First impressions can be deceiving. At a glance, actress and emcee Chermaine Poo looks the perfect poster child for today’s leggings-with-tunic generation.

Skinny jeans and hugging T-shirts should be more like a second skin for the former Miss Malaysia/Universe, no?

Chermaine Poo loves wearing the cheongsam, and here she is modelling designs by Sunny Ng.

However, this presumption is pleasantly exploded when the Kuala Lumpur-born, 20-something gal — currently seen in Astro’s drama series, Tudung Express — confesses to a fondness for traditional outfits, especially the cheongsam.

“I have more than 30 cheongsam in my wardrobe!’’ reveals Poo as her hair is being coiffured by Albert Nico salon for a fashion shoot at Hakka Republic Restaurant. She is wearing cheongsam by Shanghai Sun.

She had earlier arrived all set for her first cheongsam assignment with nails having been painted with delicate floral motifs by Twinkle Nails (Metropolitan Square) and makeup by Mac cosmetics. The subversive sexuality of the cheongsam appeals to her, Poo says.

“It is a modest look with its high collar, but a cheongsam is also very sexy, showing off the curves,” explains Poo, who quit chartered accountancy three years ago to join the entertainment industry.

“I wear the cheongsam as often as I can — during Chinese New Year, of course, as well as many other functions.’’

Poo, who has shot commercials in Japan, Korea and China, bought a number of them on her travels.

“My mother would also buy them for me on her trips,’’ says the actress whose coming projects are a Malay horror movie and Chinese drama series.

Sunny Ng’s cheongsam take on a Little Black Dress. — KEVIN TAN/ The Star

“My mother and sister are also cheongsam fans!’’ she beams.

The multi-generational attraction of the dress is not surprising for Shanghai Sun designer Sunny Ng, who has clients from various age groups — often in one family.

“Many young working women wear the cheongsam regularly these days,’’ says the former hairdresser-cum-antiques dealer whose boutique in Menara Hap Seng has cultivated quite a following since he launched his brand almost a decade ago.

Although there are a number of designers who offer contemporary versions of the qipao (as the cheongsam is also called), Ng is more faithful to its classic tradition, placing emphasis on the hourglass-shaped silhouette.

A fine cheongsam is in the details, he says. The cut, executed by his Shanghainese master cutter, and the detailed workmanship like intricate piping and frog fastenings are its defining points. The refinement is amplified by the choice of luxurious fabrics. Silk and shantung have always been the preferred material for a cheongsam.

However, modernity is creeping in, with Western fabrics also being used now including velvet chiffon, satin brocade and even corded lace.

Ng has noted a trend among his customers to blend East and West, and has used lace and sequined chiffon for his Chinese New Year collection.

Lace has stormed the fashion scene this season, as top designers in the fashion capitals explore new possibilities with the hyper-feminine fabric. In a daring break from tradition, Ng is even offering cheongsam in black lace! It’s a bold take on the Little Black Dress, with an Asian twist.

“Black is now often seen at formal occasions, such as a Chinese wedding,’’ he points out.

Black and green have also been cited by feng shui masters as auspicious colours for the Year of the Rabbit. But for women not at ease with challenging the taboo, Ng advises wearing gold, diamonds and other precious stones such as jadeite and rubies to enhance the auspicious aura.

At the shoot, accessories from Charisma Jewellers add sparkle to the outfits.

However, as an unabashed gesture to the eternal hope for abundance and prosperity, nothing beats a colourful, shiny cheongsam for the Lunar New Year. The celebrations will be a truly grand affair in one of Ng’s fully sequined cheongsam.

Quirky touches such as diamante zippers and see-through yokes add light relief to the haute elegance that usually intimidates women about cheongsam. But not Poo — she is thoroughly at ease in the outfits as she strikes playful poses during the shoot.

Looks like tradition still has a place in the hearts and wardrobes of young women today.

>Shanghai Sun is located at Menara Hap Seng, Jalan P. Ramlee, Kuala Lumpur, Tel: (03) 2144 6169 or visit www.shanghaisun.com.my