Adorning the Dreams of Others — Master Kan Hon-wing
Mei Wah Cheongsam, with its beautiful and elegant name, carries the vision of the founder, Master Kan Hon-wing's grandfather, in the 1920s. As one of the most historic cheongsam shops in Hong Kong, Mei Wah Cheongsam has stood prominently in Sheung Wan for over half a century. The current custodian, Master Kan Hon-wing, who is sixty-eight years old this year, is the third-generation successor. When speaking of the cheongsam, he remains full of vibrant energy and high spirits, demonstrating an boundless passion for this traditional craft.
Master Kan began learning the art of making cheongsams in his teens, a craft born not only from family tradition but, more importantly, from his heartfelt passion for the garment. "Making a cheongsam requires genuine sincerity and patience," he emphasized. "Without an inner passion for this work, it is absolutely impossible to persevere." During the golden age of Mee Wah Cheongsam, the shop employed over thirty masters. Today, only two masters in their eighties remain, with Master Kan now being the youngest.
From the 1930s to the 1960s, tailor shops were the primary places where Hong Kong people acquired their clothing. In addition to cheongsams, Mee Wah also made custom suits, shirts, and various other garments for its clients. Between the 1950s and 1970s, the cheongsam was even worn as everyday casual wear by Hong Kong women. Following the liberation of China, a large number of Shanghainese tailoring masters migrated south to Hong Kong, bringing their exquisite garment-making craftsmanship to the city.
Regarding the evolution of the cheongsam, Master Kan insists on maintaining its traditional characteristics: "The mandarin collar, the side opening (side-slit bodice), and the form-fitting cut are the most essential elements of a cheongsam." In terms of material selection, Mee Wah Cheongsam carefully selects high-quality fabrics from France, Great Britain, Italy, and other countries. Following fashion trends, they provide customers with the best choices, ranging from silk-woven cotton to currently popular velvet.
Mee Wah Cheongsam's clientele spans all age groups, from young girls attending graduation ceremonies to professional women, with each customer receiving a bespoke, tailor-made service. Master Kan pays particular attention to detail, designing the most suitable styles based on the customer's physical features and the requirements of the occasion. For instance, he custom-designs V-neck cheongsams for round-faced clients to create a flattering, elongating effect.
In Master Kan's view, an excellent cheongsam demands integrity in its entirety, where every detail from cutting to sewing is of paramount importance. "The cheongsam is a form-fitting garment; the lines must be sharp, and no detail can be overlooked," he explained. "From the inside out, every single stitch requires solid, masterful skill, and the details of the piping and binding must be exceptionally uniform."
As a true artisan, Master Kan pours his emotions into every piece of work and insists on personally checking the quality of the finished products. He believes that reputation is the core foundation of this trade. Even for one-time custom clients, he hopes to win their recommendations through high-quality service and workmanship. For customers who cherish their cheongsams, he even offers free alteration services, embodying the professional ethics and service enthusiasm of a traditional craftsman.
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