Drawing on passion
The most valuable currency when it comes to starting your own fashion brand is probably unwavering dedication. We take a look at three local labels that were born out of a love for design.
FASHION has an ever-increasing number of brands – from luxury to fast fashion, generic to artisanal. But there is something special about independent labels.
Sometimes you may want something that speaks to you or is just different or distinctive. And the local market has a number of different offerings targeted towards niche shoppers.
Armed with a little know-how and a lot of drive, they have proven their edge by slowly (but surely) making a mark in the fashion scene.
Here’s a look at three local labels offering beautiful accessories, each with a distinct voice of its own.
Best foot forward
Cipela (pronounced see-pair-la) from Hidayah Hassan is a shoe label that is aimed at modern and empowered women. It provides a selection of footwear that fits all lifestyles.
“The word ‘Cipela’ is Bosnian. It simply means shoes. I chose it because I didn’t feel like using my name for a brand. I wanted to be the woman behind it, but not the brand itself,” says Hidayah.
Her 2018 collection presents classic yet elegant styles, which are suitable for work and running around town. From flat shoes to peep-toes and pumps, it focuses on comfort for long-wear – and, of course, aesthetics.
Hidayah’s foray into shoemaking came from a constant struggle of not being able to find stylish shoes that fit. Having picked up the trade after living in the Balkans, she decided to just design and produce her own ones.
“I’m quite bold. I like colourful heels, but also classy pumps. I have rather large and broad feet, so it was a problem for me to shop for shoes. With Cipela, I offer both ready-made and custom designs,” she states.
According to Hidayah, the best part about designing shoes is the freedom she gets when it comes to trends.
She is no longer limited to what is available in stores, whether colour, shape or form.
“Today’s women lead independent and demanding lifestyles, thus requiring shoes that don’t sacrifice practicality for aesthetics. Cipela aims to fulfil that need,” she explains.
Line of beauty
Founder of My Heavenly Atelier, Maggie Chui, really enjoys working with metal. She gets a sense of satisfaction from creating geometrically-balanced pieces of handmade jewellery.
While Chui is a trained musician, she sees jewellery making as something that offers her much more in terms of a creative outlet. It is for this reason that she decided to start her business.
“As a kid, I always knew that I love crafting and designing. Music has allowed me to use my creativity and inherent talent to some level but not to the fullest,” Chui points out.
She says that the concept of open space is one of her biggest inspirations. There is a lot of “hollowness” in her jewellery. She also likes to play around with geometry and lines.
“Those elements work magically when placed together. They create such intricate pieces that are airy, effortless and chic. The balance in itself enhances wearers without overpowering their appearance,” she explains.
Chui values simplicity most in life, and believes that less is always more. Her jewellery allows everyone to be imaginative in their own way, yet highlighting a modern vibe.
“The effortlessness and subtle delicate details in my designs are what speak best about my personal style. I always believe that to be presentable and beautiful one does not need to try too hard,” Chui notes.
Full of soul
Lisette Scheers is of Dutch heritage, but born in Singapore and living in Malaysia. As such, her designs reflect diversity – and come in varied forms of function and appeal.
Scheers’ label, Nala Designs, offers everything from furniture and fashion accessories to homeware and stationery.
They however, share one similar trait – the use of bold colours.
“Why limit yourself to just a dress? Everything should and can have the same design attention. Every item has the right to be designed well,” Scheers states, regarding her creative vision.
“They represent me as a perfectionist. I need to be surrounded by beauty – just like I don’t believe in eating bad food. I don’t believe in spending my life looking at banal and ugly items.”
Scheers gets her inspiration from Asian cultures. Her latest collection for example, takes its cue from the beautiful and intricate embroidery of Peranakan wedding gowns.
“I was in Penang... and was invited to see the Peranakan museum for the first time. The collection was huge. I had not explored embroidery in my designs yet. So that’s how it came about,” she relates.
“The patience the seamstresses must have had – or the ladies of the house that made them while drinking a cup of tea. The passion and drive to make something so exquisite is just ‘dripping’ from the gowns I saw.”