The highly anticipated Year of the Wood Dragon is here, signifying a year of prosperity and harmony. Welcome the Lunar New Year with stellar looks for you and your family. From the traditional qipao to modern mix-and-match outfits, this list is for you!
For the mamas
1. Innai Red
Presenting the ‘Willow’ collection for Chinese New Year 2024, Innai Red takes a leaf from Chinese heritage with a fresh twist. The collection is weaved with the brand’s signature silhouettes and attention to detail. Think: floral motifs, rich fabrics such as brocade and silk, and vibrant hues like fuchsia, lemon, and peacock green, matched with intricate beading, pleats, and embellishments, giving a contemporary yet romantic look.
2. Doublewoot
Count on Doublewoot for an array of good quality and stylish picks. Radiate opulence with a two-piece tweed maroon and gold qipao, or if you are pear-shaped or hourglass-figured, opt for a charming peplum batik qipao adorned with pearl fasteners. Jazz it up with separate pieces, like a pleated top and bottom in rust, or an off-shoulder red crochet lace top with culottes for that added glam effect.
3. Florette The Label
Known for their flattering, iron and wrinkle-free printed wrap dresses, Florette The Label launches ‘Blissful Tidings’ this season. Dressy yet versatile, pick between a blossomy mandarin collared wrap dress, sophisticated brocade dress, or pencil skirt and chinoiserie top combo, and you’ll be the belle of the ball. And major plus point for mamas: their wrap dresses are nursing-friendly and can be worn throughout pregnancy.
4. Cheongsam by Jane
Established in 2019, Cheongsam by Jane‘s founder (the eponymous Jane) envisioned affordable and fashionable ready-stocked cheongsams and accessories for the everyday woman. The label’s quintessential cheongsams run from size S to plus size 4XL. You can also shop from a selection of accessories, ranging from vintage purses to dainty earrings and hair pins to complete your ensemble. Prefer shopping for your purchases in-person? Visit one of these festive bazaars — Cheongsam by Jane will be there too!
5. Nala Designs
Made popular by their tasteful Asian-inspired pattern designs in vivid colours, Nala Designs presents their festive collection, coined ‘Under Nala’s Umbrella’. Inspired by the love and comforting embrace of a mother, the collection showcases cheongsams in varied cuts. Can’t decide? A tulip cheongsam with a nice cinch on the waist is great for showing off some curves, whereas a flared cheongsam gives a ladylike and poised finish.
6. Kanoewear
Homegrown and locally made, Kanoewear takes wearing batik fabric up a notch with its fun fits all year long. Add a pop of colour to your outfit with a bright batik kimono, pastel shirred maxi dress, and a pair of neutral slingbacks. Alternatively, don one of their gorgeous qipao with mini bow details, or a hand-marbled printed mermaid cut qipao and give out #batikbabe vibes. See more at their flagship store, located at REXKL.
7. Luxmerrier
Looking for something timeless and formal? Go for a quarter-sleeved embroidered cheongsam with frog buttons or sexy side-slit velvet cheongsam for those evening soirees with friends and family. Luxmerrier offers ready-stocked garments as well as pre-order options (takes up to 15 days to arrive) suitable for day to night events.
8. FERN
Resort wear with an air of sophistication is what FERN is about. Stay elegant casual with FERN’s offerings this year and swoon over bespoke creations in springtime colours: dragon red, eggplant purple, dark chartreuse, and jade green. Functional yet stylish, their double-scalloped mandarin collar romper with pockets is a show-stopper; superb for a day of hosting your guests at home.
*Online orders will close on 21st January to receive before 10th February 2024. While stocks last.
9. Khoon Hooi Gold
Khoon Hooi Gold takes us through the hallways of Lee Mansion, blending the past and present in pure artistry. Nothing less than luxurious, the brand highlights the use of textile technique like fil coupé, full sequinned, and cloisonné design in its modern creations. Be daring and elevate your look in the ‘Yu Yan’ qipao, made with a geometric brocade fabric in an apple green shade decorated with pearl crystal chain around the collar and bodice.
