You might recognize this dress from movies like “In the Mood for Love” and “The World of Suzie Wong.” The qipao, or cheongsam, has been called “China’s national attire,” but today, there are only a few tailors who make them by hand. Yan Ka-man is one of them.
He’s been making these iconic dresses by hand for more than 60 years and has dressed stars like Lily Ho, Angie Chiu, and Michelle Yeoh. What sets him apart from other tailors is his commitment to traditional techniques.
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If you liked this video, we have more stories about the last artisans of their craft, including:
Carving Mahjong Tiles By Hand in Hong Kong https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6twmnt
Why Hong Kong Still Uses Bamboo to Build Buildings https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7tbfqo
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Producer: Clarissa Wei Videographer and Editor: Mario Chui Fixer: Cardin Chan Mastering: Victor Peña