Hop into the Lunar New Year in your best looks for the season. If you don’t already have your traditional cheongsam or festive family co-ords, here is a list of wonderful brands to check out, both online and offline (physical stores).
For You
1. Vintage Glamour – WYNKA
WYNKA introduces a sophisticated and elegant collection called, ‘Double Happiness’ which pays homage to vintage glamour. Taking a leaf from long-standing oriental traditions and aesthetics, expect to see lots of detailing inspired by the 80’s and old school Hong Kong diners, such as the use of sweet lace trimmings, layers, and flares.
2. Contemporary Ready-To-Wear – Maarimaia
Fans of brocade, mod silhouettes, and stylish patterns will love what Maarimaia has to offer this season. Showcasing sleek statement pieces in their Maarimaia Lunar RTW collection, you can bet you will be the belle of the ball, dressed in one of their mini qipaos or pleated pencil skirts.
3. Easy Elegance – Doublewoot
A popular choice for those who like to keep it chic and classy without going over budget. Doublewoot’s ‘Oriental Medley’ displays feminine and alluring two-pieces in rich chinoiserie jacquard fabric, as well as printed cheongsams with great tailoring in light colour palettes.
4. Luxurious Fashion – Khoon Hooi
No stranger to producing some of Malaysia’s show-stopping looks for Chinese New Year, Khoon Hooi brings forward magnificence and splendour in their collection, available at their APW Bangsar boutique or online store. Be on the lookout for versatile and contemporary pieces in figure-flattering cuts, collars, and silhouettes, which can be worn for the office too.
5. Ready-Stock Looks – Cheongsam by Jane
Still on the hunt for your cheongsam? Browse through Cheongsam by Jane, Malaysia’s biggest cheongsam online store for an array of choices. Styles galore from midi to long thigh-slit cheongsams, mini qipaos, and matchy two-piece sets, plus accessories to elevate your looks. The online store caters to sizes S to XL and launches new releases often, so hurry and get in line!
6. Bespoke Outfits – Innai Red
Coined ‘Lady Yi’, Innai Red presents a beautiful, stunning, and delicate collection fit for a princess. The use of luxe and romantic fabrics, such as floral brocade, lustrous satin and lightweight chiffon, matched with embellishments like intricate crystal beadings, knot buttons, and dramatic folds, will surely make one feel and look regal. The collection is made-to-measure and exclusively available at Innai Red’s boutique, by appointment only. Contact the Innai Red boutique for more details on pricing and collection availability.
7. Fun and Eclectic Pieces – Duchess and Co
After being away from the fashion scene for more than a year, Duchess and Co is back with a dazzling limited edition collection titled, ‘DREAM’. The collection is inspired by the Year of the Rabbit and how it is a playful, energetic, yet soft and tender animal. Celebrate with excitement, decked in a printed rabbit motif dress (with a detachable collar), paired with faux feather or fur trimmings, including lace, sequins, and rhinestones — what a combo! A family collection is also available through an exclusive collaboration with Shaine Wong, so don’t miss this too.
8. Bold Opulence – Ong Shunmugam
Singapore-based label, Ong Shunmugam creates vibrant, up-to-date, and fashionable garments suited for the daring darlings. From the fit to the detailing, every piece is a masterpiece to behold, and the wearer will not go unnoticed. Think wing-shoulder flared cheongsams in bold prints and tones, to ruffled toga tops with matching trousers; great worn together or as separates. International orders are open, but do enquire via the website or email to check on shipping deadlines and item availability.
9. Ethereal Chic – Hanya
Hanya takes dressing up for Chinese New Year on an effortless, sophisticated, and feminine trail. Part of their must-have Lunar exclusives include their version of the classic red dress, made from linen material, as well as a jacquard top and skirt combo. Play up your look with these choices, and add some dainty pearl earrings or a paper or silk hand fan to complete your classic look!
10. Be Wrapped in Love – Florette The Label
What is there not to adore about iron-free wrap dresses? They are not only flattering to wear but are practical too; especially for breastfeeding mamas. Great news for the fans – Florette The Label has launched their mandarin collar wrap dresses in attractive new prints, perfect for work and play. They’ve also introduced their lovely Oriental Pankou knot satin top (RM159), available in sizes S to L and in three colours: maroon, blush, and navy.
