Of new beginnings and fresh starts; usher in the Year of the Wood Snake in style. Pick out matching couple or family sets, or try fashionable co-ords and timeless pieces to elevate your wardrobe essentials.
For Her
1. Batik Boutique
Inspired by the beauty, connection, and resilience of orchids, Batik Boutique unveils an exclusive men and women’s collection handcrafted and designed by skilled artisans. Slip into a bold, comfy, lightweight silk cotton caftan (RM519) in crimson orchid and dazzle your way through your upcoming reunion dinner!
2. Hanya
Adored for their versatility, Hanya presents ‘Love’s POV’, a medley of oriental bespoke outfits this Chinese New Year. The use of delicate embroidery, jacquard fabric, and flattering silhouettes gives an ethereal, feminine, and luxe vibe without breaking the bank. Bonus: Complementing family looks are available too.
3. Khoon Hooi
Khoon Hooi always does chinoiserie with a unique take. Incorporating brocade for voluminous and straight-cut dresses, mesmerising sequinned qipaos, as well as innovative outfits with urban denim and textured satin for a tang suit (for men), it’s a truly exciting brand of choice for the modern babe and her beau!
4. Emcee Couture, by Meichi
In ‘An Ode to Traditions’, Emcee Couture by MeiChi presents gorgeously tailored and contemporary cheongsams, dresses, and co-ord sets in rich fabrics, jewel-toned colours, and embellishments like rhinestones, pearls, and round knot buttons. Pop by their newly-opened boutique located at the 1st floor of Bangsar Village 2 to see the creations in person.
5. Doublewoot
Fans of romantic lace, pleats, draping, florals, fine detailing, and structured cuts will love what Doublewoot has to offer this season. Look demure and impeccable on the first day of Chinese New Year in a red or navy asymmetrical cheongsam, and amp up your style factor in a sleek jumpsuit and high ponytail.
6. Ecesis
Standout statement pieces by Ecesis are open for pre-orders, and this is your chance to book and purchase one! Since its debut, the brand has creatively produced premium garments in various styles, ranging from qipaos to halter-top tea dresses. They have built a following of loyal customers who would vouch for their great service and workmanship over the years. Drop the boutique a message on their socials here.
7. Ini Saya
Homegrown label, Ini Saya delivers wonderful versions of modern batik wear perfect for festive gatherings. The ‘Demure’ set (RM358) comes with a flowy pocketed maxi skirt and matching top. The outfit can easily be worn for day-to-night events, thanks to the durable and lightweight polycotton material and lovely prints. For a dressier look, wear a hair barrette or hair pin in an updo, and complete your fit with a pair of heels and pochette.
8. Kanoewear
Prefer wearing separates you can reuse again? Pick between a modest Kanoewear handmade sheer sleeved top or flirty halter top, and pair it with flared trousers or your favourite pencil skirt for that extra ‘oomph’ factor! The entire collection is limited edition, with only 1-2 pieces per print and no restocks available once sold out.
9. FERN
Accentuate your curves in a dark brown and supreme pink ‘Xiu’ midi cheongsam dress from FERN’s ‘Reunion’ series. The dress has a classic mandarin collar, cap sleeves, and central back zipper for easy wear and comes in size XS to XL. Made with 100% cotton, it is an exquisite example of comfort meets sophistication in one.
10. Nala Designs
A splash of colour is always a good idea! Nala Designs releases yet another fun and attractive Lunar collection with the launch of ‘Flour Power’. ‘Flour Power’ pays homage to Narelle, the energy and heart behind Penang’s iconic art cafe, China House— birthing a collection that mixes bold colour combos like magenta and green and yellow and blue against contemporary patterns and flattering forms.
11. Dressing Paula
Be the belle of the ball dressed in a darling gathered maxi dress or sleek broderie anglaise cheongsam from Dressing Paula’s latest CNY collection. Play up your look with classic pearl earrings, or gemstone stack bracelets and loose fishtail braid.
12. Florette The Label
Practical (think breast-feeding friendly tops, yay!) and stylish, Florette The Label never disappoints. Their popular printed midi wrap dress makes good staples for a compact closet as it can double up for work and casual days off. Other than iron-free wrap dresses, satin tops, skirts, and lace kebaya-inspired tops are nice options from this local brand too.
13. Mis Claire
In search of inexpensive plus sized cheongsams? Head to Mis Claire. Score a textured flared sleeve cheongsam, eyelet midi dress in pepper red or ivory, and scuba blend cheongsam for below RM200, respectively. New releases are announced every week, so do follow them on their socials for fabulous promotions and updates.
14. Love Bonito
Add a chic lyocell mandarin collar wide-legged jumpsuit in hot pink or kelly green to your wardrobe. It’s breezy and smart for a day of hosting or enjoying family time, and roomy enough to contain a bloat or to hold a baby bump. Another one-of-kind piece to keep an eye out for from Love Bonito is the crinkled classic midaxi cheongsam. The column silhouette will create a lengthening effect for petite women whilst giving athletic bodies some curves without adding volume.
For the rest of the family
1. POKOKS
Time to celebrate and create core memories and new traditions with your loved ones. Dressing up together for the occasion will certainly evoke a sense of togetherness and bond. Coined ‘Nian Nian’, POKOKS brings forward a collection packed with beautiful colours and patterns with blossoms and geometric choices. Their trademark material, LinenSejook, derived from natural fibres allows the clothing material to be cooling, soft, and smooth to the skin. Spot on for what the little ones need during a whole day of visiting relatives and collecting ang pows!
2. Niko and Clare
Say hello to Niko and Clare’s ‘Bloomcore’, a precious collection filled with shiny metallic floral patterns designed to turn heads without compromising cosiness and quality. Sizes for the apparels are small to large (adults) and mostly fitted so it is recommended to follow the size and fit chart provided when purchasing.
3. Padini and PDI
PDI, part of Padini Concept Store, offers matching mother and daughter sets as well as family sets. Budget-friendly and accessible, the brand is a household favourite for many. Padini has also released a tasteful compilation of outfits using zingy tones like golden, cream, and pink.
4. Cheongsam by Jane
It is really convenient that Cheongsam by Jane has ready-stocked cheongsams all year round including oriental-themed separates like brocade vests and high-waisted silk shorts. Getting ready for a round of family reunions or family portraits? Don a family set together and capture the moment looking glorious!
5. Hemito Kids
Hemito Kids offers affordable, cute, and good quality clothes for girls and boys. Get a tang suit for your little prince and a flowy hanfu dress for your little princess here. Apart from festive wear, they also have awesome deals for casual and daily staples for children.
All Chinese New Year ready-stocked orders will be shipped out before 21st January 2025.
6. Love Knot
Founded in 2018, Love Knot is a superb one-stop online boutique to shop for family ensembles including pregnancy-friendly and breast-feeding friendly apparels. From oriental tops to sensual fitted qipaos for mums to matching family sets in oriental silk or jacquard, there is something for everyone. Sizes available start from XS to XXL for adults and XS to XL for children.
7. Duchess & Co
Taking a leaf from the 1960’s era and female icons of the sixties, Duchess & Co explores mod looks adorned with splendid embellishments. Be captivated by retro favourites such as puffed sleeves, gingham, tweed, beaded materials, pearls, and feathers as they are reintroduced in the entire women’s collection and adapted to some of the family sets like the ‘Wilhelmina’ set in royal blue.
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 #makchicCNY2025 – we’d love to see your outfits!
