Step into the world of Leung Long Kong, the 84-year-old master tailor behind Maggie Cheung’s iconic qipaos in Wong Kar Wai’s In the Mood for Love – a film that redefined cinematic fashion. Two decades later, Leung continues to stitch tradition into modernity from his Hong Kong atelier, crafting garments that blend cultural heritage with contemporary flair.
Leung’s meticulous process involves hand-measuring 26 body points, selecting silk textiles reflecting the wearer’s personality, and incorporating hidden structural reinforcements to enhance natural elegance. \"A qipao should whisper, not shout,\" he says, emphasizing understated craftsmanship over fast fashion trends.
Young designers now flock to his studio, drawn by sustainable fashion principles embedded in his work – single-piece production, zero fabric waste, and garments designed to last decades. This resurgence aligns with global interest in heritage crafts, as UNESCO reports a 40% increase in searches for traditional tailoring techniques since 2020.
For digital nomads and culture enthusiasts, Leung’s story embodies Hong Kong’s unique position as a bridge between East and West – where a Shanghainese dress style became a global symbol of Asian sophistication through cinematic storytelling.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