11. Harmonious Heritage – Nala Designs
Inspired by some recent travels to Asia, Nala Designs has created yet another vibrant collection with their signature hand-drawn illustrations and refreshed cheongsam cuts, such as their classic flared skirts and tulip cuts. A mix of colour pairings like lilac and green gives each garment a nice pop of colour without being OTT.
12. Playful Pairings – Afiq M
Flirty two-pieces by Afiq M are made available with a skirt, pants, or tailored shorts pairing option. The back-zipped top or wrap top is created to accentuate the waist and figure, thanks to a peplum-like design.
13. Bright and Timeless – Tsukha
True to its origins, homegrown label, Tsukha brings the traditional cheongsam look to another level, with its original styling and trendy designs. Zoom in into their latest collection, featuring a scallop seashell print that is tasteful and cheery for a season of celebration.
14. Regal Sweetheart – Dreamscape
Dreamscape is proud to introduce their new and improved collection in terms of theme, fabrics, and quality of cheongsams for 2023. Choose to dress up in a girlie peekaboo lace qipao, or channel your inner sexy siren in a satin or suede number this Lunar New Year.
For the Family
15. Cute and Sweet Prints – Bops and Pops
Proudly made in Malaysia, Bops and Pops produces cute, quirky, and cheerful printed cotton cheongsams, baju raya, and tops for children. Each garment is sewn with love and made in limited quantities. Head over to their Shopee site here to shop and view the collection.
16. Perfectly Matched – POKOKS
Celebrations are about making memories and marking special moments and traditions together. Complement that and dress your tribe in matching and charming looks from POKOKS to make your family photos extra special this year. All designs are made from 100% cotton fabric and sizes for babies and children start from three months to 18 months, one year old to 14 years old and size XS to XXL for adults, men and women.
17. Affordable Gems – Hemito
Shop for good quality and affordable hanfu, smart casual shirts, and linen Tang suits for boys here. Hemito offers a wide variety of Chinese New Year clothes for children including babies too. Apart from that, they also sell ready-stock everyday wear, accessories, kids dinnerware, and gift sets. Love dressing up with your littles? Check out their ‘Mommy and Me’ collection for deals!
18. Something for Everyone – Love Knot x Sherlyn Mama
The newly launched, ‘Love Knot x Sherlyn Mama’ collaboration delivers a handful of feminine wearable threads. As the collaboration is the first for the label and Sherlyn (digital creator), it has been a successful creative process together; bringing the emphasis on romantic and vintage styles which can be worn from day to night— Peterpan collars, cinched waistlines, and flowy skirts aplenty. Prices for the garments start from RM109 to RM189 and they ship worldwide. Besides the collaboration, Love Knot also launched a family set collection with ready-stocks available from January 6th onwards.
19. Dressy Casual – PDI
PDI, part of Padini clothing store, has unveiled dressy and casual options to usher in the Year of the Rabbit. From matching sporty t-shirts to smart casual outfits, PDI has a collection for all. Shopping tip: There are more offerings available from the rest of the labels under the same clothing store that’s worth checking out too. Click here to scroll through their collections.
20. Heritage Designs- Kayla Batik Design
Kayla Batik Design preserves the batik heritage by producing stylish modern batik wear. Made by local tailors and artisans, outfits are mainly traditionally produced using hand-stamped and hand-dyed cotton batik. Check out their family matching CNY range, as they incorporate the art of batik into Chinese New Year traditional matching family sets, using premium blended or pure cotton batik from Indonesia and Malaysia.
By Amanda Sura
Amanda is a freelance writer, aspiring businesswoman, and mother of two. She’s a proud Sarawakian who hails from Kuching. Apart from writing, she loves mixing natural body scrubs and foot soaks with her business partner for their small business, Suravont.
Photos are taken from the respective brand’s website, press releases, and social media pages. For more details and prices, contact the online stores and boutiques. Remember to tag us in your CNY snaps, at #makchicCNY2023 – we’d love to see your outfits! Stay safe, be respectful towards others during this time, and let the celebrations begin!
