logo
How To Up Your Chinese New Year Style Game With These Singapore Brands

How To Up Your Chinese New Year Style Game With These Singapore Brands

14 must-shops to stand out in a sea of red

How To Up Your CNY Style Game

The numbers at your Chinese New Year celebrations may be smaller this year, but that’s no reason for you to make any less of an effort to look your smashing best. Here, we’ve put together a list of items that’ll take your look from meh to yay in a heartbeat. More importantly, all the brands featured are home-grown and many of them—Carrie K., EDEN + ELIE, GINLEE Studio, PAZZION and RECKLESS ERICKA—are part of the Made with Passion initiative, a nationwide marketing programme launched by the Singapore Brand Office and Singapore Tourism Board, and supported by Enterprise Singapore. As you look to raise your style game this Chinese New Year, why not take this opportunity to show your support for our very own brands?

Get into the mood for Chinese New Year at Design Orchard.

Get into the mood for Chinese New Year at Design Orchard.

To usher in the Year of the Ox, Design Orchard has also decked out the window display with Chinese New Year-themed decorations. There will also be a series of Chinese-themed pop-ups featuring brands like Ying The Label, Kanyeka, ANS.IEN, Cocoonese, Jade Celadon, RECKLESS ERICKA, EDEN + ELIE, Carrie K., Sayang Sayang x Yang Deron, Wet Tee Shirt, Lai Chan and Pimabs X Dick Lee.

From left: Round Clutch Bag Kikkamon and Round Clutch Bag Kiku Archives, both by Cocoonese

From left: Round Clutch Bag Kikkamon and Round Clutch Bag Kiku Archives, both by Cocoonese

Minimalist Zen Set Jade Green by Jade Celadon.

Minimalist Zen Set Jade Green by Jade Celadon.

Charmaine Bag by Kanyeka

Charmaine Bag by Kanyeka

While you're at Design Orchard, why not check out these new additions to the spectacular line-up available?

    Established in 2006, NIKASHA offers a luxurious collection of Indian couture fashion that seamlessly marries style and handcrafted traditions.

      With more than 35 years of design experience under his belt, Singaporean Thomas Wee has represented our country in many international trade shows. Today, he continues to be an ambassador of home-grown fashion and his exquisite collection continues to wow the world.

        Another well-known name in our little red dot, Lai Chan is a Singapore fashion designer best known for his stunning cheongsams or qipao. Besides ready-to-wear, he also does bespoke creations that's fitted to your body perfectly.

          Singapore fashion label, MAX.TAN's designs are "serious but never severe, minimal but never simple, fragile but never weak."

          A lot of attention is paid to tailoring and draping with unexpected silhouettes and details in the mix. The clothes are often a juxtaposition of masculinity and femininity, desconstructed and reconstructed.

          Design Orchard is at 250 Orchard Road, Singapore 238905

          There’s more to CNY than the fiery hue of luck and good fortune. Make merry with this reversible kimono-style jacket featuring two contrasting prints that depict light and shadow. Pale yellow begonia flowers set against a soft lilac background decorate one side, while the other is adorned with a vibrant yellow-and-white design meant to portray the shadows on the ground cast by the flowers on the flip side. Rendered in soft cotton, with deep front pockets, shawl lapels and a comfortable relaxed fit, this is an easy way to jazz up even the most casual jeans-and-tee combo.
          Helmed by Dawn Bey, who is both founder and creative director of the brand, Minor Miracles is a print and textile studio that aims to bring happiness into every wardrobe and home. Each collection features exclusive prints designed in-house and placed on a range of clothing as well as home and lifestyle products. 

          SHOP

          Not everyone takes equally to the charms of the traditional cheongsam. For those of you who like a little more edge to your look, opt for this minimalist bralet, whose thin straps form graphic shapes against bare skin for added visual interest. On account of the older, more conservative folks you’ll no doubt be visiting, layer it over a plain white tee or an oversize white shirt for a seriously simple yet eye-catching look. 
          Deriving its name from the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, who proposed that taking more than what is needed equates to stealing, Stolen stands for pure and timeless design. Founded by Elyn Wong, the Singapore-based womenswear label with a dynamic fashion x art DNA also actively pursues non-fashion projects and has created installations that have been exhibited around the world. 

