Wearing a cheongsam for Chinese New Year? Here's why the garment is so timeless

The cheongsam is not subjected to huge seasonal trend shifts, but they can look pretty modern all the same. Photo: Tsukha

For the Chinese New Year celebrations – which begin today, the cheongsam is a fashion staple. Wearing one, you may wonder whether the particular design is on-trend.

The traditional garment's silhouette or cut can often be similar, but the overall look does undergo changes sometimes.

According to the founder of Tsukha, a recently launched Malaysian fashion label, cheongsams are however not subject to huge or yearly trend shifts.

"I love the traditional Chinese dress for its tried-and-true style. It’s a timeless, elegant piece that blends into mainstream fashion in a unique way," Neoh Su Ling says.

Read more: How has the cheongsam fared in the 21st century? Malaysian designers weigh in

There is no tangible trend to follow each year, but aesthetic preferences can differ. For example, it seems that colourful prints are currently popular.

"I think it will keep evolving with new fabrications or of-the-moment colours, while the traditional elements – such as buttoned-up Mandarin collar, pipa front, frog buttons and side slits – keep it timeless," explains Neoh.

She has a deep love for the cheongsam. To her, it is a truly adaptive garment and has appeared in many designers’ collections season after season.

As it is, we have even seen international fashion houses sometimes including a cheongsam as part of their offerings.

Dolce & Gabbana showed off its version for Spring/Summer 2016. Gucci and Blumarine did the same for Spring/Summer 2018.

Two years ago, Altuzarra released cheongsams for the Autumn/Winter season.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @tsu.kha

While some Malaysian designers have taken liberties to "reinvent" the cheongsam, it is seen as a way of keeping it relatable to the younger generation.

"In my opinion, they are not modernising it but simply adapting the style to customers’ desires," Neoh points out, when asked about the so-called updated designs.

Her Tsukha label debuted in December with a collection of cheongsams just in time for this Chinese New Year. It is described as bringing together "tradition, passion and a quirky sense of style".

"I have always been drawn to the traditional and classic cut. Our label stands for joy, bliss and happiness," Neoh says.

Read more: This Chinese New Year, it is all about roaring in style

"To me, the cheongsam is the epitome of elegance and femininity for any chic Chinese woman, and I dare say, is now a wardrobe staple during Chinese New Year and for occasion dressing."

Her advice for donning a cheongsam is to pick the right accessories like suitable shoes or a bag. She also says that the right undergament can help enhance the look, giving the dress a smooth and sleek appearance when worn.

So the next time you wear a cheongsam, you know what to do to look your best. Plus, stop worrying whether it will make you look unfashionable or dated.