10. Roa Skye
Where excellent tailoring meets whimsical prints, Roa Skye reveals an exclusive collaboration with a local print designer from Sarawak, Santan Studio this year. Incorporating the auspicious bamboo print as well as delightful dragon fruit print, the made-to-measure pieces are iconic and can be worn off-season too.
11. Tsukha
Eclectic and edgy; local brand, Tsukha is anything but boring. The label just returned from a hiatus with a collection full of character. A cheongsam in camo print or in charcoal colour? Check! Fans of layering will love the boxy shirt as it can be worn on its own or over a tank top for that extra bit of ‘oomph’ in your style.
12. Self-Portrait at Seibu KL (The Exchange TRX)
Browse through The Lunar New Year Edit by Self-Portrait at the newly-opened Seibu Kuala Lumpur at The Exchange TRX. Discover full lace midi dresses, crepe dresses, and textured mod boucle dresses with sequins and diamante trimming for an all-alluring and demure look.
For the rest of the family
1. Asas Studio
Newly-launched business, Asas Studio, by the ever-stylish Ung Yiu Lin, has something for the entire family in their debut Lunar 2024 collection. Coordinate your looks by going for a stylish family set in matching shades of lilac or yellow, such as the ‘Ava’ (an easy-to-wear qipao set for mothers and daughters) or the ‘Luca’ (a classic cotton short sleeve shirt with detailing for fathers and sons). Not only does the entire collection look polished, it is also made for comfort, thanks to its breathable cotton-based material – and is dedicated to fostering sustainability and minimising the impact on the environment.
Catch their pop-up, currently happening at the Lower Concourse of Bangsar Village 1 from 18th January to 8th February 2024.
2. Bops and Pops
Shop here for sweet and youthful pastel cheongsams for girls and quirky tops for boys by Bops and Pops. To commemorate the year of the dragon, Bops and Pops has released several joyful new colours and prints, ranging from pineapple and rainbow stripes, to ungu (purple), and snow koi. Made in limited quantities and traditionally home-sewn, the price range is between RM158 to RM169 for cheongsams, and RM109 for shirts.
3. Love Knot
Family fits are the best, especially when they look appealing and fit well. Bring in the ‘ong’ with the fireworks printed set or a lantern red silk set by Love Knot. Besides the charming family sets and cheongsams on offer, matching accessories like hair bows, drawstring bags and pet bib collars for pet dogs are available too.
4. Padini Concept Store (PDI and Padini Authentics)
PDI and Padini Authentics carry smart casual outfits, as well as matching sporty t-shirts for the whole family. Create your own original looks by combining everyday separates and re-wearing them again throughout the year (your pockets will thank you for it!). Check out the rest of the collection here.
5. POKOKS
Stand out this Chinese New Year with POKOKS’ eye-catching prints and easy mix-and-match picks. Whether it’s classic cheongsam tops from their ‘Spring Dawn’ and ‘Chinatown’ collections, bright and bold patterns for your little princesses or smart shirts for the big (and little) men in your life, you and your family will be spoiled for choice!
6. Love, Bonito
Themed ‘Modern Reunions’, Love, Bonito’s 2024 Lunar New Year collection features a fresh and modern take on Eastern-inspired styles, adorable mother-daughter twinning looks and coordinated family ensembles – perfect for your annual family portrait! With pieces that celebrate our Asian roots, gorgeous details that feature exclusive in-house embroidery and brocade textiles, and stylish features that transform a look from day to night effortlessly, there’s much to love with Love, Bonito’s latest offerings this festive season.
Photos are taken from the respective brand’s website and social media pages. For more details and prices, contact the online stores and boutiques. Information such as prices and product availability are correct at time of publishing.
Don’t forget to tag us in your CNY snaps at #makchicCNY2024 – we’d love to see your outfits!
