Cover Meet the sister-founded brands that are reshaping local fashion with heart and hustle (Image: brik)
Meet the sister-founded brands that are reshaping local fashion with heart and hustle (Image: brik)
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For these entrepreneurs, sisterhood isn’t just a bond—it’s the foundation of a business. In celebration of World Sister Day, we spotlight Malaysian brands that prove family and fashion are a powerful match
There’s something inherently magical about the bond between sisters. It’s equal parts unspoken understanding, unconditional support and occasional bickering that only strengthens the tie.
World Sister Day, celebrated every first Sunday of August, is a tribute to that unique connection. While the day often conjures memories of childhood antics and heart-to-hearts, it’s also a reminder of how that bond can grow into something bigger.
Read more: Malaysian Made: 5 local bag brands you need to add to your collection
These Malaysian brands are the result of sisterhood turned into a thriving enterprise. Each one has its own story, aesthetic and evolution; but at their core lies a collaboration rooted in trust, creativity and a shared sense of purpose. Here’s how these dynamic duos (and trios!) are changing the game, one collection at a time.
Hani Mokhta
In 2018, sisters Farah Hani and Tati Hani, founded Hani Mokhta on their shared vision of empowering modern women through fashion. From ready-to-wear garments to bespoke pieces, they craft garments that blend comfort and versatility with signature vibrant colours and unique prints.
Their philosophy is to design garments for every role a woman plays. Dynamic, bold and multidimensional, favouring eco-conscious fabrics like Tencel and linen, while offering inclusive sizing up to UK18 across all their collections and personalised bespoke designs.
Mimpikita
Founded by three sisters—Nurul, Amirah and Syahira Zulkifli—Mimpikita (which means “Our Dreams” in Malay) was born out of a shared ambition to design for the modern modest woman. Based in Kuala Lumpur, the brand creates timeless, effortless pieces that blend modesty with chic versatility. They offer ready-to-wear collections alongside custom bridal and bespoke tailoring, all crafted in-house with meticulous attention to detail.
Their mission is celebrating all women—what they call the ‘Kita Girls’—regardless of size, colour, religion or age. At its core, Mimpikita is about dreaming and crafting together, forming an inclusive community that reflects sisterhood in fashion as well as purpose.
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brïk
The brainchild of sisters Sabrina Ridzal and Syakira Ridzal, brïk blends minimalist design with deep personal expression. The brand’s name is a thoughtful fusion of their identities—'bri' from Sabrina and 'k' from Syakira’s nickname, Kira—subtly referencing "Brina," a name affectionately shared between them. While one sister gravitates toward soft, neutral tones and the other toward bold contrasts, their differing styles form the creative tension that defines brïk’s design language: calm yet striking, understated yet expressive.
What began as a single release has since grown into a steadily expanding community drawn to brïk’s thoughtful approach to wardrobe staples. Each piece is a reflection of their sisterhood, stitched with stories of balance, individuality and quiet confidence.
Machino
During the pandemic in 2020, sisters Esther and Amy Tai founded Machino, a Malaysian footwear brand that champions comfort and cultural pride. The brand name, Machino, is a nod to Malaysia’s rich diversity: 'MA' for Malay, 'CH' for Chinese, 'IN' for Indian and 'O' for Others. Drawing from traditional fabrics like batik and songket, their designs give heritage a modern, wearable form, handcrafted with thick sponge insoles that support long hours on your feet without sacrificing style.
Their signature values includes comfort, confidence and community, while the now-iconic floral Hana reflects the sisters’ commitment to thoughtful design. Esther leads operations and production, while Amy drives marketing and creative, with both contributing to design and storytelling. What started as a pandemic-era passion project has grown into one of Malaysia’s most exciting footwear labels—proof that when soul and soles come together, great things follow.
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As Senior Lifestyle Writer, Aina writes across the lifestyle vertical, covering wellness, travel, arts and entertainment. Based in Kuala Lumpur, she previously worked at CLEO Malaysia, where she headed the lifestyle, culture and entertainment sections.
