While celebrations and festive seasons have been more low-key than usual, it is also a great chance to enjoy an intimate catch-up with your selected few. Time to start planning your outfits to usher in the Year of the Tiger and make those memories count! We’ve made a list for you to choose from — ranging from the quintessential cheongsam, to mix-and-match pieces in striking prints, fabrics, and colours, including kidswear and options for the rest of the family.
For mama
Khoon Hooi
Contemporary opulence, sensuality, and elegance best describes Khoon Hooi’s Qi Pao 2022 collection. Options like embellished form-fitted qi paos ,to comfortable A-line cut dresses with dramatic funnel collars and sharp shoulders, will have you saying oh très chic! The rich use of fabrics like brocade, silk, and velvet including detailing like jade buttons give the pieces a refined look. Don’t forget to check out what they have for your beau too!
INNAI RED
INNAI RED creations are often feminine, well-tailored, and dreamy. Introducing,‘Rú YÌ’, meaning ‘as one wishes’ or ‘everything goes well’, a collection filled with versatile and eye-catching choices. Injecting some good energy to welcome the Year of the Tiger, bright tones like coral, yellow, sky blue, and pink are present as well as crystal beading, puffed sleeves, asymmetrical cuts, and a charming hummingbird and spring bloom print.
Roa Skye
Expect no less from Roa Skye’s designer, Najah Mohammed’s trademark style of silhouettes and ankara prints this Chinese New Year. Think flared skirts, boxy qipaos, exaggerated sleeves and shoulders; and for that subtle hint of sexiness, a cheeky bareback option. Prices for the made-to-measure pieces start from RM580 each and you can order via DM on Instagram.
Nala Designs
Coined ‘Sweet Sixteen CNY 2022’, Nala Designs has released a collection inspired by a sweet sixteen trip to Japan and added elements from other parts of Asia. The designs include taking a leaf from tatami mats, origami, and noren (Japanese fabric dividers) for the tops, skirts, and cheongsams. Staying true to the brand’s core essence, quirky patterns, appealing buttons and cheerful hues rule most of the collection.
Melinda Looi (Ready-To-Wear)
Glamorously eclectic are standout pieces from Melinda Looi Cruise 2022, ‘My Tropical Mars’ series. Her love for animal (tiger in particular) and batik prints have inspired the collection and she has used these prints on reversible dresses, bucket hats, and jackets. Play up these looks with a nice pair of metallic heels for some glam or make a statement with boots or high top sneakers.
Doublewoot
What will your pick be? An alluring pepper red halter dress with peekaboo lace or a printed poly blend dress with frog buttons? Affordable, great-quality, and up to the minute cheongsams, tops, pants, and dresses are available throughout the year from Doublewoot. Teaming up with Famsy Mall as part of their ‘Oriental Grace’ collection, you can opt to get a personalised tiffin or tote that matches your outfit this Year of the Tiger.
Florette The Label
Demure, versatile, and feminine all in one. Florette The Label is loved and made popular by many, especially mamas on the go for their iron-free wrap dresses and tops. The body complementing (and nursing friendly) designs available in their ‘Joy Luck Club’ collection consist of batik and sweet blossom prints; a lovely combination for the season.
Dreamscape
Get ready to be transported to Old Shanghai and score some vintage looks while shopping at Dreamscape. Whether it is a classic side-slit maxi qi pao, or a dramatic crane or butterfly print midi qi pao, there is a variety to choose from at a modest price. Pearl or jade accessories will elevate your look so keep them at the ready, gals!
Love Knot
In search of cheongsams or pretty tops in various sizes? Love Knot has got you covered. Their designs are available in size XS to XL and we love how they are also making their chic signature knot top available this time around, ooh la la!
Kidswear and family sets
Hemito
Hemito is a reputable local label that caters to newborns to matching parent-child sets. Get inexpensive yet adorable tulle party dresses or cheongsams for girls, and smart button down shirts or hanfu for boys.
Pokoks Kids
A label that embraces culture with a modern take is Pokoks Kids. Called ‘The Good Times’, their series is full of joyful, sweet, and contemporary looks which will take your family to a whole new level of wearing stylish coords. Sizes for children start from one years old to 12 years old and size S to XXL for adults; men and women.
Ginger Duck
Say yes to looking coordinated for that picture-perfect moment! Ginger Duck has something for everyone in the family, with their ready-to-wear sets in your favourite theme and colour.
Kapas Kids
Homegrown brands always put a smile on our mama faces! Proudly Malaysian, Kapas Kids prints are hand printed Batik Malaysia for children and uniquely made as no print is alike. The pieces are made with breathable and comfortable material which is good for sensitive skin, giving ‘no drama’ moments if worn all day. Their “Roarrr” collection will get you right into the spirit of the Tiger year.
Bops and Pops
Here’s a gem of a brand that lovingly sews traditional cheongsams and tops for boys and girls in vivid colours and patterns. Sizes for children start from two years old to 12 years old. We love how the garments are stylish enough to be worn as daily staples other than during Chinese New Year. And bonus: the brand is available on Shopee, for ease of purchasing.
OOTD Malaysia
Need a ‘Mummy and Me’ set? Look no further because OOTD Malaysia has awesome choices that will certainly make you go ‘aww!’. The label has a vast selection to choose from, ranging from bold colours to girlie sets or matchy-matchy colours for the boys and mama.
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 brands’ websites and social media pages. For more details and prices, please contact the online stores and boutiques.
Do tag us in your CNY snaps at #makchicCNY2022 – we’d love to see your outfits! Remember to stay safe, adhere to safety restrictions, maintain physical distancing, and be respectful towards others during this time, #makchicmumtribe.
