Exclusive | Stitching together elegance: Inside workshop of a renowned Cheongsam maker

The rhythmic tapping of the foot pedal, the gentle push of the fabric, and the synchronized dance of the needle and thread - the meticulously aligned stitches line the edge of the fabric, a testament to the craft.

"The cheongsam's most important aspect is its lines' beauty. At a glance, the entire silhouette, from head to toe, exudes a distinct elegance and grace," says Master Fung Yau-choi, a third-generation tailor hailing from a family of master craftsmen.

Fung is renowned as the "Grandmaster of Hong Kong Cheongsam," having dedicated over 60 years to the art of cheongsam making. Of the old masters who entered the industry alongside him, Fung is one of the few still actively practicing the craft.

In an unassuming old shopping mall in Kowloon City lies Fung's workshop, a small sanctuary where countless exquisitely crafted Shanghai-style cheongsams have been born.

The cheongsam, a quintessential Chinese garment, encompasses both the male "changpao" and the female "qipao." Once a fashion staple, the cheongsam captivated the hearts of stylish men and women alike. While the Beijing-style cheongsam is characterized by its loose, flat-cut silhouette, the Shanghai-style cheongsam accentuates the waistline with its tailored, three-dimensional construction.

In the 1940s, skilled tailors from Shanghai and Guangdong migrated to Hong Kong, bringing the Shanghai-style cheongsam. During this time, Fung was first introduced to the art of Shanghai-style cheongsam making.