Our cheongsam category from last year returns! However, it does so under a slightly different title and eligibility rules. With reasonable restraint, we want to honor all of these beautiful Chinese outfits that are now being worn on figures. Let’s jump into our list of the best figures wearing a cheongsam or traditional Chinese clothing!
Before we begin, let’s be clear which figures are eligible for inclusion.
Eligibility
- 1. Figures wearing a cheongsam or "China Dress"
- 2. Traditional Chinese clothing is OK
- 3. Characters don't need to be Chinese, from a Chinese series, or Chinese manufacturer
Honorable Mentions
Our honorable mentions are Lyn from Fire Emblem, Zhaojun by SOUL WING, and Cup of Eternal Solid Gold by Myethos. Both are Lyn and Zhaojun wear high-slit variants of a cheongsam. Lyn sees each side of hers flutter with the motion of her pose. Drawing attention to her legs, Zhaojun has hers lay on the ground with her sitting pose. Also sitting in a sitting pose, Cup of Eternal Solid Gold is adorned with decadent gold as she wears a flowing yellow and brown outfit. The yellow in it features a beautiful watercolor distressing.
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5th
Chinese Paladin Sword and Fairy 25th Anniversary Commemorative Figure
Zhao Ling-Er
For the 25th anniversary of Chinese Paladin, Zhao Ling-Er had to be good. Good she is not, but magnificent. Her dynamic pose as she reaches into the sky, sees an intricate wind effect ripple across every item of her clothing and hair. And her base that depicts her battle with the water demon is one of the elaborate ones we’ve seen this year. Zhao Ling-Er is impressive no matter where you look, and a fitting start to the list.
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4th
Rita Rossweisse Maid of Celestia
Pre-orders opened at the beginning of the year for Houkai 3rd’s Rita Rossweisse. Since then, she’s been one of the standout figures regardless of category. Her revealing cheongsam does more than immediately show off her body. Although ornate with gold decoration, the colors in her dress have an earthy simplicity that brings out her wry smile and ruby eyes filled with intention.
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3rd
Archer/Tomoe Gozen Heroic Spirit Traveling Outfit Ver.
Wearing a breathtaking cheongsam with a vivid blend of turquoise and maroon, Max Factory’s Archer/Tomoe Gozen makes her appearance on our list. Not only are those colors splendid. The ivory coloring and its gold trim, gives you a sense of elegance as it compliments that mesmerizing blend. Will still more than a year away, will her travels lead her to your collection? They lead her to a spot on our list.
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2nd
Hatsune Miku Shaohua
In the words of MyGrailWatch, “A picture of elegance and beauty from an era passed.” With original design by ASK, Myethos has filled us with awe in every stylish detail. However, it was Miku’s serene pose and smile that left us staggered. However, if it weren’t for her cheongsam, Miku wouldn’t be on this list. Her beautiful dress and light pattern is made more beautiful with the emerald and gold trim adorning it. It’s not difficult to see why collectors are in a panic for her, is it?
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1st
OTs-14 Crassula volkensii
Where Miku had us staggered, OTs-14’s charm enveloped and toppled us. She draws you into her world by the way she fixes her shoe while looking at you. With or without the glove in her mouth, OTs-14’s ladylike mannerisms are second-to-none this year.
Her figure-hugging black cheongsam has an orange interior. However, it’s the floral gold pattern on either side that marries the two contrasting colors. The long slits respectively drape over weapon chest and posterior. While she has ladylike in her mannerisms, OTs-14’s feminine body is also captivating.
If you haven’t already read our impressions of her, we’ve also gone in depth with her.
Closing words
Deciding between the Race Queen figures was difficult. This one had us sweat because of how hotly contested it was. Not because we’re in the peak of summer here.
ASK is responsible for the artwork of both Miku and OTs-14. With that in mind, you could say it is their fans, who are the winners here. The same can be said for anyone who appreciates these beautiful outfits. A few of the entries came at the end of the year. It’s unbelievable that for a category which was scant throughout the year has such an overwhelming amount of great figures on the list.
“It ain’t over ’til it’s over.”