Nyonya Kebaya & Cheongsam

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On my list of things to get are:
1. A Nyonya Kebaya
2. A tailor-made Cheongsam

My great grandmothers had gorgeous Nyonya Kebayas like the one above (a Nyonya Kebaya, worn by Peranakan women, is a different version of the traditional Kebaya. It is a figure-hugging, translucent and elaborately embroidered blouse with lace work, most often worn with a batik sarong, ornate gold brooches and beaded slippers.). Upon the death of one great grandmother, who lived in a guest room in my house, my mum chucked out all her Nyonya Kebayas, never imagining that I should want them one day. The most beautiful ones cost an arm and a leg, as they are works of art that are often made-to-measure. But more than that, I think there's something almost romantic about handing down such an authentic piece of heritage. It's unfortunate but my mother has an incurable habit of throwing things away - a trait inherited from her own mother, I believe. My grandmother, bless her, discarded all her Cheongsams and old clothes - dresses that would've made an amazing vintage collection today, as she had impeccable taste. Needless to say, I was rather distressed.


Maggie Cheung in In The Mood For Love is the epitome of beauty in my eyes. I spend much of the film lusting after her Cheongsams every time it plays on my screen. There's something very sexy and mysterious about an exquisitely tailored Cheongsam - a dress that is entirely high-necked and figure-hugging, yet reveals nothing, save for an occasional high slit that shows a sliver of leg.