As the Chinese New Year 2025 comes rolling in, it calls for a wardrobe makeover, ideally with a delightful mix of local fashion brands. As much as we enjoy the convenience of shopping at department stores or high street names, local fashion labels are always our go-to. Not only do these local designers understand our needs—given our weather and practices—but they also have similar upbringings and are capable of portraying our cultures through a lens closer to our hearts, preserving the time-honoured regalia without sacrificing the versatility.
As we enter the year 2025, more local fashion enthusiasts place versatility high on their list—we want to wear our garments as much as we can, even if it’s made for festivities like Chinese New Year. This can be seen in the surge of denim designs this season, ornated with traditional elements like frog buttons or mandarin collars. That being said, whichever camp you are in, be it the classic or the contemporary, these local fashion designers offer some of the most captivating Chinese New Year looks that would decorate your wardrobe.
Khoon Hooi
Impeccable craftsmanship adorned with intricate details, Khoon Hooi stands out every year for its unparalleled modern elegance—perfect for those who need an evening number for the lavish Chinese New Year banquets you will be attending. The 2025 Gold collection unveils a series with more than 20 designs made with brocade or velvet, from figure-hugging classic qipaos to co-ords with contemporary touches. The highlight of the collection is the denim pieces. While the skirt set features detachable feathers accentuating the hemlines, the trouser set comes with a flared denim bottom and a well-tailored vest.
Shop the collection here.
Hanya
If twinning with your partners or your family members is your annual routine, look no further. Hanya brings forward matching sets for daughters and mothers, as well as family sets, available in two designs, the Embroidery and the Jacquard. Drawing inspiration from the shan shui paintings—a form of ancient Chinese art that highlights the serene landscapes, the Embroidery collection features pagodas, cherry blossoms, and flowing trees in blush shades. The Jacquard collection, on the other hand, features pagoda and mountain motifs woven against the champagne-coloured fabric.
Shop the collection here.
Maarimaia
If there’s a local designer brand that aces in the game of qipao, it will be Maarimaia. For this year’s Chinese New Year collection, the “Charmed” series features 16 pieces that cater to varied settings and occasions. Aside from the signature brocades that Maarimaia is known for, details like floral appliques, feather hemlines, dangling collar buttons and voluminous puff sleeves too, turn heads. Worth mentioning is also the trousers set silhouettes that are not too oversized with tapered trousers—perfect for petite frames.
Shop the collection here.
Rizman Ruzaini
20 years in the scene, Rizman Ruzaini is renowned for placing its unrivalled craftsmanship at the forefront. From ready-to-wear to celebrity dressings, the local brand floored us with the intricate details. Heavily influenced by Shanghai in the 1920s, Rizman Ruzaini got us in awe with 38 impressive designs for the celebration. Dresses decorated with pleated fan detailing, either on the necklines, waists or sleeves, catch our attention, especially topped with the signature beadwork. Evening gowns in sumptuous velvet and ornate cut-outs too, are the epitome of elegance. For those who are bold with their sartorial choices, the embellished square pieces inspired by the court dress will make heads turn.
Shop the collection here.
Innai Red
In the inaugural campaign with local calligrapher Fong Sheeney, Innai Red reveals its Bloom collection for the festive season. As the name suggests, the collection features form-fitting qipaos, dresses and co-ords that are adorned with flower detailings, presented through 3D handmade floral appliques, hand-dyed plumage, beaded trims and buttons that add characters to the garments. Despite the minimalistic designs, the pieces are crafted with light-weighted brocades. You can also choose between embroidered lace, elegant Guipure lace, textured printed organza and taffeta with a perfect sheen.
Shop the collection here.
Shaofen
Aside from championing sustainability, Shaofen is also a local fashion label that excels in fluid designs, breaking the gendered clothes norms. Cheongsam and Samfu were reinterpreted with sculpted silhouettes. The boxier structure also makes it easier to wear in our hot and humid weather, allowing maximum air ventilation. Unlike the conventional floral and brocades, these pieces from Shaofen were made with colourful plaids, lustrous metallic gloss, and reversible denim. Often decorated with festive symbolism, garments made for the celebration are challenging to incorporate into our day-to-day lives. With a modern and comparably minimalist take, these designs marry both traditional and contemporary elements seamlessly.
Shop the collection here.
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