Leap into the Year of the Tiger with CNY collections from these local designers
BY Rynnaas Azlan
From INNAI RED to Behati, shop these homegrown brands’ latest Chinese New Year collections to celebrate the Year of the Tiger in style.
BEHATI
The spirit of the Malayan tiger is channeled in BEHATI’s 2022 CNY collection through a selection of luxury streetwear that echoes a multiracial Malaysia, with traditional Chinese costumes such as the full Tang suit being made out of Songket.
Say hello to oversized clothing, crop tops paired with baggy trousers, and even military pockets. These futuristic, youthful styles make up the ‘fabric’ of BEHATI’s latest collection.
The full Chinese New Year collection is now available exclusively at behati.my, with prices ranging from RM200 to RM500.
INNAI RED
Rú Yì, which means “as one wishes” and “everything goes well” is embodied in INNAI RED’s 2022 CNY lineup. The brand puts a modern twist to Chinese heritage and incorporates vibrant colours and floral patterns to this 20-style collection.
Expect dresses in varying lengths, from more relaxed, easy to move-in pieces, to eye-catching sophisticated looks. Cheongsams with puff and cap sleeves lends a drop of quirkiness to chic pieces, ideal for the modern woman who wants to pay homage to heritage.
The INNAI RED Chinese New Year 2022 Rú Yì collection will be available for pre-order online and in-store till 18 January 2022, priced upwards of RM580.
AEON x MELINDA LOOI
In conjunction with the year of the Tiger, Aeon, alongside, award-winning fashion designer Melinda Looi, brings high fashion in the form of #MELROARS.
An exclusive CNY collection inspired by the rich heritage of Peranakan, you can look forward to unique prints like batik-inspired tiger stripes, geometric Peranakan tiles, and floral prints. The highlight? Loose-fitting blouses that comes in loud colours and statement embellishments.
#MELROARS is available at selected Aeon stores as well as online. Prices start at RM168.
CRUISE BY MELINDA LOOI
Time to go to Mars with Melinda Looi’s exclusive Cruise 2022 Collection this New Year season. Stay colourful and vibrant with this selection, where traditional wear meets quirky motifs.
For this year, Looi imagines Mars citizens to be wearing a “harmonious contrast of colours”. Rich batiks are pieced together in reversible wrap dresses whereas Cheongsams are nature-inspired and sandy-toned.
Don the prime print of the collection: Malaya, a vivid and bright-colored motif inspired by tiger stripes.
The collection is available at the designer’s website, at the new showroom at 153, Jalan Setiakasih, Bukit Damansara (appointment only), and Parkson Pavilion.
WYNKA
GEM by WYNKA was inspired by Karen Lau’s wardrobe, aforementioned brand's Creative Director's mother.
The sixties brought about a new wave of appreciation for fashion and this collection pays homage to that era. GEM tells the story of how a kampung girl took to the big city holding her heritage close.
Always ready to bring its special twist to the table, the collection features East-meets-West statement pieces enhanced with unique details like vintage pearl buttons and lush brocades.
Available at www.wynkaborneo.com for purchase, priced upwards of RM1,980.
KHOON HOOI
Madam Lee, the protagonist of Khoon Hooi’s CNY 2022 collection, greets you in an ornately decorated manor called the Lee Mansion, clad in “MeiXing” - a bright yellow number framed with dramatic puffy sleeves and a pearl-and-rhinestone lined keyhole neckline.
Another qipao in her enviable collection, “Liqiu”, was crafted in velvet and chiffon material. Hooi is not one to shy away from striking details, every one of Madam Lee’s looks is adorned with bright colours.
The KHOON HOOI collection is available for pre-order at APW Bangsar and on the brand’s online store.
