Local shoes and accessories brands are in a class of their own and worth looking out for.
FOR years, homegrown brands have made waves in the local fashion scene.
Local talents have created a niche market with stylish, trendy and fashionable products crafted with quality workmanship. It is no wonder that people are turning to local brands as their quality is on par with international labels.
While they initially sell their products at weekend bazaars, online or Instagram, increasing demand has boosted their popularity so that they can now be found on fashion websites such as FashionValet as well as Loka, a one-stop retail hub for local products. Some even have their own retail outlet.
From high end fashion labels, bespoke shoes and hand-made leather bags to elegantly designed jewellery, Malaysian designers are a force to be reckoned with.
Here are some local shoes and accessories brands that are in a class of their own and worth spending on :
1. KISS & TELL
Women love Kiss & Tell for its functional, fashionable and comfortable shoes.
When she launched the brand seven years ago, Michelle Soo’s vision is to celebrate comfort without compromising style.
“Our footwear is versatile enough to complement your most glamorous looks to everyday basics. I try the shoes samples before production to ensure they are comfortable prior to manufacturing them. We will tweak and improve the samples until they meet with my satisfaction,” she says.
Made in Malaysia by local artisans, Kiss & Tell’s shoes include flats, 2.5- and three-inch heels, pumps, wedges and bridal shoes using only man-made microfibre leather, quality suede, satin and textured fabrics.
Soo is finalising her Hari Raya collection as well as working on a special collaboration, which she wants to keep under wraps at the moment.
In addition to its online store at www.kissandtell.com.my, the brand is available at Atria Shopping Gallery, Parkson Pavillion, Fashion Valet, Palloe and Zalora.
Kiss & Tell does not only offer shoes, but apparel and accessories as well.
2. GUNG JEWELLERY
It was launched in 2017 when the founder Yinn Ooi noticed a gap in the local market for quality minimalist jewellery.
Using her background as an interior designer, she designed her first collection inspired by the pagoda architecture with its strong edges and gold colourings.
Gung means “palace” in Korean, embracing the intrinsic nature of expressing a person’s individuality through jewellery. The brand also strives to distinguish itself through premium quality and refined craftmanship jewellery that is not overly exorbitant.
Gung Jewellery’s offer a variety of designs that include hoop, stud, drop and tassel earrings; square rings, twisted bracelets, gold and silver necklaces and chokers. Materials include brass, gold plated and rhodium plated with nickel.
Locally designed and made in Korea, Gung Jewellery is at Naiise Malaysia, Naiise Singapore, Robinson Four Seasons, Robinson The Gardens, Ninth Gallery, Publika and Manoplus, Penang. Prices range from RM50 to RM200.
3. THE STRAITS FINERY
The Straits Finery collection is not only known for its fine craftmanship but also the story behind it.
Its latest collection, Rosie The Riveter, pays tribute to women, who are brave and confident yet also feminine and sensitive. The collection was released in three chapters - courage, femininity and tenacity. They include quad and box rings, frame bracelet, frame earrings, line ring, keystone ring and rhombus earrings.
Co-owned by friends, Foo Chia Chern and Amira Yahya, the brand was born out of their love for fine jewellery. Their first collection — Luna — was launched in 2016.
The collections are available at www.thestraitsfinery.com
4. GIN & JACQUIE
The brand that started from the founder’s wish for a more fashionable and stylish laptop bag has grown into so much more.
For the past 10 years, Jacqueline Ng has came out with practical and functional everyday bag and travel accessories that do not cost a bomb.
You will find bags in various shapes and sizes that include totes, pouches, sling bags, organisers as well as laptop bags. One of its latest designs is the crowd favourite, Travelling Tania, a compact travel bag.
Ng is working on new prints for Mysophea, a sling bag which can be used in three ways as well as a collection for Hari Raya.
Gin & Jacquie products, made from nylon and canvas, are manufactured in China. Look for the bags on FashionValet and www.ginjacqie.com. Prices range from RM30 to RM130.
5. MY HEAVENLY ATELIER
Simplicity in geometry describes the brand’s handmade jewellery. Founder and designer Maggie CS launched her first geometric minimalist designs in 2014.
Her experience as a musician helps in her innovative way of thinking when it comes to designing products - focusing on balance in geometry, removing the unnecessary and making space for fine artistic touches. In short, she makes simple but not simpler jewellery pieces.
Working with silver, 14-carat gold filled, Argentium silver, yellow and rose gold, she turns out eye-catching jewellery.
Her collection includes geometric hook earrings, asymmetrical wrapped ring, architectural pyramid earrings, circle choker necklace, circle eyelet bracelet, crisscross ring, Menuet earrings and minimalist architectural earrings.
She also creates functional adornments for homes. The pieces are sold on www.myheavenlyatelier.com,
6. MATERIALIPSTICK
The label is founded by four friends in 2015 who share the idea that bags are timeless piece of fashion accessories that uniquely defines the person.
To Junees Teoh, Jong Wei Wei, Charlyne Goh and Juwei Teoh, a perfect bag matched with an outfit will complete and spice up a whole different look and feel.
Crafted with the genuine calf leather, canvas, suede and gold or silver lined metal detailing, each Materialipstick bag is a fashion statement by itself. There are several designs to choose from - Patches de Badges, Art the Culture, Alyson Nano Red and Alyson Mini-Me.
Its bestseller is the 1960s Nano series, square design bags made from leather and canvas with leather strap. Another favourite is Alyson, with a structured knot in the flap, made from genuine calf leather, white canvas and red suede.
Materialipstick’s showroom is in Publika, Kuala Lumpur.