1. Embroidered lace qipao
For her wedding dinner reception, my client had in mind a modern qipao with an embroidered lace overlay. I started the project by sourcing a few different laces before selecting a 3D black-and-red floral embroidered mesh, a cranberry red silk satin for the base, and a red silk habotai for the lining.
To lighten the heavy texture of the floral pattern, I designed a keyhole back, and used the original scallop lace edge to outline the keyhole. A garment with complex detailing as such requires a subtle and minimal column silhouette and a slim mandarin collar.
The main challenge of this project was that it was conducted virtually with a short timeline of 2.5 months. Once the fabric and design were finalized, I scheduled a virtual measurement-taking session with my client. Next, I drafted a custom pattern, created a prototype and conducted a virtual fitting session (during which my client learnt to fit the prototype and give design feedback). After which, I adjusted the original pattern, cut and sewed the final gown, et voila, the fit was perfect and no further alterations were required.
As a couturier, my goal is to create an effortless look. When working with a garment that consists of several layers, hand-stitching is used to modulate the uneven tension created by the layers of delicate fabric as well as cover up any "less-than-perfect" parts. These include the collar, the hook-and-eye closure, the armhole - hand-sewn with a mesh trim, and additional embroidery flowers appliquéd to smooth out the seams.
Read about my client's multi-cultural Malaysian wedding inThe Knot
1.Design
2. Process
3. Wedding Reception
2. Classic qipao for a simple wedding ceremony
For a simple wedding ceremony, my client wanted a classic made-to-measure knee-length qipao that would be versatile enough for other occasions. We chose the Aquatic Print on a cotton-spandex twill, a comfortable and subtle piece detailed with blue bias binding and frog knots.
