Four Malaysian brands you need in 2024.
Need them in my closet immediately!!
Huzzah for the new year! Have you decided on your resolutions yet?
I haven’t given mine much thought because these things invariably turn into just another list of aspirations on a journal page. But if I were to think of one now, it’ll be something about making good purchases.
As you’ve probably read from my previous newsletter, I had a good buying year in 2023 and I’m hoping I could make the same happen this year. Though, this time I’d like to focus more on buying local.
So, I’ve rounded up a list of Malaysian brands I’d like to have in my closet this year (this is, of course, ultimately subject to my finances, but it is fun to daydream. And to make lists).
Nobat
The first time Nobat came on my radar was when an ad of their’s – which featured a paparazzi-esque video of a street food vendor carrying one of their ludicrously capacious leather bag – appeared on my Instagram feed. I had to scroll back up because that is not an everyday sight to behold. At least, not in South East Asia.
From that ad alone I knew exactly what Nobat intends to do with their bags: make the everyday less dull.
Sure, any brand can design a chic bag, but Nobat’s clear appreciation for traditional elements – which tends to get lost as we progress into modern society – is what separates them from the rest. This appreciation can be found, first, in their name: Nobat, in Malay, refers to a special orchestra reserved for royal affairs. The second is in their widespread utilisation of the classic anyaman (weaving) design.
I’m enchanted by the luxurious look and feel of their bags. Indeed, a returning customer of theirs told me that she’s had their bag for a couple of years now and it’s still holding up. You’d think something so pretty and durable would cost you a fortune, but surprisingly, their bags cost less than RM300.
On my wish list:
Whimsigirl
I’ve touched on Whimsigirl a little bit in my post, The Messy Report. There, I talked about the brand’s effort in making traditional clothings more casual, so you can add them into your everyday rotation of clothes without someone asking you, “Is it Raya already?”.
But besides their playful, modernised traditional pieces, Whimsigirl also offers an array of elegant and stylish clothes designed to make the wearer appear effortlessly cool, as though she had just thrown them on and walked out the door without thinking twice about it.
That’s the kind of brand I can get behind because I’m all about versatile and timeless clothes these days.
On my wish list:
Idaman 2-piece Kebaya (discontinued🥲)
Tangsi Tujuh
No one is immune to the sudden occurrence of love at first sight. Some experience it with other people, whilst others experience it with clothes. I tend to fall under the latter.
The first time I saw one of Tangsi Tujuh’s masterpieces was on the internet (so every romantic story goes these days). It was a fit check video and the person had their Mukta top and Bening Empat skirt on. I was immediately drawn to it – obsessed – like moth to flame, Oliver to Felix.
From that moment on, I knew I had to get my hands on one of their pieces. They’re the kind of clothes you want to fall in love in (and with).
But like every crush in existence, you could never have them. Both the top and skirt were sold out, along with 97% of their other designs. As much as that pains me, there is no one to blame but myself. Only a fool would wait to get their hands on something so beautifully crafted.
Tangsi Tujuh is doing a wonderful job thus far at threading the line between the romantic, the modern, and the classic. It is the gadis nusantara’s Sandy Liang.
On my wish list:
Saoi
We’ve got our bags and our clothes, now it’s time for some shoes.
Shoes, I would argue, are the most important part of an outfit. They tie the look together; they convey your vibe: Do you mean business? (dress shoes); Are you feeling flirty and fun? (kitten heels); Are you a law student at the University of Adelaide? (RMs).
But ultimately, they help you strut around confidently, so you can show off your outfit without scrunching your face. Hence, why a comfortable pair of shoes is always important.
I heard through the grapevine (internet) that Saoi’s shoes are pretty comfortable. A buyer once commented that she felt good in her Marie kitten heels despite wearing them on a flight from KL to Singapore and on walks around the city.
That was enough to make me want a pair.
Plus, they’re super cute too!
I’ve been eyeing this pair of red Poppy flats, but then they teased us with a photo of the Mia heels and honestly, I kind of want that one more. I mean, look at that delicious chocolate colour, it could make Willy Wonka cry.
On my wish list:
Mia heels
Let’s try to support local young designers more this year for they are the future of fashion. Besides, it’s good for the economy and community too.