Location: Downtown Vancouver | Photographer: Ray Hon Image | Model: Emmie
Who says a cheongsam has to look traditional?
When I planned this photoshoot, I wanted to explore a different side of the cheongsam — one that feels bold, contemporary and full of personality.
The garment featured bright colours and a modern aesthetic. To push the styling further, I deliberately paired it with chunky boots and a model whose green hair added an unexpected pop of colour. The combination might not be what people traditionally associate with a cheongsam, and that was exactly the point.
I loved the contrast: the elegance of a traditional Chinese silhouette meeting the rebellious spirit of contemporary fashion.
Old Meets New
For me, the beauty of this look lies in the unexpected mix. The cheongsam brings its distinctive silhouette and cultural heritage, while the boots and green hair introduce an entirely different attitude.
Neither element needs to compete with the other. Together, they create a look that feels individual, playful and unmistakably modern.
As a cheongsam maker in Vancouver, I enjoy exploring how this traditional garment can be styled beyond familiar occasions and conventions. It doesn't always have to be paired with delicate heels, classic accessories or a traditionally feminine aesthetic.
Sometimes, all it takes is a different perspective.
A Garment That Evolves With Us
I believe the cheongsam is far from outdated. Like any enduring design, it can evolve with changing tastes, personal expression and the way we dress today.
Whether it's a classic handmade qipao or a contemporary design in vibrant colours, there is room to experiment with silhouettes, fabrics and styling. The cheongsam doesn't have to belong exclusively to the past, nor does wearing one mean following a set of rules.
For Ping Ting, exploring this balance between tradition and modernity is part of the creative journey. I want to celebrate the craftsmanship and character of the cheongsam while showing how naturally it can fit into a contemporary wardrobe.
Tradition gives us a foundation, not a set of limits.
And perhaps the most stylish way to wear a cheongsam is simply to make it your own.