#custom cheongsam

[cnladies]

ANGELABABY / YANG YING 杨颖 in custom qipao/cheongsam from Barney Cheng | BAFTA Gala 2024

Angelababy: more photos here international events: more photos here qipao/cheongsam photoshoot: more photos here

[getincentstyle]

Kara Wai for a Shang Cheng Shi banquet wearing a custom-made Butterfly Dance, Weaving Gold mamian (马面 )skirt, a collaboration between VGRASS and the Nanjing Brocade Museum

More photos HERE

[simnasimsworld]

Update - Winter Cheongsam dress

Download  (Public on Dec 17)

[cliffather]

Chung 's LAST DAY on PSU - Blue Version by Cliffather Via Flickr: 1 of 1000 pre-created characters. The character, like Chun Ju, was influenced from Chun-li and created in 2000(Thanks to Phantasy Star Online www.flickr.com/photos/cliffather/17121239826/in/album-721...). This version of Chung with her PM: Alis G was created by using the PS2 game: Phantasy Star Universe {online}. See more of her and her fiance Hecliff, google:deviantART/Cliffather.

[ilen00e]

🧸https://www.patreon.com/posts/iln-yami-top-113903186

[wotunciba]

Cyber-Liaozhai Makeup Set

Inspired by the classic Chinese collection of supernatural tales Liaozhai (Strange Stories from Chinese Studio).

BGC / Custom catalog thumbnails / T - E / Unisex

LZ eyeshadow → 13 swatches

LZ eyeliner → 11 swatches

LZ blush → 13 swatches

LZ lipstick → 16 swatches

--⭒˚‧ ⭒ ཐིཋྀ ⭒ ‧˚⭒⭒˚‧ ⭒ ཐིཋྀ ⭒ ‧˚⭒⭒˚‧ ⭒ ཐིཋྀ ⭒ ‧˚⭒--

ᗦ↞✧ Free Download:

Patreon / Sim File Share / Ko-fiฅ

--⭒˚‧ ⭒ ཐིཋྀ ⭒ ‧˚⭒⭒˚‧ ⭒ ཐིཋྀ ⭒ ‧˚⭒⭒˚‧ ⭒ ཐིཋྀ ⭒ ‧˚⭒--

Hair is from @juanxee; Eyes are from @nell-le; Cheongsam is from @habsims

[sailorstar9]

Cheating Ex Regrets After F/N Had Married Another Man Warning: Anti-Lyney, Anti-Lumine, Angst, Modern AU Trigger warning: Cheating

When the woman Lyney was supporting caused a scene in front of F/N, she broke up with him.

Lyney looked cold and indifferent, as if he had everything under control. “Suit yourself; you really think highly of yourself.”

But he didn't expect that F/N would move out of Fontaine that same night.

A year later, the big shot in the wealthy circle got married and sent an invitation to Lyney. He watched in the audience as F/N wore a wedding dress and completely fell apart.

Pushing open the door to the private room at White Manor, the room was indeed lively.

Five girls were sprawling all over, kneeling and sitting around Lyney and his friends in the centre. In the dim light, the beam of light fell on Lyney's fair face. His lavender fake glasses reflected the light and F/N heard someone speak.

“Who's that college girl who's been clinging onto you lately? Aren't you afraid F/N would find out and get angry?”

The crisp clinking of glasses echoed; the person sounded noble yet cold. “Just a kid; getting angry about this is really petty. But Lumine, she's really pretty.”

The men's muted humming resounded.

The lewd words rose in waves of delicate sounds and F/N closed the door. She never meddled in Lyney's private life. It used to be disdain, but now, it's simply not her concern. He had countless women before, but this Lumine seemed to be different.

The cheongsam was intricately woven with golden thread, representing endless luxury and wealth.

F/N reached out and touched the silk fabric of the red cheongsam and tried on the dress.

The maid stood by, bending down and advising F/N, “Lyney cares about you; look at this cheongsam, it was custom-made for a year.”

F/N slipped on the cheongsam and frowned; the cheongsam was too big, the waist was loose and the cheongsam is short. At that moment. F/N knew, the cheongsam was not meant for her.

“Did he not come back to celebrate our anniversary?” F/N asked the maid.

The maid looked hesitant and and answered after a long pause, “He said go to the White Manor and find him.”

F/N returned to the White Manor a few hours later; the young girls who had been serving inside the private room were gone and Lyney's friends had brought their female companions.

