Popularised by students and teachers after the 1919 May Fourth Movement, cheongsam came to be associated with the intellectuals and was the symbol of Republican China in the early 20th century. In the 1930s, the cheongsam was favoured by Chinese socialites who wore it to important functions. The cheongsam was no longer worn in China when the Communist Party took over in 1949. However, it survived and continued to be a garment of choice for educated women in Singapore.

The cheongsam came into international prominence during the 2000s following the debut of the popular film, In the Mood for Love, and was re-interpreted by contemporary fashion designers both internationally and in Singapore. Find out more about the significance of the cheongsam from the early twentieth century to the 2000s in this talk conducted by Ms. Chung May Khuen, Deputy Director of Heritage Conservation Centre.

Conducted in English. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. No registration required.

View more details here