It is given that red is the key colour of what is known as the Spring Festival as the bold shade understandably depicts happiness, wealth and prosperity. The presence of the colour is also evident in the Chinese families' households adorn their homes with red lanterns and ornaments to commemorate the festival.
But really, can fashion sway our luck? What influence the designs for this festive spirit? How can one feel their best by donning something special this year of the goat?
Astro AWANI talked to Malaysia’s internationally-acclaimed fashion designer, Melinda Looi or fondly known as Mel for women’s wear and Joe Chia for men’s wear for the fashion lowdown for CNY this year.
Chinese New Year fashion trend
Mell gets playful with fabric mixtures to match her collection this year. She said that she personally feels that it's always nice to have a traditional looking cheongsam during Chinese New Year. A useful tip for the ladies is to shop for a short cheongsam because this look can take you places from day to night.
Melinda Looi gets playful with motifs to match for her CNY collection. Photo source from Melinda Looi
“Whatever it is that you are wearing as long as you feel comfy and confident, you will look hot,” said Mell.
Joe Chia, who is synonymous for his black-on-black (and occasionally grey) creation said that though his label embraces the colour black and made it a signature colour for the label for the celebration, the sombre shades of black remains a taboo as it depicts negativity and morbidity.
“Though we (the label) see black in a different perspective as it is strong, modern, classic and timeless, most people avoid wearing black as a sign of respect to the elderly and the culture,” said Chia.
He added that his designs are created timelessly; hence his pieces are mostly wearable at any time and occasions.
Chia also agrees that red has been and always will be the ‘star’ colour for the Chinese New Year celebration.
The year of the goat
Until today, Mell finds 2015 has been rather interesting for her label. She predicts that it will be an interesting and and busy year, thanks to the launch of new label ML 春 CHŪN CNY 2015 Collection.
This collection highlights the classic combo of the oriental elements with completely new shapes and throwback prints with modern yet flattering take of cheongsam which are fun, flirty and comfy.
Mell has also gotten her bridal Ivory collection lined up and followed by Mell’s 3D collection, Fall/Winter 2015 collection, Raya collection and many more in store for all.
It is an important year for the label too as this year her label marks its 15th anniversary.
Red has always been and always be the 'star' colour. Source photo: Melinda Looi
“There will be some new projects, so stay connected to our social media to be the first to know. Since it is also our 15th anniversary ... so we are planning something towards end of the year. So, stay tuned!” Mell added.
The year of the goat has, thus far been fruitful for Joe.
The label’s latest collection called Chapter 06 Fall/Winter 2015 kicked off with a blast earlier this year and the collection has slowly penetrated the international market yet again, in Milan and Paris trade shows which featured over 500 premium designers and labels worldwide.
Chapter 06 by Joe Chia for Fall Winter 2015. - Photo by Joe Chia
“Our Fall/Winter 2015 collection was another milestone as we are placed in line with renowned international avant garde labels - Rick Owens, Comme Des Garcons, Damir Doma, Issey Miyake, Gareth Pugh, Juun J and many more,” said Joe.
Joe is also delighted to share with us that, apart from Kuala Lumpur, his label, will be accessible around the globe; retailing in 16 stores in over eight different countries worldwide namely Milan, Madrid, Amsterdam, Moscow, Berlin, New York City, Taipei and Shanghai.
“I'm very much delighted to announce that our stockists include respected and reputable stores - DAAD DANTONE in Italy, SPRMRT in Amsterdam and OUKAN 71 in Berlin,” added Joe.
A background
Melinda Looi or Looi Lai Yee was born and raised in KL. She graduated from the La Salle School of Fashion in Montreal and is lauded as an award-winning fashion designer whose signature creation spells avant-garde and vintage.
With three labels under her wings: Melinda Looi Couture, Melinda Looi Prêt-à-Porter and MELL, which are sold in Malaysia and selected boutiques in Europe, Australia and the Middle East.
Her wide range of clientele range from socialites to working professionals and royalty to celebrities including Cameron Diaz, Britney Spears and Mena Suvari.
When asked about what is nostalgia to these designers, Mell said that since she loves to cook and eat, food and family gathering will always be something that she looks forward to every Chinese New Year ever since she was a child.
The bigger news for the curly-haired Mell is the arrival of a bundle of joy!
Indeed, 2015 will be a special and important year on the personal front and career.
Melinda Looi is all geared up and excited for Chinese New Year, expecting her fourth bundle of joy soon. Photo: Melinda Looi's Instagram account
“I hope to have more time to cook and invite some family and friends over for a great celebration like how I used to do but I've been so busy and baby (number four) is on the way."It will be a special year for the family to welcome the little goat baby - Myla. So cooking won't be my priority as I will be busy prepping myself,” said a contented Mell.
For Joe, who is currently in a relationship with his sweetheart, Melissa said the festival Chinese is an important retrospective of the multiple phases in his life.
He admittedly said that the art and meaning to so many things where the phases and times were a lot simpler back then.
“Chinese New Year is all about memories of your childhood, family and friends especially when I will be celebrating in my hometown in Kelantan,” said Joe.
Joe Chia recently 'crowned' Asia’s most influential designer in Joe Chia, Chapter 06, Fall Winter 2015 - File Photo
The designer is an inspirational figure for most local designers to shine in the highly-competitive fashion and retail industry.
Armed with the burning passion to be a household name for the ‘real’ people on the streets, Joe has successfully launched his eponymous ready-to wear label in 2012 - only two years after he graduated from Raffles Design Institute.
Dubbed as Asia’s most influential designer during the Mercedes Benz STYLO Asia Fashion Week in 2013, Joe has brought a new definition to classic and timeless designs.
A non-conformist of what's hot and what's not in terms of trends, Joe's signature creations are in a sequence of chapters with each pieces in every chapter narrates its unique story.
Following the initiation of the brand were collaborations with renowned international labels like Honda, Sony and Shu Eumura; and the recent UT Japan (UNIQLO), G-shock and Reebok.
Awards involved Best Menswear Designer by Newman magazine, Top 40 under 40 from one of Asia’s most affluent publications – Prestige magazine and one of Asia’s most influential designer during the Mercedes Benz STYLO Asia Fashion Week in 2013.
