Chocolate Tsang opens the door to her Hong Kong studio wearing one of her handmade cheongsam, the Chinese-style, form-hugging dress characterised by a high collar, short sleeves and side slits.
Her cheongsam’s pattern – a bold display of planets and stars – is the perfect example of how the traditional garment can get a modern twist.
“Come in and swap your shoes for these,” says Tsang, placing a pair of soft slippers on the floor, as two purring cats rub against her legs.
Much like Tsang’s welcome, her Stand Tall D studio in Kwai Chung, in Hong Kong’s New Territories, is warm and comforting, the space bathed in soft lighting.
Tsang founded the made-to-measure brand in 2018 and Lunar New Year is the busiest time. But while the cheongsam – also known as the qipao – is a popular dress worn during the festive celebrations, the 29-year-old Hongkonger says it is suitable all year round.
