Blum & Co reinvents the cheongsam for workwear

Blum & Co (Blum), a Singaporean brand, has introduced a modern take on the cheongsam in a new line of workwear.

Source: Blum & Co.

Invented in the 1920s, the cheongsam represented the liberation of women. In the early days, it was a full-sleeved, loose-cut garment. It then evolved into designs with slimmer fits and shorter lengths, plus a slit up the side. Cheongsam were banned when the communist government took over in China, but continued to hold sway in Hong Kong for years. Today, many Chinese officials and ministers don the cheongsam in both official and informal occasions as a reflection of their heritage.

Blum’s fashion design team has been inspired by traditional cheongsam to create bold designs using modern materials and accents such as lace sleeves. Designed to be worn throughout the year for both day and evening, light and airy fabrics sourced from top-quality apparel manufacturers from Europe, Korea and Japan have been used to create pieces that drape well and complement modern accessories.

The collection’s versatility is testament to the company’s experience in dressing Singapore’s urban women for over three decades. “We have designed workwear for Singapore women for so many years that we are familiar with what Singaporeans like in their office wear. We are excited to launch our all-new cheongsam collection as we believe that it is time for a reintroduction of this feminine trend in the workplace and that it will be well-received,” said Anna Kong, founder and owner of Blum.

“We have also worked in orchid, batik and Merlion icons into our collection, to make it a uniquely Singapore fashion statement.”

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*Image features a silk cheongsam (S$259) from the Blum & Co Cheongsam Collection with an S-curve to accentuate the female form. The piece comes in contrasting colours. There is a pink with contrasting green orchid version, and a black with contrasting blue and red batik version (pictured). According to Blum & Co, the orchid represents wealth and class. Items in the collection range from S$189 to S$389, and make use of fabrics such as lace, wool silk, cotton silk and stretchable silk.