The scent of incense floating in the room with an elusive presence and F/N saw Lyney's lips glistening with moisture. Sweat had soaked through his white shirt as his fingers traced down the neck of the girl; only after a long kiss did they stop.

Someone whistled. “Lyney brought the great adventure to White Manor; it's the first time he kissed in public.. even for F/N, he only did it after drinking.”

Before F/N could even step inside, Lumine shyly ran out. In her hand was a bag from F/N's favorite brand, but one F/N could no longer afford.

Lyney leaned against the sofa, looking interestedly at the girl who had just rushed to him. The two of them were entangled, competing in beauty. She wasn't any uglier than Lumine who had just left.

“F/N, right?” Lumine gave F/N a smug grin and took out a lipstick to touch up her lipstick. “I advise to look out for yourself. Don't upset Lyney. They say you're as beautiful as a goddess but I see nothing special. Now you're just a mistress. Don't you know that being dignified is a sign of a legitimate wife? You should relax a bit. How could you hold on to a man like this? Guess how many times he wanted me last night? It's truly pitiful to be without a man's nourishment. Do you think threatening him will work?” she giggled, walking off. “If not, you can try.”

F/N's heart hardened and she turned her heels and left.

Outside, the winter rain mixed with snowflakes fell chillingly on F/N, but she made no attempt to button up the brass buttons.

At that moment, a black umbrella was tilted over F/N's head and a heavy woollen coat was draped over her shoulders.

F/N looked up and met the person's eyes; she knew this person, Zhongli. True to his name; handsome, refined and indescribably elegant. He had come from Liyue, someone nobody dared to cross. Zhongli's family was also wealthy, showing just a hint would sustain F/N for several lifetimes.

“Hot cocoa.” Zhongli handed F/N an insulated cup. “To warm up. It's not time yet. F/N, if you need money, I happen to be able to provide for you. Want me to be your ATM? Give it a chance.”

F/N flung the steaming cup of hot cocoa, “You give money and I go with you? Do you think I'm out to sell myself?”

“I'm sorry.” Zhongli apologized. “I didn't tell you everything; I'm marrying you.”

F/N was never one to be obedient. Growing up, everything desirable in the world was at her fingertips. She was spoiled recklessly and was able to get what she wanted. She had even captured Lyney, a high—profile figure who was the object of affection for many elite women in Fontaine. But that wasn't love. With F/N family's power dwindling due to her brother's poo business decisions, F/N remembered her mother's dying words, she had suppressed her temper and followed Lyney. She thought he would give her a home out of past affection, only to find out that he kept her around to keep up appearances. And after being submissive for too long, F/N's rebellious nature unexpectedly burst forth.

Zhongli's expression remain gentle despite F/N's temper tantrum, his eyes held a hint of longing.

“How much did you spend to marry me?” F/N asked as Zhongli was driving them back to one of his villas.

In response, a heavy gold card was placed in F/N's palm. “This is a gift. My other assets are all in another villa. Go back and sign.”

“If you dare marry me, what do I have to fear?” F/N challenged.

In Zhongli's villa...

F/N took the initiative and half pushed Zhongli into what she assumed to be a guest room.

Zhongli gave in, his gentle kisses were fleeting as if F/N was the more precious treasure in the world. With a single move of his tall figure, he effortlessly held her in his hands and his fingertips traced delicately over her body.

Just then, at the crucial moment, Zhongli put some distance between them. He covered F/N with the blanket on the bed and was turned to leave. “We'll go get the certificate tomorrow.”

Just then, Zhongli's phone rang and he took the call.

A soft moan could be heard, unintentionally eavesdropping on the conversation. The person on the other end of the phone stood frozen in place, taking a moment to regain their senses. The voice was familiar yet unfamiliar; soft and sweet with a hint of rose-like boldness.

In Lyney's villa...

“F/N...” Lyney knew the sultry voiced belonged to F/N, the woman he had shared a bed with for years but had never crossed the final line. He looked at Lumine sleeping by his side, her young and delicate face showing a hint of innocence. But she wasn't as beautiful as F/N. Recalling his conversation with her in the morning, he felt he had been too harsh. Just this once, he would go and pacify her. After all, she was now almost entirely dependent on him after her family's downfall.

In Zhongli's villa...

