse for spending time in the garden on a lazy afternoon.

On closer observation, chrysanthemum only got more interesting. I was especially eager to interpret the petals of the delicate flower. Each petal has life of its own. It reaches high for the sky, yet refrained, reminding one again of the ephemerality of a flower.

I must be thinking to much. Anyway what we have is a green chrysanthemum flower dress.

Day & Night Bridal Tailored Cheongsam Package

Most of our brides make 2 cheongsams with us in one visit. And many of asked about packages. We heard you.

For an Introductory Price of $999,
you get 2 made-to-measure Cheongsams:

1 Short Embroidery Lace Tea-Length Cheongsam
-- as the name suggests, commonly used for tea ceremony, afternoon reception or ROM.

1 Beaded Full-Length Evening Cheongsam
-- for dinner march-in, reception and affectionately known as the "bye bye thank u for coming cheongsam"

Till end Nov 08 or while your choice fabric lasts:)

Pamelyn Chee decks out our classic cheongsam in style

www.mazzario.com.sg

We love how actress Pamelyn Chee decks out our classic cheongsam in style. Lighten up a dark gown with off-white details, texturised with lace and embroidery. Perfect for any ladies who know exactly how to make an in impression.

Wedding Cheongsam - Lucia

One of the most sought after wedding cheongsam, Lucia is a red lace on pink open mandarin collar capsleeve design. Available in straight cut floor length, sweeping train mermaid, or mini mermaid.

The heavy weight embroidery lace does a great job in hugging those curves while hiding the flaws. Open front collar gives the option of both open or closed for different occasions. The simplicity of the design simply underlines sophistication and elegance.

Available made to order in other colour combinations. Please email us for enquiries.

FAQ | Index

What is Cheongsam?
Cheongsam (aka Qipao) is the Chinese traditional costume, popularized by Shanghainese ladies in the 1920s. It is typified its mandarin collar, close fit, and high side slits.

How are Cheongsams worn?
Cheongsam is best snugly fitted, though it is mostly worn more comfortably today. At Mazzario different cheongsams are designed with a different fit in mind.

Can I wear a Cheongsam ?
We design cheongsams for different body types for different occasions. Talk to us and let us take your measurement so we may assist you in finding a Cheongsam that fits your event, body, and personality.

What more do you offer?
We also create apparel inspired by oriental culture. It may be a Chinese knot, a drape, or an embroidery. Let us know what interests you.

simple checklist for your reference.

I would love to own a Cheongsam, how much time do I need?
There is no fixed amount of time needed, as 3-day made-to-measure express service is available. But we advise shopping for Ready-to-Wear 1-4 weeks in advance, and Made-to-Measure 4weeks or more in advance. For the curious, here's an explanation of why this amount of time.

How much do your cheongsams cost?
Prices varies with ranges and individual designs, there is no one price fit all. However this is the pricing guide line for your reference.

made-to-measure design consultation, let us work together for a cheongsam that flatters not only your body type, but also your personality. Find out more about cheongsams for different body types.

I live overseas, how do I go about ordering?
We take both ready-to-wear and custom-order cheongsams, and ship internationally. For information are available on the international custom order page.

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.