          SHOP

          Given that food is an integral part of the CNY celebrations, we thought this would be the perfect time to show off this midi skirt adorned with quirky fish motifs that collectively make up the limited-edition Assam print—inspired by the tangier version of the fish head curry, one of the country’s most iconic dishes. The full silhouette is flattering for all, with the wide waistband helping to tuck in the tummy and smooth the waistline.
          Co-founded by Louis Koh and Singaporean designer Afton Chen, RECKLESS ERICKA offers a very distinctive aesthetic, with pieces that are both stylish and functional. Its collections are all designed in-house, with an emphasis on craftsmanship, and are produced in ethically sourced factories using quality materials.

          SHOP

          Look to these babies for a blister-free option that is classy, and easy to slip on and take off. Crafted in lambskin, with the insoles and lining in the same material to boot, they feature intricate floral embroidery and sparkling crystal embellishments, and are guaranteed to add flair to any outfit.
          PAZZION started off as a footwear distributor for various countries across Asia-Pacific and Europe, and has since evolved into a household name synonymous with comfortable and stylish footwear. Today, it has over 10 stores in Singapore, and is also available in countries such as Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and even Mauritius. 

          SHOP

          Give a shout-out to Singapore’s multi-ethnic diversity by wearing a pair of exquisite Peranakan slippers on your visiting rounds. The epitome of wearable culture, these peep-toe slip-ons, featuring leather uppers with a scalloped hem and hand-beading in a vibrant floral pattern, add tons of local charm to your look and are a good match for both dressy options as well as more casual ones.  
          Specialising in modern cheongsams, with coordinating options for the little ones, The Missing Piece is a small home-grown label that makes stylish, flattering and comfortable clothes for real women and their families. All its clothing are lovingly handmade using fabrics chosen specifically for their breathability and durability. 

          SHOP

          Because pineapples are a symbol of wealth and prosperity—and no CNY celebration would be complete without a pineapple tart or two—we thought these sneakers would be a fun way to liven up your look. Made from 100 percent Spanish bovine leather, they are super soft and supple, and come with breathable sports footbeds for optimal support.
          Using premium leathers from the world’s finest tanneries, Another Sole makes shoes that are incredibly luxurious yet are light to wear. Keen to make a difference in the world, the brand directs 10 percent of its total revenue towards feeding hungry children, building sustainable communities and supporting their growth. 

          SHOP

          Don’t underestimate the power of dangling earrings to pep up a look. This gold-plated pair with swinging oversize blooms adds an elegant, feminine touch to every outfit—whether you choose to go with a quieter, more demure look or rock a sexier, edgier one.
          Home-grown lifestyle label The Paper Bunny offers ready-to-purchase pieces that are all designed in-house. The brand strives to create items that bring positive impact and empowerment to people every day through thoughtful design and practical functionality. 

          SHOP

          Take this chance to wear your love for Singapore with this wide gold-plated bangle handwoven with a whopping 3,240 premium delica beads—each measuring just 1mm in size—in the hues of our national flag. Featuring artfully interspersed matte and polished beads, with the occasional gold-plated delicas twinkling merrily as they catch the light, this adds quiet elegance to any look and will serve you well beyond the festive celebrations. 
          Established in 2015, EDEN + ELIE is a jewellery brand that utilises hand-weaving techniques to create functional, wearable pieces with a contemporary aesthetic. All its jewellery is made in Singapore, and the brand often trains and works with other artisans who, for the lack of capital, would not otherwise be able to enter the premium market of high-design goods.