The next morning, F/N saw Zhongli open the entire wardrobe wall, revealing countless custom-made clothing and accessories, with the largest section filled with various traditional Chinese dresses and qipaos. Zhongli then picked the most exquisite red qipao for F/N to change into.

“Do we need to find a makeup artist?” Zhongli asked. “This doesn't suit you.”

Later...

Upon reaching their destination, F/N realize Zhongli hadn't driven them to the marriage registration office, but to an ancient church.

Zhongli held F/N's hand and led her into the temple. Kneeling in front of the church crossing, the ring in his hand gleaming, “I made a vow to God, but it's F/N who can make it come true. Will you marry me?”

Letting him put the ring on her finger, F/N sniffled and asked, “We've agreed to get married, so why all this trouble?”

“Marrying you is a big deal.” Zhongli hummed. “Naturally, the ceremony cannot be lacking.”

F/N held back her tears, smiling as they finished taking the registration photos and left with the documents.

During dinner that day, someone asked Chiori, Fontaine's top costume designer, what she had been busy with.

Chiori wiped the oil from her mouth and answered, “Mister Zhongli had a wedding dress custom-made by the most famous old craftsman in Fontaine. The wedding date is drawing near, so he borrowed a few of my tailors to rush the work. I helped with some of the wedding details.”

Hearing Zhongli's name, Lyney unconsciously felt uneasy.

“The size seemed a lot like F/N's.” Chiori recalled. “It's been so long since she came in for a clothes fitting.”

Lyney's unfounded guilt was suppressed; he hadn't given F/N much money for a long time. Even her bag from from a few years ago.

Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw Lumine's handbag next to her and remembered the brand was one F/N liked. It seemed to him that he had indeed treated her unfairly. Right then, he decided he must make it right and cherish F/N and live well with her.

“The day she left the White Manor, I called her, but it seemed F/N's phone was no longer in use.” Chiori took a drink of Fonta. “Being in love and continuously betrayed can be exhausting.”

Lyney had been unable to find F/N for the past three months; he remembered the night before when he went to have a proposal qipao custom-made by Chiori for F/N, he had caught a glimpse of Zhongli from afar. Lyney's eyes widened suddenly when he recalled Zhongli's meaningful smile: the last time he called F/N, besides some murmurs, all that was left was a stifled groan.

After the legal marriage, Zhongli took F/N to meet the rest of his family and F/N was instantly accepted. In just a few months, Zhongli had given her all the affection; the love she had wasted an entire youth on with Lyney and never got in return.

Lyney stopped in front of Chioriya Boutique and entered the boutique.

Chiori, measuring fabric sizes with her head down, looked up. “What's the matter, Lyney? Lumine ordered several clothes. I haven't finished them yet.”

Lyney was stunned; it seemed that even Lumine could come in for dress fittings, but he hadn't given F/N the qualification to come in.

“I want to order a qipao for F/N.” Lyney informed. “The best-looking one for our engagement.”

Chiori looked at Lyney who seemed oddly fixated and didn't say a word. After a while, she spoke, “F/N hadn't come to see me for a long time. This size is from when she was in college. The last I saw her at White Manor; she's lost too much weight. You haven't seen her in a long time, right? Leave her alone.”

“She'll never leave.” Lyney was certain. “She's F/N. She loves me the most. How could she not want me?”

Chiori scoffed, ruthless in shattering his illusion. “She's too good for you. She's leaving because of you.”

“Help me.” Lyney pleaded, shedding tears. “I want to see her. I will bring a ring and go propose to her; give her a home.”

Chiori smirked; she knew the ring F/N had was sent by another man. Zhongli deserved her much more than Lyney ever did.

“Zhongli,” F/N started, the married couple were cuddling in bed. “I want to study aboard; further my education. I've given up too much, I want to reclaim my family pride and business.”

Lyney finally located F/N's whereabouts after much effort. But seeing the door open, pained his eyes. He didn't even dare to ask inside; the soft voice he heard was meant for someone else.

His eyes reddened; his steps wanted to leave countless times, but he couldn't. He couldn't plot against her.

He crouched outside the villa's door all night, listening to F/N's shallow breathing and imagining her flourishing with someone else. He bit his lip fiercely, regretting countless times why he hadn't touched her. Why had he gradually pushed the person he loved most to another?

