No regrets custom-making my cheongsam ✨😍

As shared in my first post, I knew that I wanted a made-to-measure cheongsam for my wedding (or at least wear a cheongsam) as the second march-in dress.

After trying a few rental cheongsams in other bridal studios, I found that I really didn’t like how those cheongsams sit/look on me and how they are all quite elaborated.

Based on friends’ recommendation, I have visited only 2 cheongsam shops before deciding:

1. Mama and Misse

2. Studio HHFZ

Decided on Studio HHFZ because of their IG feed 😅 There were many cheongsams that I liked!

The timeline for making was:

1. First meetup - Consultation

Discussion on what kind of Cheongsam or vibes that you are going for. Things to think about:

- Material of Fabric: tweed, lace, satin, shimmer, Japanese brocade (My initial choice!! But couldn’t find a suitable one 😣)

- Colour scheme

- Length: Knee, Ankle, Floor (the longer the length, the more formal it is)

- How many pearl buttons: 1 or 2, all the way down to hips or not?

- Back: Basically how big of a hole you want and the design of the hole

- Any appliqué?

2. Second meetup to confirm fabric and other details such as the back design and colour of the pearls, mix and match appliqué (if any) and taking of measurements - to pay about 50% here.

3. First fitting to try - over here the appliqué is not done yet, because the seamstress wanted to confirm the other measurements first.

4. Final fitting and appliqué done for confirmation

5. Collection - to pay remaining 50% here.

Personal Reflections:

initially I was very torn between making one, renting one or even having one at all because of $$$ haha. The logical and practical side of me was unwilling to pay ~$1000 for something that I was going to wear for 1-2hr max. At some point, I actually made plans to back out from this order.

However, I make say that I REALLY HAD ZERO REGRETS making it!!! I’m really happy how the Cheongsam turned out and I would definitely have regretted if I didn’t go ahead with it. 🥲🥲🥲

Anyway to satisfy my practical side, I have convinced myself that I can always alter the length of the dress to knee length, and remove the appliqué and fill the back with the remaining fabric. But for now, I love it as it is 😅😅