This Lunar New Year 2026, Dressing Paula presents Tropical Moon, a limited-edition collaboration with celebrated Malaysian couturier Khoon Hooi. Unveiled at APW Ink, Bangsar, the collection marries oriental elegance with tropical sensuality, reimagining traditional silhouettes for warm, balmy nights where Mandarin collars meet the sway of palm trees. Inspired by the lunar phases, Tropical Moon celebrates cycles of femininity, renewal, and romantic opulence — a timeless appeal of the modern woman, under tropical skies.
It was a balmy afternoon, filled with anticipation — and charmed by this exquisite collaboration, The Peak Malaysia had the privilege of engaging with some of Malaysia’s most distinguished tastemakers in fashion, arts, and culture.
The Orchid and The Purple Cheongsam
Uncompromising by design and with sophistication curated as a heritage to be passed down to the next generation, this coming-of-age collection evokes the anticipated arrival of what it means to be cultivated by tradition — through the lens of the perennially youthful. “The modern Malaysian woman wants to be modern, but rooted in tradition… in culture,” Chow says. “From Dressing Paula’s point of view, we are always looking forward, right? I think there is a desire to wear your cultural clothes even on a day-to-day basis, especially among young women. It is truly about embracing your heritage and your culture, rather than looking back at reviving vintage aesthetics.”
“So a lot of fabrics and colours that you see, represents the flowers that each of the garments are named after. Therefore in terms of design, that is what stands at the forefront of this collection,” Chow states rather candidly. At the centre of it all stands the hero piece, The Orchid — a sculptural silhouette capturing the graceful interplay of moonlight and bloom. Surrounding it is a vibrant bouquet of looks: Ylang, Bougainvillea, Canna, Hibiscus, Anthurium, Allamanda, Paradise, Plumeria, and Ixora — each a distinct interpretation of tropical femininity, weaving movement, colour, and mood into a harmonious celebration of modern heritage.
“I think our unique pieces are the purple cheongsams — it is quite rare.” Chow shares her observation of pertaining the colour palette, and how via a collective standing, it can be a difficult colour pair. However, she further points out how the collection inescapably brings out the beauty behind its paradox, drawing distinctions nuances from the charisma and ethereal presence of the purple orchids.
And when countered via the lens of haute couturier, Khoon Hooi, the collection gains further depth. “I picked tropical as a theme because it resonates with our natural climate, and it is also an ode to one of our previous spring archival,” he explains. “We drew from classical oriental forms — cheongsams, mandarin collars, and intricate fastenings — and reinterpreted them with a tropical rhythm. The result feels nostalgic, yet new, ceremonial, yet relaxed.”
The Coming of Age in Elegant Couture
For Lee Khoon Hooi, an idea sparked — speculative but compelling, and an inclination towards what many have come to experience whilst transitioning into the broader scope of adulthood. “When meeting younger audiences, I find that there is a common sentiment, and this is what they say: Yes, I know Khoon Hooi, my mom wears Khoon Hooi. But my question here is, “Why aren’t you?”.
According to the maison’s designer, adolescent perceptions often reflect limited familiarity with Khoon Hooi’s artistry, and perhaps paired with a natural hesitation toward both the formidable world of couture and its accompanying price points. “So although we have a dedicated Chinese New Year collection every year, I decided that with Dressing Paula, we have the opportunity to merge Khoon Hooi’s classic essence with the more contemporary, and vibrant,” he states.
When Dressing Paula invited the maison to marry refinement and effortless sophistication into the collaboration, Khoon Hooi envisaged the brand coming full circle, since its inception in the 90s. It was about coming together to nurture thought, emotion, and the defining epitome of craftsmanship, for the bold and elegant woman in her formative years, with the intention of growing in tandem with her.
“We both understand the Malaysian woman — her sophistication, her strength, and her desire for beauty that feels effortless,” he further observes. Khoon Hooi shares his delightful doctrine that reflects the pinnacle of Tropical Moon, “This collection is about finding beauty in opposites.” And by its essence, structure finds fluidity, capturing the unexpected poetry that emerges when divergent elements come together.
The New Year Accompanies The Broader Narrative
The beauty of contrasts truly emerges when there is a powerful intersection between personal expression and dynamic flair, underscored by the irresistible allure of bold camaraderie. Chow shares a personal snippet of the union between Khoon Hooi and Dressing Paula, whereby both brands’ natural synergy — and what each brings to the table, immediately transpires into a collection that feels intuitively fresh. “We share very similar design philosophies — craftsmanship is one, and storytelling is another. So, I think it was a natural progression that we are here today, rather than a sudden moment of spontaneity.”
Chow continues in her reflection, “Why did we pick Chinese New Year? We are both very well known for our Chinese New Year collections, especially, during the festive season — and this way we offer our customers a doorway into Khoon Hooi’s world.” It speaks to a convergence of sensibilities: an elevation of class, refinement, flair, and couture precision — all unfolding toward a broader narrative that captures the evolving identity of contemporary festive dressing.
While Kay Chow doesn’t foresee Dressing Paula evolving into the couture order, nonetheless, the spirit of sophistication, and elegance continues to ring true their designs, “You know, for the last 15 years, we have always stayed true to our customers and the brand’s foundation — that is accessibility is our prerogative. We want to create, nonetheless, small forms of luxuries for our customers, via our trait of accessibility. Runway, one day perhaps? But for now, we will leave the haute couture to the designers.”
What The Year of the Horse Beckons
So as the Year of the Horse draws closer, a majestic symbol of vitality, confidence, and elegant strength — Tropical Moon becomes the embodiment of that very spirit of movement and renewal. It celebrates the woman who moves forward with radiant energy, balancing power with poise, and much like the luminous moon itself.
Kay Chow further adds, “The Tropical Moon woman celebrates both her heritage and her individuality. She is elegant yet unafraid of colour, confident yet at ease. This collection is our love letter to women who embody both tradition and freedom.”
