Pattern play with Nala Designs: CNY 2022 outfits and cheongsams in Singapore
As we kick off each year, the festive vibes of Christmas and NYE slow down just long enough to pretend we’re not looking at more fabulous new dresses… and then comes Chinese New Year and the urge to go shopping for cheongsams and CNY outfits in Singapore that seriously stand out from the crowd. It’s also this time of year that independent Malaysia-based label Nala Designs releases its capsule of cheongsams and festive designs – and we’re goners.
Nala’s Sweet Sixteen collection lets you turn up the glam and get playful, all at once – and for pattern addicts, this will take you on an immediate high. Like all of Nala founder Lisette Scheers’ creations, the patterns are hand-drawn, inspired by scenes and motifs from a life spent living in and travelling through Asia. Fans will remember Nala’s previous CNY collection at WYLD, which featured cheongsams adorned in prints inspired by Peranakan motifs, in slim silhouettes and flared skirts with retro vibes.
For 2022, familiar silhouettes return with a twist, and this time the collection is inspired by a surprise trip to Japan Lisette took with her daughter to celebrate her 16th birthday. Images of village rooftops, ribbons that bring good fortune, joyful peony flowers that symbolise love and luck, and traditional fans have made their way into the patterns that feature on cheongsams alongside frilled wrap skirts, tops and blouses.
 Not just cheongsams: CNY outfits include the Light and Easy top in Look up,
a pattern inspired by a lamp Nala Designs founder Lisette discovered in a
zen garden. Wrap Skirt in Welcome Back features a print inspired by
traditional Japanese fabric room dividers.
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Each piece is beautifully made in 100% cotton satin, with the most delicious detailing. We’re mesmerised by the elegant enamelled buttons, the perfect pattern-on-pattern trims and flattering forms for all body types, from XS that best suits an Australian or UK size 6, to XL, which best fits a size 14.
 All in the detail: Nala’s cheongsams feature contrasting fabric trims and enamelled buttons. |
Here’s a look at the signature cheongsams…
 Nala Tulip Cheongsam in Rooftops |
Take the tulip style, designed to fit like a glove in the neckline and torso and create volume from the waist. The Nala Tulip Cheongsam in Rooftops is a head turner in bright blue with a subtle pattern inspired by a view of the rooftops of Kyoto.
 Nala Tulip Cheongsam in Bundle of Joy |
This cut is also available in the Nala Tulip Cheongsam in Bundle of Joy, a pattern featuring a cluster of flowers that’s a nod to imagery often featured on decorative window frames in Japan.
 Nala Long Cheongsam in Peony |
If you’re searching for a beautiful piece for your tall frame, you’ll love the Nala Long Cheongsam in Peony, with its contrasting fabric trims and vibrant pattern with oversized peony flowers. The patterns do all the talking in this pared back design, which is ultra easy to wear thanks to its side slits – and did we mention it has pockets?
 Nala Long Cheongsam in Iris |
This style also comes in the Nala long cheongsam in Iris, with a pattern featuring the iris flower that appears in many temples in Japan for its protective powers.
 Nala Flair Cheongsam in Welcome Back |
Universally flattering is the Nala Flair Cheongsam in Welcome Back – the perfect combo of a Mandarin collar, cap sleeves and a flared skirt with pockets. Its fun print is inspired by noren, a traditional Japanese fabric dividers you’ll often see in doorways. Wear it belted, or not! If you love this style and get uplifted by a lighter, brighter colour palette, look to the Nala Flair Cheongsam in Ribbon, with its playful pattern inspired by tatami mats and the art of origami.
 Nala Flair Cheongsam in Ribbon |
If you swoon over cheongsams with a slimline silhouette that channels Maggie Cheung in In the Mood for Love, you’ll fall for the Nala Defined Cheongsam in Cool Down – its oversized fan print, contrasting ribbon piping and beautiful buttons are giving us dress envy.
 Nala Defined Cheongsam in Cool Down |
It also comes in the noren-inspired print, in the form of the Nala Defined Cheongsam in Welcome Back.
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STYLING TIPS – NOT JUST FOR CNY!
We say these pieces are just too good to only wear during CNY, so the WYLD team has put together some tips for styling your cheongsam to take it well beyond Chinese New Year!
1. Wear it with sneakers
Our fave – dress your cheongsam down, or level up your weekend brunch dress game with a ladylike dress/cool kicks combo. Big gold hoops are a bonus.
2. Tone down the glam with a jacket
Throw on a classic denim jacket, or boyish linen blazer, for a wear-anywhere vibe.
3. It’s all about the accessories
Style it with a panama hat or straw boater and strappy sandals for sunny weekend brunch vibes; wear it unbelted or try a vintage belt instead to play with the look; layer on your statement necklaces or go big with earrings for cocktail night with the ladies.
4. Remember, CNY isn’t the only special occasion
Rock your cheongsam at weddings, dinner parties or themed dinners.
5. Wear it whenever you damn please
Best advice of all: wear what makes you feel good, whenever you want. That’s how we like to live the WYLD life.
As the exclusive Singapore stockist for Nala Designs, the collection is quickly getting snapped up. Come by our Joo Chiat boutique to see the stunning details and eye-popping colours in person and find your perfect fit – and of course, our online store is open 24/7.
Psst: as part of our CNY promo, we’re sharing a 10% discount on two or more pieces from our curated Chinese New Year collection, until 2 February. See you soon, WYLD ones!
WRITTEN BY SELINA ALTOMONTE