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Ong Shunmugam celebrates tradition in a modern light

Ong Shunmugam Cheongsam 2017 collection
Ong Shunmugam Cheongsam 2017 collection



Ong Shunmugam Cheongsam 2017 collection

A maverick in the local landscape, designer Priscilla Shunmugam departed from the spring 2017 and fall 2016 calendar of Singapore Fashion Week this time around and brought the buzz to yesterday's show schedule with Cheongsam — a coquettish take on the traditional qipao. A line originating from her yearly Chinese New Year (CNY) collections, Shunmugam shared, "If you think about CNY, it is after all a festival celebrating the arrival of spring in the Lunar calendar."

Ong Shunmugam Cheongsam 2017 collection

Ong Shunmugam Cheongsam 2017 collection

The collection: In quintessential Shunmugam DNA, the time-honoured garment — despite being cut from traditional textiles in auspicious Chinese colourways and Peranakan pastels — were treated to modern twists by way of cobweb hemlines, cold shoulder cut-outs and our favourite, mandarin collar tunics worn over bermudas. Given the restrictive nature of the cheongsam's figure-hugging silhouette, kudos to Shunmugam for taking into consideration the modern-day woman's purposeful strides.

The accessories: Paired with each and every look were floral hand-painted Vans Authentic sneakers and floral hoop earrings laboured over by the designer and her team. While they were created just for the show and not for retail, you'll be glad to know that the Cheongsam 2017 collection is available for pre-order now.

Ong Shunmugam Cheongsam 2017 collection

Ong Shunmugam Cheongsam 2017 collection

"I just want to keep challenging what we are doing. Persuading Asian women to keep experimenting along with us. The other thing we're experimenting with is making our own accessories for this collection. We're making our own earrings and shoes. Everything is handmade. We bought white plastic flowers and hoop earrings, and my team has been hand painting the flowers with colours of the collection and sticking it onto the earrings." - Priscilla Shunmugam


Ong Shunmugam Cheongsam 2017 collection

Ong Shunmugam Cheongsam 2017 collection


Why is it so important to you to use Asian textiles even after all these years of using them? Does it come from a personal place?

Not really, but it makes the most sense. After all, this is our playground. It's going to be far easier for us to gain access or understand the fabrics than it would be for foreigners. We're just playing with things that we are comfortable with. Firstly, it's practical. Secondly, we almost feel like it's our responsibility to give Asian fabrics a new lease of life. Typically, they've been used in rigid and set ways, and many times, their use has not been questioned — just followed. That's another aspect of the Asian philosophy and mindset I hope to change. I feel like we don't challenge or question enough. We just follow and do what we're told to do. I know that the work we do doesn't appeal to everybody and not everyone agrees with the approach we take, but I think that's a really good sign. It's becoming more and more clear what our purpose is as a brand.

What do you think that purpose is?

To challenge assumptions and stereotypes when it comes to Asian tradition and history by defining it in our own way, instead of waiting for someone else to do it.



Do you like the latest Ong Shunmugam Cheongsam 2017 Collection?



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26 comments :

  1. Whoa! I will have a hard time to choose one of these.
    Amazing designs and the girls are carrying them off well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Indrani,

      Yes they are all fabulous! I am always mesmerized with her designs :D

      Delete
  2. I love this collection. I would so wear all of these dresses.Love the fact that the models are wearing Vans instead of heels.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah I noticed it too and made me smile bigtime! I love it :D

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  3. i love this style!! all looks so good and special!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Dear! Yes, every cut and fabric designs has its special meanings.

      Delete
  4. These are lovely. I do like the colors. I'm not sure if I'd ever wear them, but they look nice on the ladies!

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    Replies
    1. They looked like an ancient Chinese porcelain vases :D And I love the simplicity of the design :)

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  5. These dresses are so cute!! I love the fabrics that are used.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Amy,

      Fabrics are all sources meticulously and hand made by fabric Asian fabric makers.

      Delete
  6. Those prints are so cool. I love how they mixed the patterns together. I would enjoy seeing these worn in public.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The dresses shows the side of Asian cultures which make it more interesting.

      Delete
  7. These are stunning! These dresses would look good on just about every body type. You mentioned that the Cheongsam 2017 collection is available for pre-orders now. But I'm dying to know what the price range is for these garments.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Dear,

      Yeah this collection is for this year! I also wonder about the price, but knowing the designer I think it range from $2000 and above.

      Delete
  8. These are all so gorgeous and unique! I especially love the vans! The fabrics are amazing!

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    Replies
    1. Hello Stefami,

      Well, you can recreate it.. find a pretty cheongsam dress and paired it with your white sneakers!

      Delete
  9. I can get passed the big earrings but the Vans no matter how cute they are look funny. It's nice the models had a comfortable show though. I like that first floral blue dress and all blue dress with the white floral pattern.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well you might find it weird then when you visit Asia. It's a whole different world.

      Delete
  10. I like the designs. My favorite thing is the comfy shoes with the dresses.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree Valerie, you can run or walk faster with your dresses. I love it!

      Delete
  11. These dresses are beautiful! They're so unique and I love the colors!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Sondra! More fashion updates to come very soon :D

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  12. The dresses are gorgeous, I love the colours. I love how they have modernished the traditional dress too. Nikki x

    www.twentysomethingmuddle.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A mix of the old and the new era in one dress! Thank you Nikki :D

      Delete
  13. OMG totally in love with this collection. Unlike many fashion shows which portray items that are only worn on the runway, these dresses can be worn by anyone.
    xx, Kusum | www.sveeteskapes.com

    ReplyDelete

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