Indie Brands To Hit For A Different Kind Of CNY Fit
Steal the spotlight in the CNY #OOTD game with these festive collections from emerging indie labels
By Cherry Tan,
As Chinese New Year approaches, brace yourself for the impending deluge of #FitCheck shots featuring beaming faces, mandarin oranges, and red packets – a tradition we've all embraced at some point. But for those determined to break the mould and dazzle in unconventional CNY fits, your search ends here. Below, we've curated a list of up-and-coming indie brands rolling out CNY capsule collections, each flaunting a distinctive style that's bound to capture attention.
What it’s best known for: Behati, which translates to “blessing” in English, is the brainchild of 28-year-old Malaysian designer Kel Wen. The brand is best known for its unique and innovative twists on traditional garments. One of its iconic designs is its oversized Magua, which is constructed with Malay Kekek Pesak panels that reflect a Malaysian identity.
What’s new for CNY: Behati’s Chinese New Year Collection, appropriately named Dynasty, showcases traditional Chinese wear from the Qing, Tang, and Song Dynasties, reimagined in denim and floral prints. The collection also includes Behati’s signature oversized Tang suits and cheongsam corsets. Dynasty is divided into four drops, reflecting Behati's aspiration to transport its customers into different worlds with each release.
Price range: RM219 to RM1,500 (approximately S$63 to S$432)
Where to get it: Visit its website to view and purchase the collection
What it’s best known for: Accessories and accoutrements by homegrown beadwork artist and designer Denise Chong. Chong, who took up beadwork as a leisure pursuit during the pandemic, is renowned for her provocative designs and garments.
What’s new for CNY: Chong is exploring gold in her five-piece Chinese New Year collection. This includes the Stroke of Luck drop earrings (pictured), which feature Burmese jade and a 14K yellow gold-coated sterling silver peony charm motif. For those who prefer her silver-coloured pieces, there are other gems to consider, such as the Spindle spiral necklace in stainless steel, which makes a great choker to match with your Lunar New Year outfits.
Price range: $69 to 169
Where to get it: The Chinese New Year collection is available via the brand's website and at Plop Apparels. In other exciting news, Denise Chong Adornments is also expanding to Kuala Lumpur – it will be stocked in Fifth – starting mid-February.
What it’s best known for: Known for its Gen Z-friendly handcrafted jewellery, the brand draws inspiration from macrame weaving with wax cord threads. The founders, Cher Liew and Geralyn Lam, driven by their shared love for collecting crystals, naturally conceived the idea to merge these two elements.
What’s new for CNY: Introducing a jewellery collection seamlessly blending traditional Chinese elements, such as the "ping an kou", known as a symbol of protection, repelling negative energy and attracting good fortune. Alongside, auspicious motifs like the four-leaf clover, blossoms, and fish adorn easy-to-wear bracelets. The stones featured in these designs are also believed to bestow wearers with both protection and luck.
Price range: $15 to $28
Where to get it: DM @affirmationclub.shop on Instagram
What it’s best known for: Founded by homegrown streetwear and cultural supremo Earn Chen and fashion designer Nicolette Yip, The Salvages has its roots as an archival clothing platform and is well-loved for its fusion of music and fashion.
What’s new for CNY: The Rising Dragon OS T-shirt, designed by Yip specifically to usher in the Year of the Dragon, takes centre stage. The back of the tee steals features a regal dragon incorporated into The Salvages’ emblem logo.
Price range: US$65 (S$87)
Where to get it: Available for a limited time only on The Salvages’ website
What it’s best known for: Founder Aaron Ler describes his label’s style as "foolhardy military," featuring utility wear that has remained popular in every season.
What’s new for CNY: After receiving encouraging feedback from female customers, Sparrowgreen has launched a micro women's capsule consisting of two designs – wide cargo pants and an A-line cargo skirt. For men, the brand offers pants with zippered vents, asymmetric pants, and shorts designed with nine pockets.
Price range: $39.90 to $139.90
Where to get it: Tangs at Tang Plaza and Vivocity, Design Orchard, Mahabub in Queensway Shopping Centre and Sparrowgreen's online store.