Brides with Chinese heritage

Holly, you can definitely fuse Chinese and Western society traditions and have them presented in a wedding gown. Anymore a bride doesn't need to stick to a white wedding gown. Go with what makes you feel beautiful while honoring both cultures.


Do you have any ideas regarding color and style?

Are you creating a business model? I would support Asian-owned, local businesses and buy my qipao from them rather than a fusion designer.

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Hello,

I wanted to propose the question to get a sense of whether it would be desirable for brides with Chinese heritage to be able to purchase Chinese and Western inspired gowns in one environment, as this is a concept which has not been taken advantage of within the bridal industry on a luxury scale. I am interested in hearing about people's opinions on how they would approach fusing the two traditions and if this idea of proximity and accessibility of the polarised dress styles would be desirable.

Thank you for your contribution, it is really interesting to hear how people would approach the matter

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Hi there,

No I am not creating a business model, I work in the bridal industry and I recently spoke with a bride who was discussing the lack of options for purchasing both Western and Chinese gowns in one place, both for ease and as a memorable fusion experience which mirrors what she wants to achieve on her wedding day.

Therefore I thought it would be interesting to hear the perspectives of other people with Chinese heritage who might look to fuse Western and Chinese cultures through their choice of dress at their wedding celebrations. For example, whether being able to purchase both styles of dress in one place would be desirable or not and why, from the point of view of having being able to access a niche tailored experience all in one place which is specifically designed to support this fusion approach, something that I do not think many places cater for.

Thank you for your contribution - it is great to hear your thoughts about sticking to a more localised and separate approach.

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I see . . . Creating a cheongsam or qipao is an art form needing an experienced designer and/or tailor. The traditional style is close fitting to the body and in non-stretch silk of varying quality and adornment. Custom made is the preferred route for many. However, one can otherwise purchase a standard size dress to alter down (like with most American bridal). But, ladies in my NY/NJ circle warn of high alteration costs and probable disappointment, so not a money or time saver after all. To be specific, my circle includes ladies who go custom, even traveling to Asia for their multiple bridal gowns (perhaps your type of luxury clientele).

I recently considered an online HI company for a relative's wedding in 3 weeks, but passed as my American-fed curves need a dress built from scratch. You will find brides, MOB, MOG, and guests will have different needs.

Thanks for your response. Yes this is exactly the type of response I was hoping for - I am aware the qipao should be a very close fit to your body therefore customisation/made to measure is often very popular for this type of dress. I also agree that if you were to purchase a dress in standard size, they would usually need alterations (as with lots of formal gowns) and as you say this comes at a great cost. Also very interesting to hear about your circle of friends and their decision to travel overseas for their gowns - as you say, this is the sort of market I am investigating, for instance individuals whom are willing to travel for the right service/selection of gowns.

I do want to add that many ppl looking for culturally-significant items will more often look to purveyors that specialize in these items. For example, I will buy South Sea pearls only when visiting my jeweler in Asia who can assure me they are local, from his island. I would not buy Akoya or Tahitian pearls (diff countries for whom I have no ethnic or sentimental attachment). For your projected clientele, I think the rough search order for them would be first go to their personal designer, or go to their family fashion designer local, or try a referral from friends local. Then if not working out try overseas: personal or family designer. If there is no personal designer anywhere, they would try new artisans, local first then overseas (by referral). Or last an online company from similar ethnic background (by referral or posted reviews). I'm not sure where importance of luxury fits as that's expected. South Asian brides may have a different process for their wedding gowns, but my guess is they would first go to Desi stores their Moms and MILs recommend.