The door creaked; Zhongli had heard it, had also witnessed Lyney's distraught figure. But in Zhongli's mind, it wasn't enough; he teased F/N's lips to make a more satisfied sound. It still wasn't enough: Lyney had bullied Zhongli's sweetheart for too long. He needed to confront his feelings.

Lyney pondered countless ways of a reunion, but he didn't expect it to be at the wedding.

Holding the golden embossed invitation written in F/N's own handwriting; beside hers, there was Zhongli's majestic and dignified font; clearly written on it was F/N's name alongside another man's.

It was Zhongli who personally sent the invitation, which Lyney, reluctant to face, but couldn't refuse the family's request, if someone personally invites you and insists on your punctuality, why dawdle here? Zhongli's power and influence extended to his family business empire. There was naturally no way to refuse.

Arlecchino's gaze lingered on F/N's name for a long time and told Lyney firmly, “You do anything out of line, I won't forgive you.”

On the day of the wedding, Lyney pocketed the delicate wooden box that held the wedding ring and in the wedding dress box stored the heavy-duty cheongsam he had specially tailored from Chiori. This was his gift; even if Zhongli got angry, he wanted to bring F/N back home.

Full of hope for a reunion, he flew to Liyue.

But as he entered, the wedding was already in progress.

“I do.” without hesitation with happiness and joy, F/N smiled, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she placed her hand in Zhongli's palm.

Lyney stood frozen in place, watching the couple on stage. ; it was as if he saw F/N for the first time. Dressed in the most gorgeous wedding gown, having the grandest wedding; it was just like the request she made back then, but the groom ended up being someone else.

Lyney covered his heart; he realized too late that he had not known to cherish F/N before. He wept, dropping tears and kneeling amidst the crowd's gasps.

But no one paid him any attention.

A/N: Writing this so I can get the Geo grandpa on my main account. A/N 2: Sorry, Lyney. I made you the bad guy again.

[loosiap]

ShannaniSims’ Cheongsams shoeswaped with Io’s heels + afbodydressonesleeve replacement

These are 2 meshes: one with sleeves and one whithout (”nosleeves” in filenames). All Shannanigan’s colours - 3 with and 3 without sleeves, each with black heels: swatch / in game.

Fullbody; everyday and formal categories; heels shoe sound; for y.adults-adults; meshes included ofc (all morphs, polycount 2.4k)

DOWNLOAD as custom: MF | SFS

DOWNLOAD dressonesleeve replacement: MF | SFS (swatch)

Credits: EAMaxis, Shannanigan, Bunhead, Io/Serabiet

[moononmyfloor]

Hi Producer (正好遇见你) Infodump Catalogue

So Yu Zheng is back with another entry in his "let me show you how much research I have done through a drama" saga, and this time he's gone a level beyond and is presenting us ALL the best costumes he had made for his different dynasty dramas, under the guise of "Producers making documentaries about intangible cultural heritage". He's getting increasingly creative (not) but hey, I appreciate a good recycling lol. Even if the drama is made mostly for the purpose of recycling the old costumes for one last time plus boasting.🥲

Official Weibo

ANYWAY, I can never look away from meta and infodumps! So without further ado:

I'll update this masterpost as I go!

Posters: Ep 1-21, Ep 22-35

.

Ep 1, Ep 2: Filigree Inlay, Pt 2

Ep 3, 4: Kesi Weaving

Ep 6, 7: Cheongsam Pt 1, 2, 3

Ep 8,9 : Jade Carving

Ep 10, 11: Porcelain

Ep 12, 13: Chinese Classical Dance

Ep 14, 15: Incense Pt 1, 2

Ep 16, 17: Cuisine Pt 1, 2

Ep 18, 19: Jewellery

Ep 20, 21: Woodblock Printing

Ep 22, 23: Ancient Watch Repair

Ep 24, 25: Lacquerware

Ep 26, 27: Stage Costumes and Props

Ep 28, 29: Bronzeware

Ep 30, 31: Ancient Cosmetics

Ep 32, 33: Ming-Style Carpentry and Landscaping

Ep 34, 35: New Year Customs

[stirringwinds]

Hi! I saw some of your hws China thoughts lately and they were really fun to read, it's always especially interesting to see takes from other sino related people 😆 Do you think Manchu(ria) would be a separate figure (from Wang Yao) during the Qing dynasty, or do you think the Jurchen tribes would've just been absorbed along the way? People always have such different takes on it so I'm curious to know your thoughts.

