Future forward designers are turning to the allure of Peranakan designs, materials, and even food to redefine how we look at culture and fashion. We’ve rounded up five amazingly innovative designers who should be on your radar.
By Emilia Ismail
Malaysia’s multiculturalism has created unique Peranakan communities. Known for their diversity, richness, and vibrancy, the Straits-born Chinese and Muslim (generally Jawi and Arab) Peranakans have inspired local designers to take innovative approaches to reinvent traditional Peranakan designs, materials, and even food. If you love a touch of Peranakan culture to your outfit, here’s a list of amazingly innovative local designers to check out right now.
Kenny Loh of Kenny Loh Couture
A model wearing Kenny Loh Couture’s collection of modern wear. Photo courtesy of Kenny Loh Couture.
One of Penang’s most sought-after designers, the eponymous designer behind Kenny Loh Couture started out his career designing Nyonya kebaya and kasut manek (beaded shoes). More recently, Loh has been focusing on incorporating Peranakan embroidery into modern wear. In particular, the designer emphasises on peacock and floral embroideries, using them for embellishments on blouses, shirts, capes, and tote bags. Between Loh’s statement-making modern wear for both men and women and his existing selection of gorgeous Nyonya kebaya, Loh has pieces for everyone, for any occasion. Check out Kenny Loh Couture’s website, Facebook and Instagram pages for updates. Alternatively, you can walk into duluKINI Pavilion Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur or his boutique on 24 Solok Mano in Penang.
Teoh Su Ling of Either/Or Design
Either / Or Design’s Peranakan heritage tiles-inspired earrings. Photo courtesy of Either / Or Design.
Penang-based jewellery brand, Either / Or Design, masterfully bridges the gap between heritage and craft, with exquisite offerings of Peranakan-inspired polymer clay earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. The mind and hands behind the brand, Teoh Su Ling, is a true-blue Penangite who has been making timeless pieces since 2019. The Penang lass is proud of her home state and the tiles in the heritage-rich city of George Town provides plenty of inspiration for each design. Polymer clay accessories involve the laborious process of designing, kneading, and moulding the clay before cutting them into wearable pieces. And because they are handmade, they are made with love. As a homegrown clay artist, Teoh aspires to promote the unique beauty of Penang’s heritage by creating pieces that reflect it, making it possible for all to keep a piece of Penang with them wherever they go. Click here to purchase or give the brand’s socials on Facebook and Instagram a follow.
Ling Hooi Yin of TinyPinc Miniatures
A brooch from Tinypinc Miniatures featuring various Nyonya kuih miniatures. Photo courtesy of TinyPinc Miniatures.
Petaling Jaya-based Ling Hooi Yin is the maker behind Tinypinc Miniatures. Ling started creating polymer clay miniatures—which are then turned into stud earrings, necklaces, and bracelets—after discovering the medium on YouTube. Though she started out making miniatures of western-style cakes, pies, and pastries, Ling gradually leaned into the appeal of local Malaysian food, knowing many of her clients have similar fondness. She is particularly inspired by Nyonya kuih’s bold colours and designs. Her signature ang ku kueh (bean paste cake), kuih lapis (layer cake), and kuih tayap (rolled crepe) miniatures are simultaneously lifelike, intricate, and fun. Other than Peranakan food, she also sells iconic Malaysian food pieces such as chicken rice, roti canai, and teh tarik to complement her local food design series. Head on here to purchase. You can also follow TinyPinc Miniatures’ Facebook and Instagram pages for updates.
Kang Pei Shern of Betterthanblouses
Designer Kang Pei Shern in one of her creations. Photo courtesy of betterthanblouses.
Batik sarongs are typically worn to complete the Nyonya kebaya ensemble, especially for formal occasions, but designer Kang Pei Shern propelled traditional batik to the next level by turning them into minimal and stylish blouses, skirts, and dresses suitable for daily and corporate wear. The creative behind the homegrown brand betterthanblouses tailors her designs in small batches from select batik, resulting in pieces that turn heads for all the right reasons. Since its conception, the brand has attracted loyal admirers, including model Sheena Liam. The brand, which began as a humble market stall in Hin Bus Depot, now has a boutique on Lebuh Melayu to cater to its growing clientele. The boutique is currently open only by appointment. Contact +6016 773 4763 to book a slot or follow the brand’s socials on Instagram and Facebook for updates.
Marissa Estelle Bahari of houseofasas
Marissa (centre) taking her catwalk bow at the Peranakan Penang Gala Show last year. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Lee.
Under the guidance of festival director Joe Sidek, Marissa Estelle Bahari’s debut at the Peranakan Penang Gala Show 2021 was both unconventional and daring. While other seasoned designers focused on the Straits Chinese culture and women’s wear, the rebellious newcomer stole the show by showcasing the cultural pride of the Muslim Peranakan community with a focus on menswear. To demonstrate the connectedness between the two Peranakan communities, Marissa chose Ikan kekek, the subject of a popular Malay folk song that the Nyonyas danced to at events, as the main motif. The baju melayu collection perfectly blends elegance and simplicity. Although Marissa’s label, houseofasas, is currently focusing on scrunchies, twillys, and scarves (all featuring Malaysian patterns with a twist), the baju melayu pieces showcased at the gala can be made-to-order though the brand’s Instagram page too, perfect for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.
Emilia Ismail is the co-founder of Penang Hidden Gems and a writer. Her articles can be found in The Star, Penang Monthly, and Penang Global Tourism.