Cover Golden Era Dragon Bridal Gown from Brian Khoo's Lunar 2024 collection (Photo: Instagram/@bybriankhoo)
Golden Era Dragon Bridal Gown from Brian Khoo's Lunar 2024 collection (Photo: Instagram/@bybriankhoo)
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Get ready to steal the spotlight this Lunar New Year with these magnificent festive ensembles by Malaysian designers
As striking hues of red and gold begin to decorate the town, and the spirit of renewal and reunion fills the air, there’s no denying that the Lunar New Year is fast approaching. Hailed as one of the most auspicious animals of power in the Chinese zodiac, the Year of the Dragon symbolises strength, abundance, luck, and success—and what better way to usher in prosperity and good fortune than by looking absolutely fabulous?
Read more: Chinese New Year 2024: The most stylish capsule collections for the Year of the Dragon
That said, the Lunar New Year’s festive apparels are unique to every culture around the globe, and Malaysia is no exception. From samfus crafted with Malay songket fabric to a fusion of qipao and kaftan elements, our homegrown designers have unveiled their latest offerings for the joyous occasion, capturing the essence of the season with exquisite fashion-forward pieces that honour our cultural heritage and tradition. So, if you’re searching for the perfect ensembles for the upcoming festivities, our local fashion labels have got you covered.
Below, we have rounded up our top picks of festive collections by Malaysian designers to help you in your shopping quest.
Brian Khoo
Brian Khoo’s Lunar 2024 collection, Oceanic Splendor, seamlessly weaves the celestial elegance of the dragon and the effervescent beauty of the aquatic world together, creating a sublime range of Chinese traditional wear that exudes grace, sophistication, and a touch of maritime magic. Intricate Chinoiserie dragon embroideries and coral reef motifs are seen throughout the collection, adorned on fabrics in an array of vibrant hues that bring the underwater landscape to life.
Innai Red
Innai Red’s latest festive collection delicately intertwines the poetry of heritage with the charms of feminine elegance, manifested through a harmonious blend of oriental elements and contemporary silhouettes. Whilst preserving the inherent grace of Chinese traditional wear, qipaos are reinterpreted into a variety of two-piece sets and dresses that boast radiant hues, floral motifs, intricate embroideries, as well as bow and feathered details for a playful touch.
See also: Chinese New Year 2024: The best watches celebrating the year of the dragon
Maarimaia
Dubbed Love, Caution, Maarimaia’s Lunar 2024 Privé collection explores the narrative of a courageous woman’s journey of love, loss, and self-discovery across nineteen bespoke pieces. Traditional silhouettes are accentuated by bold colours, sculptural sleeves, and eye-catching embellishments for a modern twist, as seen on the stunning blood orange qipao with feathered peplum sleeves and dazzling floral embroideries, as well as the soft mint cropped qipao top with bow sleeves and cut-out details.
Behati
The sartorial dynasty of Behati’s Lunar 2024 collection is made up of three chapters, each perpetuating the label’s signature exaggerated silhouettes and cyber-retro utilitarian concept in new interpretations. From denim to pastels, florals to plaid, no print or colour is left out, adorned on a variety of traditional wear that encapsulates the Malaysian Lunar New Year with a youthful essence.
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Khoon Hooi
Khoon Hooi Gold’s Lunar 2024 collection unveils a diverse array of festive wear that fuses traditional and modern elegance with impeccable craftsmanship in every detail. Quintessentially classic in nature yet brilliantly modish in its execution, the collection sees an assortment of vintage-inspired looks infused with a contemporary flair, such as the minimalist Jia Ling draped qipao, the Li Chun kaftan set with velvet patches, as well as the Yong Le tweed dress with a mandarin collar.
Mell by Melinda Looi
The Crossworlds collection by Melinda Looi’s diffusion line, Mell, envisions the Lunar New Year in a fantastical universe beaming with ethereal hues and chimerical wonders. Clashing prints and contrasting colours wonderfully harmonise with the festive mood and subtle traditional elements interspersed throughout the collection. Expect pieces like flowy ruffled dresses, cropped jacquard jackets, knitted cheongsams, halter tops, and mini skirts that redefine festive wear with whimsical twists.
Shaofen
Designer Seah Shao Fen’s distinctive creative codes permeate her eponymous label’s debut Lunar 2024 collection, featuring a selection of qipao and samfu sets reimagined with chic contemporary silhouettes that transcend the festive season.
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About
Phyll Wu is the Style Writer of Tatler Malaysia. Based in Kuala Lumpur, she's an avid fashion geek who loves all things beauty, pop-culture, and film.
