Throwback Thursday: Cheongsam
June 04, 2015It's Throwback Thursday time!
I bought this dress in 2001 from a Chinese silk shop on Swanston Street, Melbourne for a number of special occasions I had on the go.
Cheongsams (aka Mandarin gowns or qipao) were just gaining popularity as formal dresses at the time. Naturally, I like to think I was just ahead of the curve! There was a rainbow of colours and designs to choose from and don't think I didn't strongly consider both the fuchsia and baby pink versions but ended up with a classic black. As I recall, it was quite expensive for me at the time - $99 sounds about right - so I needed to maximise wearing opportunities and get that cost-per-wear down!
I loved the high neck (even though that's not generally a flattering look for me), the sleeves, the length, the splits up either side, the embroidery, the lining and the luxe silky feel of it. Even though it is, in fact, polyester.
I've worn it to two weddings:
A work Christmas party (and resulting after-party):
A WaterAid gala dinner that I won tickets for the day before so had to pull one out of the box (or wardrobe, as it were)
Possibly some sort of alt/goth event (check out my previous interpretation of that particular dress code) and my super excellent mixed-gender hens party.
Possibly some sort of alt/goth event (check out my previous interpretation of that particular dress code) and my super excellent mixed-gender hens party.
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| My first ever Facebook profile photo, 2007 |
The dress is stored in The Vault (which is what I call the suitcase under the spare bed where I store my items of sentimental or possible future vintage value) and I suspect would be a tight squeeze were I to try and wriggle into it now but it's still one of those special items that I adore and won't be parting with. Ever.
In the early 00s, I paired this dress with a fabulous pair of deep red patent Mary-Jane heels that are also chilling in the Vault and I'd still be wearing them today were it not for their deeply unfashionable square toe and chunky heel. In later years I chose a sensible black round toe patent heel.
In the early 00s, I paired this dress with a fabulous pair of deep red patent Mary-Jane heels that are also chilling in the Vault and I'd still be wearing them today were it not for their deeply unfashionable square toe and chunky heel. In later years I chose a sensible black round toe patent heel.
Not for the first time, I hope that Miss L has an appreciation for what will be vintage fashion by the time she's old enough to wear it!
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