Lady Monica Rani’s journey with Cheongsam all started with popular 1960s movie The World of Suzie Wong, cheongsam has become so popular among American Navies, that’s how she began the tourists’ business – tailor made cheongsam and other clothings, the business has lasted over 40 years and continues going strong.
According to Monica, the Europeans also love dress-up in cheongsam more than Indian Sarees and Peranakan Nyonya Kebaya, this is attributed to cheongsam’s easy-to-wear, never die-off style, once a woman dressed up in cheongsam, hair into a bun, on high heels, she will instantly stand out, stunning and elegant. Cheongsam is ultimately more popular than any other traditional costumes in Singapore.
Monica started her career with some of the oldest and biggest names of custom tailors in Singapore, they are Mulchand’s Custom Tailor and Department Store, Mohan’s Custom Tailor. Monica was in the Custom Tailor trade at Far East Plaza for 21 years before moving to China Town to open her own store Z.A. Classic Tailor. She makes not only women’s cheongsam but also men’s suits and mandarin collar jackets, especially the dragon design men’s mandarin collar jacket is always popular even over time.
Monica’s lengthy customers list has many well-known names, she is especially proud that she has dressed up Australian Former Prime Minister Bob Hawke (1983-1991). Monica also met Frank Hardy and Mary Hardy, the brother and sister, both are famous. Frank is Australian Novelist and Writer, he authored the Book “Power Without Glory”, Mary is Australian Television and Radio Presenter, actress and comedian. Kim Carr, the Australian Minister in the Rudd and Gillard Governments, Kim has patronized Monica’ store recently and bought a few pieces for his Wife too.
Monica loves to sell beautiful cheongsam and smart look clothing. She has local customers too, they usually come to dress up themselves for events, corporate functions, Racial Harmony Day and Chinese New Year etc. She is experienced to give recommendations and dress up her customers, make them feeling beautiful and confident.
Monica Rani
莫妮卡
Owner of Z.A. Classic Tailors Pte Ltd