hey, thanks for this question! :-) i do enjoy thinking about yao's characterisation, even more so in relation to other nations. this is my view of it:

i'm personally inclined to see manchuria as a separate personification during the qing dynasty (though i admittedly haven't developed a detailed idea of their character/personality). i've previously written scenes in the aftermath of the opium wars where yao was at the signing of the treaty of nanking (for example)—but i see it as a situation where yao is rather being ordered around by manchuria (and the humans think yao is a qing official). my thought process is that while the manchu rulers may have adopted certain aspects of han chinese culture to bolster their legitimacy with the wider population, they still held real power, retained certain customs, influenced chinese dressing (the cheongsam) and even tried imposing some of their cultural norms on the entire population. the queue hairstyle for men, and less successfully, the attempt to ban foot-binding for women (that's one thing where i'm "really? you guys should've already cut that bullshit out centuries ago" @ the ancestors 😔). so, to me this is very far from a situation where a nation dies.

in my view of chinese history, there have been times when yao, as an empire, (like rome or persia) has ended or absorbed other nations. the southwards expansion of the han dynasty, for example: the disappearance of the "baiyue" tribes, through conquest, settlers and sinicisation (the totality of that cultural conquest always struck me—that we don't even know what they called themselves today). the conquest of vietnam is one instance where that didn't happen—and even more so for qing china, where manchuria is the one calling the shots. and i don't see a nation adopting some aspects of another nation's culture = death precisely because all cultures change. there's that joke classicists have made about "did the romans conquer greece, or did the greeks conquer rome?" given how much they adopted greek culture aesthetics but we wouldn't say "the romans were not a distinct cultural entity" either. naturally, there are big differences between the qing and roman empires, but most empires weren't above adopting some customs of those they conquered—it's indeed often how successful incorporation worked.

it's also about characterisation and narrative choices for me too; imo yao saw the opium wars as a doubled humiliation. being subject to the "western barbarians"—while being ruled by other "barbarians"; yao's pride is one thing that is stubborn, and he'll cling to the shreds of it. my immediate thought is that if manchuria isn't a separate character, a lot of this narrative loses the force; when it comes to how i'd translate the history into interactions between all these eldritch beings. this is especially when i'm thinking of the subsequent anti-qing movements; and how folks like sun yat-sen laid the blame for china's downfall at the hands of western empires on the manchu ruling dynasty and even characterised them as a colonial force ultimately hobbling china's progress (even if of course, irl history is more complex and there were manchu officials/figures who supported republicanism and the end of the regime). so in this context, to me it's best represented as a multi-layered power struggle between yao, manchuria and of course all the other western nations.

so overall, while history can always be interpreted and translated into hetalia many ways, and i wouldn't say there's a definitive "right" or "wrong" criteria when translating it into whether a hetalia personification dies or endures— personally, it makes the most sense for me if manchuria is a separate character during this era for all the abovementioned reasons. nations after all, aren't states, with all that strict international legal criteria about what a "legitimate" state is—but imagined communities. hetalia personifications are that idea extended further— given flesh and incarnated by the dreams, beliefs and imagination of humans: they're fluid and ambiguous—but also resilient, because it's not so easy to kill an idea.

[polygonsnatcher]

Oriental Cheongsam dresses by Daislia, mesh by Shannanigan

I have now got my hands on a vip TSR account, and I am going to share my finds with everyone else. It's 2023 now, and I don't believe in people still waiting for downloads of CC from almost 15 years ago while having ads all over the screen.

This dress is 8 recolours of Shannanigan's cheongsam mesh, which is included. AF only I am sure, files are compressed and tooltipped and a picture is included.

MIRRORED DL LINK AT SFS

note - if the original creators would like me to take this down then of course, but I do not like TSR and want everyone to have free and safe access to custom content

[cnladies]

ANGELABABY / YANG YING 杨颖 in custom qipao/cheongsam from Barney Cheng, jewelry from Stephen Webster, Breitling watch and Roger Viview heels | BAFTA Gala 2024

Angelababy: more photos here international events: more photos here qipao/cheongsam photoshoot: more photos here

[asdfghjklmals]

holy hell y’all have no idea how much time i spent on procreate to edit this pic crew of gojo and oc gojo girlfriend. and all the effort i put into making the damn pin for jujutsu high on gojo’s chest!!! i’ve never used procreate on my ipad before, so bare with my noob edits.

anyways, enjoy their jujutsu high student days <3

oc gojo girlfriend’s custom uniform has a little qipao/cheongsam inspiration teehee :3

[geeknik]

31 Days of Halloween: Day 4, San Francisco’s Chinatown

As we delve further into our #31DaysofHalloween, we turn our attention to the vibrant and enigmatic Chinatown in San Francisco. This bustling neighborhood, steeped in history and culture, harbors its fair share of supernatural tales and mysterious occurrences, adding an intriguing layer to the Halloween season.

