You can speak like a Malaysian, act like a Malaysian, and of course, eat like a Malaysian. Now, check out these Malaysian-founded bag brands to dress like a Malaysian, too.
Malaysia’s visibility on the global fashion landscape is growing exponentially by the year, that much we know to be true. By no means is the industry nascent, either, when taking into account how some labels such as Jimmy Choo and Zang Toi have been stalwart staples of the global sartorial lexicon since the late 1980s and early 1990s. In fact, it was widely known that the late fashion icon Princess Diana had famously favoured Choo’s designs and was a repeat customer up until her passing.
But as is the case with most creative fields, fashion is reflective of the contemporary zeitgeist and is often guided by consumer preferences, just as much as they are capable of shaping them. With that said, Malaysian fashion designers and their labels have successfully adapted to these changes, leading to the rise of a local clique of trendsetting names.
If you fancy yourself a proponent of practical chic, then you’ll enjoy the casual charm of SAOI’s minimally embellished, but ludicrously capacious designs. But if you’re the kind to enjoy variety, then Nazifi Nasri’s many iterations of his viral Mini Orked bag will prove ideal. As for style savants who enjoy timeless motifs, your best bet is to peruse through Nobat’s woven styles.
In any case, you won’t be short of options as we’ve curated a list of 10 Malaysian-founded bag brands to browse to your heart’s content.
#supportlocal through these Malaysian-founded bag brands this National Day
1 /10
It takes grit and a genuine love for your product to build a brand that not only understands but resonates with its customers. In this regard, it comes as little surprise how entrepreneurs Sabrina and Syakira have managed to turn Brïk into a successful contender in the local accessory space in a little over a year. For one, the label now has a signature bag by way of the Chroma.
Price point: $$
2 /10
There’s a new wave of minimalist trendsetters in town, typecast by their love of pared-down embellishments and stylish accents that tastefully enhance subdued looks. And chances are, they probably have shopped from SAOI at one point or another. Beloved for their patent faux leather ballet flats, their offerings have now extended to slouchy workplace carry-alls and day-to-night baguette shapes.
Price range: $$
3 /10
Italian woven leather bags occupy a coveted spot in the hearts of many fashion enthusiasts, but their generally prohibitive price point can often put off potential buyers. Of course, that’s not to say that you can’t nab the style for less, as the Malaysian handbag label Nobat will go on to prove. As the best-known purveyor of woven faux leather bags, you can find them in all manner of shapes and styles, from shoulder totes to handheld pouches.
Price point: $$
4 /10
Initially finding great success from the opposite gender, Nazifi Nasri’s sandals for men were met with great acclaim during their initial introduction, often selling out come Ramadan. While you can still nab footwear from his label today, his bags are considerably more difficult to come by, often selling out in minutes during their limited, Telfar-esque drops. The Mini Orked has proven to be especially in demand for its versatility, sold in a myriad of colours and finishes.
Price point: $$
5 /10
Founded by Malaysian television host and style sensation Shalma Ainaa, SHALS has swiftly etched a place in the domestic fashion market for its deft ability to play well into the office siren aesthetic typecast by Y2K corporate wear with a sultry 2024 twist. Accessories under the label bear boardroom-ready characteristics through relatively simple, fuss-free shapes jazzed up by unconventional materials and colours, such as silver pleather and mock croc.
Price point: $$
If it is accessibility you’re looking for, nobody does it quite like Sometime by Asian Designers. Established by co-founders Nicole Wong and Stan Chooi, their venture into handbags first started online back in 2012. Since then, it has since expanded into a retail network across many major shopping malls in the country, all of which carry a varied selection of both pleather and canvas designs.
Price point: $$
7 /10
Part of a crop of Malaysia’s legacy designers who helped propel the industry to global prominence during the early 2000s, Khoon Hooi continues to hold on to an enviable demand among high society for his eveningwear and accessories. This extends to his dainty handbag designs that have been released over the years, each imbued with the same air of Southeast Asian opulence that his gowns are best known for.
Price point: $$$
8 /10
Based in Malaysia, Bonia may strike you as a brand with a potentially European provenance, what with its coated canvas pieces, but you’ll be surprised to know that it is based right here in Malaysia. With a history stretching back to 1974, it is arguably one of the oldest local accessory brands to still operate in the country. Prices are on the slightly higher side, but you do get great leather and durability to match.
Price point: $$$$
9 /10
The brainchild of Penangite Han Chong, London-based self-portrait has witnessed what many in the fashion industry have described as a meteoric rise to global prominence. Offering demure and hyper-feminine occasionwear styles as his signature, Chong’s pieces have found fans among international A-list names including Zendeya, Her Royal Highness Princess Catherine, Priyanka Chopra, and even Michelle Obama, to name a few. Then of course, there are the sparkly line of bags festooned with bows, which have been an eveningwear staple for those with good taste.
Price point: $$$$
10 /10
When it comes to shoes, Datuk Jimmy Choo has the final say. After all, you don’t become Princess Diana’s favourite go-to designer for footwear without some considerable merit, and Malaysia’s most globally influential fashion name has easily proven his case with a career spanning almost three decades. Shoes aside, they are known for a few It Bag moments, including the red carpet favourite, Bon Bon. While the London-based company was acquired by the American luxury group Capri Holdings, it is still a family affair with Choo’s niece, Sandra.
Price point: $$$$$
