MyStory

The design, the cut, the fabric's art deco print, the chalky press studs, the disintegrating threads, the yellowed lining, the patchiness of the cloth and yes, even the musty smell - all these confirmed that these two cheongsams were my late mother's earliest. There are no arm hole seams, but the fabric was cut with the sleeves sticking out laterally. What made me chuckle was the CUTE puppy print. I'd really love to see Mother in this one! I estimate - from the svelte size of the cheongsams, that they were tailored for her after my parents' marriage (arranged) and sometime around the first few births of my elder siblings. Mother had nine children and naturally she 'blossomed' in girth too. I imagine the sentimental look in her eyes as she kept them nicely wrapped up and putting them away in the almirah. Memories are made of stuff such as these, yes, even cheongsams.

Article migrated from original My Story Portal 2007.
Author. Aredialwise