Local fashion collections to get your next auspicious Chinese New Year fit

Lunar New Year shopping has begun and red and gold cover the clothing racks at the malls in Kuala Lumpur. If you’re still wearing the same cheongsams and samfu from 2020 it’s time for a much needed upgrade. We’ve been keeping a lookout for local fashion collections that put a uniquely Malaysian twist on Chinese New Year attire. Read on to find out what some of our best homegrown fashion brands are offering this festive season.

Wearing the latest luxury designer piece for Chinese New Year is definitely an ego boost, but wearing something uniquely Malaysian can turn heads and get mouths talking. These local fashion collections skip the runway trends and create something original that will make you stand out on your next family gathering. Whether you want to look like a sleek 1930’s socialite in a cheongsam or a model from KL Fashion week, these local brands can do both.

Rizman Ruzaini’s latest collection of qipao’s will have your family looking like wealthy heiress with their luxurious sheen. For something minimalistic and pure, ANAABU’s latest ISI collection offers flowy garments that will help you stay stylish in the unforgiving Malaysian heat. Finally, if you also happen to be jumping houses between Ramadan and Lunar New Year, Behati’s latest CHAM collection combines elements of Malay baju and Peranakan kebaya that represent a beautiful fusion of Malaysian culture.

We understand if the hometown humidity is too much and a polo shirt and shorts is your baseline. However, for those special occasions where dressing up is a must, we would strongly recommend to go bold. These local fashion collection will help to make you to usher in this Chinese New Year with glamour. Get your mouse and wallet ready as we present the best pieces we have noticed from local brands this Lunar New Year.

The best local fashion collections to get this coming Chinese New Year

(Hero image credit: Rizman Ruzaini / Feature image credit: Behati)

1 /10

Inspired by the roles of Hong Kong film royalty Andy Lau and Anita Mui, local fashion brand FIZIWOO’s collection embodies the golden era of Asian cinema. The MUI collection updates the classic cheongsam dress to a striking modern sillhouette. Meanwhile, the WOO Brother’s debut collection, LAU, blends controlled muted colors with a relaxed samfu fit. We have chosen a striking red qipau named ‘Anita in Maroon’. If you plan to look to emulate the timeless glamour of the HK screen queen, this timeless red dress is a must. You can also get the matching ‘Andy in Maroon’ for your plus one to be ‘that corny couple’ at the next gathering.

Image credit: FIZIWOO

2 /10

For this Lunar ’26 capsule collection, local designers Rizman Nordin and Ruzaini Jamil took inspiration from the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. Much like the city itself, the ‘Scion of Saigon’ collection blends old-school charm and modern boldness to represent the boldness of women. Keeping with this motif, we have chosen the stunning Vien dress with embroidered details and embellishments. We normally wouldn’t recommend wearing black in Lunar New Year, but this is a major exception. With floral details and artwork of a rural village you will definitely be the spotlight of attention.

Image credit: Rizman Ruzaini

3 /10

BEHATI’s Lunar New Year collection makes full use of the ‘Kongsi Raya’ season and blends traditional Malay and Chinese garments with local designer Kel Wen‘s signature modern flair. Appropriately, named Cham after the mixture of teh tarik and coffee, the collection sees a unique fusion of elements that should not work together but somehow looks right. One such example we’ve chosen is the majestic Changshan Batik Parang which uses Indonesian batik to create a cultural whiplash that will get heads turning at your next event. Most of the pieces is the collection are genderless and is made in a straight cut to ensure comfort.

Image credit: BEHATI

4 /10

Inspired by the Chinoiserie, a European interpretation of Chinese traditional art. Khoon Hooi Gold’s latest collection reclaims narratives and creates a playful modern twist of classic garments. Maroon is an underrated shade of colour that is more understated than the typical red. Thus, Lian in Maroon keeps the cheongsam classy with a deep maroon, yet makes a vibrant splash with floral designs. All accentuated with a leather belt to help keep the figure on point.

Image credit: Khoon Hooi Gold

5 /10

For a streetwear leaning Chinese New Year fit, ‘The Reset’ Spring 2025 collection uses dark colours and grungy denim to make a statement. With their signature gender fluid looser shapes, the collection relaxed fits will keep you cool during the blistering heat. We have chosen the fashion forward Eclipse Denim Crop Top, perfect for balancing cafe and house hopping. If you’re looking to be the most stylish sibling consider giving this collection a try in the grey and blue colourways.

Image credit: SHAOFEN

6 /10

Bright and bold, Spirit Animal Co. latest collection is a sultry cheongsam collection that embodies power and confidence. The Thanzia Cheongsam is for those who want to be ‘that girl’ at the gathering. In a muted jade green, the piece comes in a slim fit that hugs the body and is definitely made for the outgoing woman. If you’re catching up with the girls or attending a formal family function, this is just the right luxurious piece to get people thinking you own a small business or go for pilates.

Image credit: Spirit Animal Co.

7 /10

If you’re looking something avant garde and minimalist, Anaabu’s ISI collection takes cues from local sweet treats. Making matching sets of outfits for both men and women named after popular local kuih and tea. The collection offers some interesting two-piece sets for men if you want to bring out your inner tea-brewer. But the piece we have chosen to highlight is the Chinese Tea Kebarung Top. With a high collared top and a flowy shape, the colour of the piece comes from goji berries which are commonly found in tea and desserts. Made with a tencel and linen blend, the top will flow effortlessly in the New Year heat.

Image credit: Anaabu

8 /10

If you’re looking to unveil some Lunar New Year couture at your next dinner, look to Yuleza’s latest collection to bring in properity. Balancing elegance and comfort, their Crimson Dress pays homage to the cheongsam while maturing it’s design to reveal yet conceal your body. If your looking to channel your inner villian at your upcoming gathering (for various reasons) this is the dress to go for. Mature yet strikingly bold, this dress will definitely get you some nods of respect.

Image credit: Yuleza

9 /10

A fun and playful take on the traditional cheongsam, Mell by Melinda Looi’s latest collection takes inspiration from Mongolian garments. ‘Mellgolian’ is a whimsical take on Asian garments using pastel colours and patterns to make your next gathering a vibrant one. Their Mesh Cheongsam is the prime of example of the aim of their collection. Taking a classic Chinese dress and putting a uniquely Mell twist on it. Adding pastel read, pink, and blues, the dress will keep you cool and stylish.

Image credit: Mell by Melinda Looi

10 /10

Maarimaia’s Privé Lunar 2026 is the brand’s premium made to measure collection, this year they are serving up 10 unique outfits. Perfect for formal occasions, the modern takes on the cheongsam pieces contain classic colours and formal prints. The look we have chosen is an auspiciously red dress which is refined yet not afraid to take risks with it’s unique shapes and cutouts. This dark red dress will be perfect for formal dinners and prestigious events.

Image credit: Maarimaia