Ruth Chew

Made for Client — Remodernised Qi Pao Shirt Dress

Heritage lines reworked with modern ease, refined through proportion, fit and movement.

Brief

Ruth attended Adam’s made-to-measure event in Singapore, where she browsed through the design presentation and was immediately drawn to the Qi Pao Shirt Dress.

She responded to its festive quality and recognised how the silhouette could flatter her body with a slimmer, more elongated line. The brief was to create a piece that carried the spirit of qi pao dressing, while feeling modern, expressive and suitable for celebration.

Solution

After discussing the execution, the original white lace detail from the sketch was reworked in black to give the dress a stronger sense of drama and contrast. This allowed the design to feel more defined, while retaining its elegance.

Adam also proposed developing the round panel around the neckline with a lace overlay, rather than keeping it plain. This added greater depth and fullness to the upper body detail, allowing the dress to feel more complete and visually striking.

The final piece became a remodernised qi pao shirt dress shaped through proportion, festive detail and considered contrast — honouring tradition while giving Ruth a more modern and personal expression.