          SHOP

          Bring on the flair with this statement filigree ring that’s sure to start convos. Part of the Blessings collection—which is inspired by the Chinese concept of “Five Happiness” (also known as “Five Blessings” or the “Five Good Fortunes”), namely good luck, prosperity, longevity, happiness and wealth—it is a beautiful accessory that will get you compliments this festive season. All you need to do now is pick your preferred material (gold, rose gold or white gold) and custom-cut gems (there are three combinations to choose from), lock down your ring size and check out. Hurry though—some options are already sold out. 
          Carrie K. creates meaningful jewellery that tells stories, from simple everyday pieces to statement makers for special occasions and precious heirlooms to be passed from generation to generation. The brand aims to bring people together through conversation-starting jewellery and nurture a positive community through meaningful interactions. 

          SHOP

          Masks are a must in this Covid era, but no one said they have to be boring. Cloth ones offer more stylish options, but be sure to go for those with at least three layers of fabric, or two layers of fabric and a filter in between; ideally, you want one made with tight-weave 100 percent cotton, which offers both protection and comfort. That’s what you get with this three-ply reusable mask, which has a dense cotton outermost layer, a middle layer of waterproof fabric that’s also used in medical protective gears, and a comfortable, breathable cotton twill innermost layer. The batik design is hand-stamped, so no two prints are identical. Opt for the bold burgundy, mint or mustard, or go the softer route with blush or grey.
          Founded in 2017 by mumpreneurs Anseina (Ans) and Erlyn (Ein), ANS.EIN is a fashion brand offering products based on works of art. Known for its kimono-inspired multi-way jumpsuits and dresses, the brand works with local artists to help bring their masterpieces to life. 

          SHOP

          This pleated scarf is an easy way to spruce up your look, and is practical to boot—it can be used as a lightweight alternative to a jacket when you’re in air-conditioning, or as a stylish shield for your bare shoulders or arms when in the sunny outdoors. We say get it in Rust—which is in the red family, so you’ll still be wearing the traditional colour of luck and good fortune, but in a more unusual shade.
          Founded in 2011 by Gin Lee and Tamir Niv, GINLEE Studio takes pride in creating beautiful, thoughtfully designed pieces meant to be mainstays in one’s wardrobe, with 3D elements that flatter the female form.

          SHOP

          Give your look a bold hit of glamour with this stunner in auspicious gold. Inspired by Singapore’s everyday market bag, it is crafted in butter-soft python skin and lined with micro-suede, and comes in a cute size that can fit two mandarin oranges on top of your new normal essentials. 
          Founded in 2002, Boutique Fairs is a twice-yearly shopping event that helps promote small Singapore businesses such as LINGWU, which offers luxurious handbags for the modern, independent woman. In light of the Covid-19 situation, the biannual extravaganza, which is usually held at the F1 Pit Building, has expanded into an integrated e-commerce site in 2020—which means you can now shop even while lounging in bed. Enjoy! 

          SHOP

          For those who lean more towards minimalist chic, this one’s right up your alley. Delighting with its simple yet versatile design, this bag is made of water-resistant nylon and comes with two different-length handles for multiple ways to carry it. Available in a range of colour combinations, it has a detachable inner pouch that can be used on its own and even to store the bag itself. Plastic snap button fastenings from Sun Grip, Japan, ensure that nothing will fall out.
          Started by husband-and-wife duo Daniel Chew and Rebecca Ting, Beyond The Vines is a Singapore-based fashion label founded on the belief that good design should be accessible to all. Committed to working with the most daring creatives, the brand keeps to a philosophy of creating boldly and designing simply. 

          SHOP

          You can’t go wrong with a cheery dress like this one from Binary Style’s Chinese New Year Collection 2021. It features the black-naped oriole—one of the most common birds found in Singapore—set against a bright and colourful print in various shades of teal, red and pink. What we really love about this mini dress are the pockets: Not only can you stow  your face mask in them, they’re also great for those ang pows you have collected from your relatives.
          Twin sisters Santhi and Sari Tunas founded Binary Style in 2015 as a lifestyle brand that specialises in conversational prints. The duo are trained architects and huge nature lovers, which is why Binary Style takes pride in showcasing the intersection of architecture and nature with an unmistakably tropical hint.

          SHOP

          All the items are independently selected by our editorial team. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. But we only recommend products we love. Promise.

          Share this article