Historical Background

San Francisco's Chinatown is the oldest and one of the largest in North America, dating back to the mid-19th century. It served as a gateway for many Chinese immigrants, who brought their customs, traditions, and beliefs to create a thriving community within the city.

Ghostly Legends

Chinatown is known for its ghostly legends, often rooted in Chinese folklore and beliefs. One prominent figure in these tales is the infamous Qing dynasty ghost bride, who is said to wander the streets of Chinatown, clad in a red cheongsam. Legend has it that she was murdered on her wedding night and seeks vengeance on unsuspecting men who cross her path.

Another ghostly presence associated with Chinatown is the ghost of a Chinese opera singer. It is said that her ethereal voice can still be heard echoing through the alleys and narrow streets, captivating those who dare to listen.

Additionally, Chinatown is rumored to be home to ancestral spirits of the Chinese immigrants who settled there. It is believed that their presence can be felt in the offerings and rituals performed at the neighborhood's temples and altars.

The Experience

Exploring Chinatown during Halloween allows for a unique blend of cultural immersion and supernatural intrigue. The narrow alleyways, ornate temples, and vibrant street markets create an atmospheric backdrop that transports visitors into another world.

During your visit, keep an eye out for shops specializing in fortune telling, where you can have your future read using ancient Chinese divination methods like palmistry or tarot cards. These experiences offer a glimpse into the mystical world and beliefs that continue to thrive in Chinatown.

Ghost Tours

For a more immersive encounter with Chinatown's spectral legends, consider joining one of the ghost tours offered in the area. These guided walks provide insight into the neighborhood's haunted history, sharing spine-tingling stories and taking visitors to known paranormal hotspots.

Through these tours, you will not only learn about the ghostly tales associated with Chinatown but also gain a deeper understanding of the neighborhood's cultural heritage, traditions, and the fascinating stories of those who shaped it.

Conclusion

Chinatown in San Francisco is a captivating destination filled with rich history, cultural heritage, and a touch of the supernatural. As we continue our journey through 31 days of Halloween, exploring the ghostly legends and mysterious occurrences that surround this vibrant neighborhood adds an exciting and enchanting element to our Halloween celebrations.

Whether you seek a thrilling ghostly encounter, a deeper understanding of Chinese folklore, or simply a taste of authentic cuisine amid the lantern-lit streets, Chinatown in San Francisco has something to offer for every Halloween enthusiast. So, immerse yourself in the magic, mystery, and cultural tapestry of this unique destination, and let the spirit of Halloween guide your explorations.

[vexic929]

What aesthetics do your OCs gravitate towards?

Ooh let's see

Vice: visual-kei or nu-goth; they're very into playing with gender and wearing extravagant, avant-garde pieces, much to his boyfriend's chagrin lol

Soliton: she tends to sway between soft femme and cyberpunk raver aesthetics with no in between

Berrie: definitely 1970s fashion (though on Earth-100 that's the current modern aesthetic); lots of oranges, high-waisted bell-bottoms, sweater-vests and loose, patterned button-downs

Aria: catwalk corporate; nothing she ever wears costs less than $300 and most of it is in the thousands purchased straight from the designers themselves

The Ace Arrow: grunge; lots of soft layers with mismatched prints in varying shades of grey, black, and purple

Harmonic Sine: Y2K girly-girl vibes with lots of sky blues and dreamy prints (and she always matches her glasses and hearing aids to the outfit)

Agent V-92: just so much black and red leather, why does she own so much leather

Fire & Ice: business casual unless she's going out drinking with her boyfriend, then she'll switch to the classic sexy little black dress and stilettos or something sparklier for special occasions

Earth-63 preface; China is the main global superpower on this Earth and has been for centuries so all of the aesthetics have Chinese influence such as resembling qipao/cheongsam or hanfu

