Huat couture: Best of home-grown brands for Chinese New Year outfits

SINGAPORE – With Chinese New Year just around the corner on Jan 29, local brands and retailers have already put out their festive collections, with many teasing drops as early as December.

Styles in 2025 are noticeably more restrained, perhaps echoing a less-than-rosy economic outlook and pared-down celebrations. But there is no reason not to look your best even amid tightening purse strings.

For those who believe in the Chinese custom of wearing new clothes for the new year to symbolise a fresh beginning, here are the best places to get your festive threads.

Statement dresses

Stand out at your reunions in a head-turning number that you can re-wear for events or date nights. For those who like to treat themselves to one good, new dress a year, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Good Addition

Founded in 2022, womenswear brand Good Addition has become one to watch for its annual Chinese New Year collections. The 2025 collection is called Good Romance, an ode to modern romantic silhouettes.

Modern contrast cheongsam sit alongside semi-formal pieces in satin, tweed and crepe, in hues of red, magenta, chartreuse and cream.

There are also padded rompers and the brand’s signature shirt in new festive colours. Still, the standouts are the midi- and maxi-length dresses, such as the unique Multi Weave Tweed Cheongsam ($180) and Contrast Off-Shoulder Tweed Dress ($165), which are suitable for attending formal events and weddings throughout the year.

Fronting the home-grown brand’s campaign are celebrity mother-daughter duo Tan Kheng Hua and Lim Shi-An, who look at home in the elegant pieces.

The first drop of the collection on Jan 4 drew winding queues at Good Addition’s inaugural pop-up store in lifestyle development New Bahru, which runs till June. A second drop of new designs launches online on Jan 10 and at New Bahru on Jan 11.

Info: Available at

goodaddition.store

  and at 02-03 New Bahru, 46 Kim Yam Road

In Good Company

Known for its chic and compelling silhouettes, home-grown label In Good Company is not one to put out a flashy print or cheongsam collar. Instead, its festive capsule collection appeals to the woman who likes just the right amount of visual interest to have you inquire: “Where did you get your dress from?”

Nothing says “look at me” like hot pink. The Cupro Morocco Dress ($209) in fuchsia is made from luxe cupro shirred through the bodice for a close, yet flexible, fit. The carefree silhouette and floaty hem also make it a good dress to take on holiday.

Info: Available at B1-06 Ion Orchard and

ingoodcompany.asia

Klarra

Texture can make an outfit. Singapore label Klarra’s Petal Halter Maxi Dress ($139) reimagines the halter maxi dress in a petal-embellished applique fabric that elevates a simple white dress.

Designed for wear from day to night, this statement piece strikes a balance between showgirl and international woman of mystery. Chuck on a denim jacket to dress it down.

Info: Available at B3-33 Ion Orchard and

klarra.com

Old-school cool

If splashing out on a full cheongsam is not in your budget, invest for the long term in chic separates that are timeless but still boast a festive flair.

Dear Samfu

Home-grown label Dear Samfu, beloved for its nostalgic styles, has in store another tasteful Chinese New Year collection. The Homecoming collection is inspired by the excitement of going home and reconnecting in grandma’s garden over peanut cookies.

The label’s Big Sister Cheongsam Top ($98) and Skirt ($128) make for an effortlessly elegant set, with a relaxed mandarin collar top and bias cut skirt. Of the five colourways, the print Navy Paradise is the most eye-catching. The matching Big Sister Puff Sleeve Top ($118) comes with puff sleeves and a ribbon tie for a more conservative style.

Info: Available at

dearsamfu.com

Love, Bonito

Is it really Chinese New Year if you do not bump into another person wearing Love, Bonito at your gatherings? The local brand’s 2025 collection reimagines traditional designs for the modern world – with details like mandarin collars, ribbon-ties and oriental buttons on contemporary silhouettes.

The Brocade Fitted Tube Top ($55) combines a fitted bodice with detachable straps, a sleek back zip and a side slit (to accommodate all that snacking). Wear it as a set with the matching Brocade A-line Shorts ($55) or style it on its own with plain bottoms you already own. It also has mileage as a great casual evening piece.

