A qipao collector: Hong Kong’s new leader Carrie Lam on her love for traditional Chinese dress

The chief executive has said she only had to buy one new qipao for her inauguration, made by a ‘renowned’ local designer

Carrie Lam

Elizabeth Cheung

Published: 3:08pm, 2 Jul 2017

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Hong Kong’s first female leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor revealed the pink qipao she wore for her inauguration was the only new dress she has worn over the past three days.

In a video uploaded on Lam’s new official Facebook page, which was launched on Saturday when she began her role as the chief executive, Lam, who was seen in numerous outfits during President Xi Jinping’s visit from Thursday to Saturday, explained most qipaos she wore were purchased long ago.

However, for Saturday’s inauguration ceremony when she was sworn in as the city’s leader, Lam said she wore a pink qipao and long white jacket tailor-made for the occasion.

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“I want to promote design from Hong Kong. My outfit was designed by a renowned local fashion designer,” said Lam in the video, without revealing the name of designer.

Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor presents her cabinet at the Central Government Offices in Tamar on June 21, 2017. Photo: David Wong

She also added a reason for her love of qipaos: “As the first female chief executive, I want to display the features of oriental women.”

During her maiden political rally in February, while running for the chief executive election, Lam said her choice to wear qipaos was not political, nor meant to impress Beijing, but that she considered the dress “best showed the figure of Asian women”.

Carrie Lam, as chief secretary, opens the racing season by striking a gong on September 3, 2016. Photo: Kenneth Chan

As for the rest of dresses she wore during Xi’s visit, Lam said they were from her collection of more than 30 qipaos, which she deemed sufficient for her use.

Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngot in 2012, then Chief Secretary, at Hong Kong Police College passing out parade and inspection. Photo: David Wong

“I can match with different jackets to create various styles. Wearing used qipaos again and again is also being environment friendly. I hope to make best use of my qipaos,” said Lam.

Carrie Lam with then chief executive Leung Chun-ying and financial secretary John Tsang, line up during the news conference in Hong Kong in 2012. Photo: AP

Lam launched the official Facebook page and an Instagram account on Saturday, with her first post a photo and video showing her having hair done and make-up applied in a salon at 5.30am.

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