Reverse: catwalk corporate as well; she dresses as well-to-do as her family with highly decorated qipao, custom yellow leather jackets, and tailored slacks and blouses (though on rare occasion she'll wear the old, worn Flash t-shirt she got in college)

The Flash: she favors the basics; jeans and a simple blouse or t-shirt or sweatshirt on a casual day with comfortable, heat-resistant shoes

Dr. H Wells: business casual; before her wife's death, they would often wear matching qipao-inspired dresses on formal occasions and steal each others' sweaters in the lab while the other was working so it made things easier on both of them to just wear a monochromatic palette of blacks and greys. after her wife's death, she's had to pare down some of their wardrobe to just comfortable items she can easily put on or modify to work for her as a paraplegic

Pied Piper: corporate goth with green accents; she always wants to look perfectly put-together but she can't quite get rid of her dramatic emo kid past

Nightwing: retro or basics; usually high-waisted pants with tucked-in, half-unbuttoned blouses or tight sweaters and jeans with a leather jacket or a Superwoman t-shirt; she's either the chicest person in the room or a fashion disaster and you'll never know which

Red Hood: goth or punk or grunge depending on the day

[mybukz]

Preview : "The Journey of Ang Eng Nyonya Kebaya Makers Since 1955"

Publisher: Ang Eng Sdn Bhd

by Peter Soh

Preview : Leon Wing

Don’t skip the Foreword, which normally most readers do. It begins the story of Ang Eng, with the Chairperson of United Malacca Berhad /Patron of Persatuan Peranakan Baba Nyonya Malaysia (PERANAKAN), Datin Paduka Tan Siok Choo, one of the customers of the kebaya shop in Ampang, now relocated to Dataran Palma.

The book begins with the world of the nyonya kebaya. It awes you with full-color photographs featuring beautiful Asian models in classic kebaya designs. These images capture the timeless elegance of the kebaya. Moving on, you’ll explore the fascinating history of this iconic garment, with photos that interpret modern kebaya designs, even pairing the kebaya with the cheongsam for festive flair.

The focus shifts to why contemporary Asian women embrace the kebaya. This garment connects them to both their past and present. You’ll be intrigued to learn that the kebaya has roots across diverse Asian regions, including Java, Sumatra, and Thailand. Also featured are notable personalities: Vivienne Lee, President of the Persatuan Peranakan Baba Nyonya KL & Selangor, shines in her kebaya, alongside Dato Shahira Ahmed Bazari and her daughters, who demonstrate how women can look equally stunning in this attire. Actress Emily Lim and Roslina Ismail, General Counsel of POS Malaysia, also grace the pages, as do many others—young, old, models, and non-models alike. Even Datin Bateman Dris, an older figure, appears elegant in her kebaya.

Curious about kebaya motifs? There’s an entire chapter dedicated to the intricate embroidery, patterns, and designs. You learn the history of the kebaya, from the 1900s through to the Dutch influence in the 1920s. In the 1940s embroidery made an appearance, thanks to the sewing machine. The 1960s popularized the sulam or embroidery fad. By the 1970s, the kebaya sulam became popular for festive occasions.

The second half of the book reveals the craftsmanship behind the kebaya. While not step-by-step instructions, it offers a glimpse into the journey of creating these masterpieces, including the intricate designs of Kerawang, which resemble lacework.

As the book nears its end, it delves into the story of Ang Eng. The tale begins in 1955 with Madam Lim Wah Choon, the founder from Kedah. You’ll see black-and-white photos of her family and her shop, leading up to the present-day owner, Yu Lin. We see how the Covid-19 pandemic marked a turning point. A reality show featuring nyonya embroidery revived interest in the kebaya. The kebaya got its recognition in UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2024.

About Peter Soh

Peter Soh is a Peranakan writer who is very interested in exploring the discourse and identity of the Chinese Peranakan. He made his publishing debut with his short story, The Missing Tomb, featured in the Emerging Malaysian Writers 2018 anthology.

In 2024, he won second prize in the open category of the writing competition held in conjunction with the Baba Nyonya Literary Festival for his short story When Women Loved. That same year, he was invited to document the legacy and intricate craft of nyonya kebaya making in the book The Journey of Ang Eng Nyonya Kebaya Makers Since 1955.

Peter is currently heading the Exam Department at Maple Leaf Kingsley International School, after serving as Head of Humanities for two years.