When I first envisioned my tea ceremony outfit, I wanted it to celebrate the beautiful intersection of my husband and I’s Filipino and Chinese heritage. I started to play around the idea of combining the Filipino ternos and the Chinese qipao/cheongsam dresses. I knew that I needed help making this vision to life and I decided to work with ANTHILL Fabric, a social enterprise dedicated to preserving Filipino weaving traditions.
I shared some designs and ideas of what it might look like and I received three different sketches from their team. During this time, we were also designing my husband’s Filipino-Chinese barong top. What I loved about this process is I was able to pick the fabric and really make suggestions and iterations. The most challenging part of this was the fitting as we would have to ship back and forth between Philippines and Florida.
Our first round of design and sample was great but it was missing depth.
I sketched the new vision and went with just sticking with the red theme as the white and gold/yellow accents felt distracting and we finally were able to create the beautiful custom pieces for our tea ceremony.
This particular piece, crafted from vibrant red Binakol weaves, became a symbol of cultural pride and identity on one of the most special days of my life. I loved the Chineses buttons and collar. It’s such a beautiful blend of both our cultures.
The Meaning
Binakol, with its intricate, hypnotic patterns, represents both artistry and storytelling—qualities I deeply value. Traditionally handwoven by artisans in the northern Philippines, Binakol’s geometric patterns are said to ward off negative energy. This weave, combined with the structured elegance of a qipao, perfectly embodied the union of my Chinese roots and Filipino heritage. The original design featured the iconic Filipino terno (butterfly) sleeves, giving it a bold and regal silhouette.
Fast forward to today, as I prepare for another transformative chapter: motherhood. I found myself reflecting on that special qipao top and wondering how I could reimagine it to suit my growing journey. The idea of redesigning the piece felt like breathing new life into something already rich with history and meaning.
A Collaborative Redesign
With the help of my amazing sewing instructor Deborah from The Sewing Heart, we embarked on the process of reimagining the qipao top. My goal was to make it softer and more feminine while keeping its cultural essence intact. I decided to:
- Remove the Butterfly Sleeves: The terno sleeves, while beautiful, felt too structured for this new phase of life. Removing them allowed the design to feel lighter and more contemporary. The sleeves are saved so that I can use it for more formal events and now I have another look!
- Add a Halter Neckline: To enhance the top’s femininity, I opted for a halter-style neckline. This small change brought a fresh and modern twist to the traditional qipao silhouette. We went with a backless design as this creates more space in the chest area.
- Incorporate a Peplum Waist: The addition of a peplum waist not only accommodated my growing belly but also added a playful and flattering touch. It’s a design element that feels both functional and celebratory—perfect for a piece that continues to evolve with me.
Throughout this process, Deborah brought her expertise and creativity to the table, ensuring the redesign honored the craftsmanship of the original piece from ANTHILL while making it uniquely mine. We worked together to cut the fabric from the back and the sleeves. Then used the original skirt to create the peplum part of the top. We added a gartered back panel so that it can continue to have a good fit on the back and waist while still allowing more width to grow.
What I loved about this is that we still have left-over fabric for me to use to connect the butterfly sleeves and even make bowties/accessories for my dog and also my son (who’s clearly enjoying his time in my belly). I’m thinking of using this for maybe his 100th day of birth or first birthday.
A Piece of Me, Then and Now
Wearing this redesigned qipao top feels like reconnecting with an old girlfriend. Through out its design evolution, I felt that I too have also seen my own changes —from a bride celebrating love and welcoming another culture, to a mother-to-be embracing new beginnings. It’s a reminder that tradition evolves.
As I wear this piece in its new form, I’m reminded of the resilience and creativity that define both my heritage and my personal journey. This qipao top is more than an article of clothing; it’s a story, a celebration, and a symbol of who I am—past, present, and future.
What’s Next
The redesign of my qipao top has inspired me to explore more ways to breathe new life and weave new traditions in my own home. I want to continue to create pieces that continue to celebrate who I am and also impart what I want for my kids to see.
Side note: I can’t wait to wear this during my Lunar New Year pop up in Orlando! I’ll update this blog with more pics of me wearing it!
Have you ever reimagined a cherished piece of clothing or heirloom? I’d love to hear about it in the comments or on social media!
Jea Dreams Of 
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