Info: Available at Love, Bonito stores, including 02-09 Funan, 107 North Bridge Road, and

lovebonito.com

Modparade

Fans of whimsical prints will know to look out for Modparade’s yearly festive drop. For 2025, the local brand goes big on florals, jacquard and prints that recall scenes from Chinese landscape watercolour paintings on cheongsam tops, dresses, men’s shirts and more.

For guys who want to look put together without a stuffy collar, the Lukas Top ($43.90) in a variety of prints is a slip-on V-neck tee in breezy cotton linen. The same Misty Willow print is also found on the Liliana tube dress ($65.90) for couples to match in style.

Info: Available at 02-21 Funan, 107 North Bridge Road, and

modparade.com

Made to match

It is peak matching season for those who love a cohesive family portrait every year. Prints and styles are getting more imaginative, so the whole motley crew can match without cringing.

Le Petit Society

The home-grown children’s label is a yearly go-to for families wanting to twin in matching prints and fabrics. Find a huge range of whimsical prints in its 2025 collection – available in men’s shirts, boys’ shirts, girls’ dresses, and rompers, cheongsam tops, pants and dresses for women.

Stand out in the striking Green Orchid Print, in bold green contrasted with vibrant pink orchids to symbolise prosperity and new beginnings.

For something more wearable day-to-day, the Navy Snake Print is a subtle nod to the Year of the Snake – and is available in a cute Boy’s Shirt with a mandarin collar ($48) and Men’s Camp Collar Shirt in Navy with Double Pockets ($82).

Info: Available at Le Petit Society stores, including 05-35 The Paragon, 290 Orchard Road, and

lepetitsociety.com

YeoMama Batik

The batik-centric local brand goes even bigger than years past with its Wander World 2024 collection, released in three volumes, across tops, bottoms, dresses, one-pieces, outerwear, co-ord sets, men’s shirts and kidswear.

The first tranche features a bold palette of deep blues and fiery reds. The second celebrates vintage aesthetics, with dreamy pastel hues and delicate florals in shades of blush pink, butter yellow, mint green and baby blue. Volume three is all about porcelain blues and reds said to be inspired by fairy tales and traditional Asian artistry.

For the men, pick up the Mandarin Short Sleeve Shirt ($128) that comes in a full rainbow of batik designs, including the cheery Golden Daydream. The fabric is also available in a Little Mandarin Shirt ($88) for boys, Little Kai Dress ($88) for girls and Kai Cheongsam Dress ($288) for women.

Info: Available at YeoMama Batik’s studio, 01-87 Oxley Bizhub, 65 Ubi Road 1 (Wednesdays to Sundays), and

yeomamabatik.com

Sea Apple

In kidswear brand Sea Apple’s Chinese New Year 2025 collection, mums get first pick of the many fun fabrics and cheongsam-inspired pieces. Spotlighting its original prints and patterns, the home-grown brand has launched 10 new series across 90 designs for babies, kids and adults.

Standouts include the Chessboard, Blue Toile and Mexican Rose prints. They come in a range of styles including cheongsam ($199), cheongsam tops ($119), girls’ dresses (from $89.90), men’s collared shirts ($129) and tweens’ tops ($79.90).

Info: Available at 01-68 United Square, 101 Thomson Road, and

seaappleshop.com

A touch of the Orient

Borrowing from Japanese influences, the kimono is another way to add casual oriental flair to your outfit. Mix and match the outerwear with various pieces in your wardrobe.

Perk by Kate x Studio Qiling

Local lingerie label Perk by Kate has teamed up with Singapore printmaker Studio Qiling for the occasion, designing a limited-edition capsule celebrating the strength and grace of the modern woman.

Studio Qiling crafted a hand-drawn print inspired by the peony – a symbol of prosperity, honour and feminine beauty – which was turned into wearable works of art on Perk by Kate pieces.

Titled Peonies in Bloom, the collection comprises a statement silk blend lavender kimono ($289), reversible 100 per cent silk scarf ($269) and Perk by Kate’s signature Soft Bra ($69) and matching Cheeky bottom ($39). You can also find the print in its two colourways on red packets ($39 for a set of eight), which you can receive free on orders above $88.

