Cover Khoon Hooi plays with traditional forms and fabrications in whimsical new ways for Chinese New Year
Khoon Hooi plays with traditional forms and fabrications in whimsical new ways for Chinese New Year
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Something lucky this way comes. This Chinese New Year, look to local labels for auspicious new wardrobe beginnings
Don’t blink—fresh off the back of the yearend festivities, we're hurtling headlong into the next festive season. Chinese New Year 2026 will be upon us sooner than you think, and from what we’ve seen so far, the year of the Horse is shaping up to be a stylish one. Whether your festive style tends towards high-octane glamour cheongsam looks or comfortable separates you know you can eat (and nap) in, Malaysian designers have all your Lunar New Year fashion needs sorted.
Read also: Heritage in motion: Poh Heng's artful horse motif gold creations for Lunar New Year
Fern Batik: The Peranakan Series
Above Fern Batik’s Chinese New Year collection is inspired by Peranakan icons and motifs
Fern Batik’s Chinese New Year collection is inspired by Peranakan icons and motifs
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Fern’s The Peranakan Series draws inspiration from enduring motifs of Nyonya past, from intricate ceramic tiles to ornate architecture to distinctive cuisine. This wide-ranging collection extends from breezy day minis to dramatic full-length evening pieces and easy, interchangeable separates in a pleasing palette of rich tones.
Khoon Hooi: The Lunar New Year 2026 Collection
Above Khoon Hooi's Chinese New Year collection plays with bold shades and new shapes
Khoon Hooi's Chinese New Year collection plays with bold shades and new shapes
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Khoon Hooi plays with traditional forms and fabrications in whimsical new ways for the lunar new year—straight cut shifts with bow-adorned pockets; mini qipao silhouettes with flared skirts; sumptuous brocade jackets that look perfect for shrugging over jeans or a narrow pencil skirt, depending on your destination. Then there’s the tiny details: hand beading, rhinestone trim, clusters of pearls, delicate lace and, of course, feathers.
Melinda Looi: Looi Fu Hustle & Mellgolian
Above The Looi Fu Hustle collection takes inspiration from classic Chinese New Year film ‘Kung Fu Hustle’
Above The Mellgolian collection is inspired by the rich Mongolian culture and landscape
The Looi Fu Hustle collection takes inspiration from classic Chinese New Year film ‘Kung Fu Hustle’
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Melinda Looi presents two distinct collections for Chinese New Year: Looi Fu Hustle, inspired by the humour and flair of classic film Kung Fu Hustle, and Mellgolian, drawing from the Mongolian landscape, layered textures and rich motifs.
Maarimaia: Aurelia
Above Channel old-world glamour with Maarimaia's Chinese New Year collection
Channel old-world glamour with Maarimaia's Chinese New Year collection
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Maarimaia always comes into its own for the festive season, and this year’s collection, Aurelia, is no different. Dresses, separates and suits are infused with old-world glamour, with no shortage of textural details: feathers, bows, beaded velvet and gleaming brocade.
Cassey Gan: Lunar 2026
Above Cassey Gan's signature layered silhouettes get the Chinese New Year treatment
Cassey Gan's signature layered silhouettes get the Chinese New Year treatment
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Cassey Gan extends her signature joyful print mixing to a collection for Chinese New Year, catering to traditionalists—go for a full red-on-red moment with a swingy cropped top and layered skirt/trousers combo—and modernists alike. Favourites include the aforementioned skirt/trousers as well as fun A-line shorts and dresses with subtle Mandarin collars that can be worn well past the festive season.
Jt Official: ēn shàng jiā ēn
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Our Asia’s Most Stylish alum Jen Tang designed this deeply romantic Chinese New Year collection for Jt Official. True to Tang’s own personal style, this is a collection of elegant, feminine pieces: structured cheongsams and cheongsam-inspired sets, fluid dresses, and separates that will work all year round.
Emma Chong is the Managing Editor of Tatler Malaysia, overseeing the editorial direction and vision for the print, digital and social media arms of the title. She has over 15 years experience in fashion and lifestyle publishing, and has led print and digital editorial teams at ELLE Malaysia, Time Out Kuala Lumpur, The Luxe Nomad and more.
Outside of work, Emma spends her time wrangling children (only her own) and boosting the Malaysian economy through her support of local fashion and homeware brands.