Info: Available at Perk by Kate Boudoir Studio, 134A Telok Ayer Street, and

perkbykate.com

Chota House

Chota House, a Singapore-based streetwear-focused brand, carries hand-crafted vintage-inspired clothing, 925 silver accessories and customised leather goods.

New for this festive season is the unisex Xi Noragi ($288.80), named after the Japanese Noragi workwear jacket, which features intricate Chinese characters “xi” (symbolising happiness and celebration) and “fa” (representing wealth and success).

Made from lightweight cotton, the jacket has a wide-cut, relaxed silhouette for comfortable wearing all day long.

Info: Available at 04-10, 313@somerset, 313 Orchard Road and online at

chotahouse.com

Graye

If your style leans towards street chic, local brand Graye’s Kimono Bomber Jacket ($189) blends the structure of a bomber jacket with the elegance of a kimono.

It features the brand’s signature East-meets-West aesthetic, with a soft wrap-around ribbed collar, hidden side-tie drawstring and asymmetrical detailing for an organic silhouette. Stay cosy in the crinkly cotton-nylon blend, with half raglan sleeves that add volume and ease, and a button tab inside for a snug fit.

Had one too many pineapple tarts? Simply unclip the button tab and wear the jacket open.

Info: Available at 02-13 Wheelock Place, 501 Orchard Road, and

grayestudio.com

Don’t forget to accessorise

Doing the sustainable thing and re-wearing something you already own? In the spirit of ushering in new beginnings, you can still sport something new – and let your shoes, or bags, do the talking. Accessories are also the easiest way to add a pop of red to your look.

PrettyFit

In a new campaign, the 30-year-old home-grown footwear brand has highlighted some festive styles for the season. Its Brianne Flats in Wine ($79.90), crafted in soft patent faux leather, meld style and comfort with a trendy pointed toe.

Padded insoles and the low 2cm block heel make it the perfect shoe for all-day visiting duties. It also features an adjustable gold square buckle for those who like the ultra auspicious pairing of red and gold.

Info: Available at PrettyFit stores, including B1-30/31 Wisma Atria, 435 Orchard Road, and

prettyfit.com.sg

DMK Shoes

Appealing to the feminine, local label DMK’s new Blooms collection is all about understated elegance. Think soft pink blush hues, silver accents and 3D floral embellishments, inspired by the delicate beauty of spring blossoms.

In the collection, find a wide range of styles that span slingbacks, ballerina flats, Mary Janes, pumps and platform sandals. Some of DMK’s signature styles, such as the Carrie Mary Janes ($53.90), Crystal Clear Confidence Heel Pumps ($53.90) and Ferlyn Slingback Flats ($46.90), are reimagined in dainty blush pink with brocade-like floral textures. Mother-in-law approved.

Info: Available DMK stores, including B1-17 Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Road, and

dmk.com.sg

Charles & Keith

Home-grown brand Charles & Keith has opted for a bolder interpretation of the Year of the Wood Snake. Its Spring 2025 collection draws from the transformative energy of the snake, seen as a symbol of wisdom, rebirth and resilience; while the element of wood signifies growth, flourishing potential and connection to nature.

The theme here is bold evolution and renewal, mirrored in its editorial campaign that marries traditional details with edge. Most striking is the line-up of slip-ons and Mary Janes featuring intricate oriental knots.

Meanwhile, the bags sport sleek chinoiserie details and jacquard brocade, with the Aviary Jacquard Beaded-Handle Bag ($89.90) emerging as the season’s must-have accessory. In crimson, cream and black, this elegant purse is an instant conversation piece with its stunning beaded handles.

Info: Available at Charles & Keith stores, including B1-25/26 Takashimaya Shopping Centre, 391 Orchard Road, and

charleskeith.com/sg

Beyond The Vines

Local design studio Beyond The Vines has dropped a surprise in time for Chinese New Year – a lucky cherry colour across a number of its key bag styles, including the XS Dumpling Bag ($89) and Crunch Carryall (from $89).

The new Crunch Carryall 0.5 ($69), in the same water-resistant nylon, is the perfect size to fit two oranges and your bounty of hongbao.

Info: Available from Jan 10 at

beyondthevines.com