Here are our top picks of fashion, jewellery and watch brands from Malaysia
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In celebration of Malaysia Day, a holiday that falls on 16 September each year and commemorates the formation of the Federation of Malaysia, we’ve launched the Shop Local series, where we highlight our favourite Malaysian brands and businesses. Here is a round-up of the top four brands in Malaysia that specialise in one-of-a-kind jewellery, stylish apparel and horology offerings.
Zcova
Established in 2015 by two brothers, diamond brand ZCOVA is the only company in Malaysia and Singapore to carry diamonds with dual-certification from GIA (Gemological Institute of America), which measures the cut, colour, clarity and carat weight of a diamond, and GemEx, which evaluates the diamond’s light performance and brilliance. With ZCOVA’s disruptive online business model, consumers can shop for high-quality diamonds at a greater value. Its in-house consultants don’t work on a commission either, so they’re able to focus on the needs of each customer. If you’re new to the world of diamonds, fret not. The brand’s GIA-trained gemologists will guide you through the entire purchasing process. The brand, which has worked with renowned personalities and designers in Malaysia such as Khoon Hooi, Alia Bastamam and Jenn Chia, provides complimentary customisation and 3D printing services. With its Propose With A Diamond service, you can even place a diamond in a temporary setting for a proposal and customise it later.
MASA Horlogerie Kuala Lumpur
Founded by a doctor-watchmaker, MASA Horlogerie is the first watchmaking company in the world to offer ultra-exclusive, luxury timepieces that marry Swiss watchmaking traditions with Malaysian culture and heritage. Fittingly, the Kuala Lumpur-based brand was established on 31 August 2015, the national day of Malaysia. Its handcrafted, Swiss-made watches feature one-of-a-kind, signature elements such as songket-weave straps, keris-shaped watch hands and songket tapisserie-style dials. MASA Horlogerie, which looks at Patek Philippe, Rolex and F.P. Journe as benchmarks for quality, was also among the first in the industry to disrupt the norm of having a dedicated physical showroom, relying instead on social media to promote its exclusive timepieces.
Tailored Jewel
Whether you’re shopping for stainless steel rings to add to your personal jewellery collection or looking for a gift, Tailored Jewel has something for everyone. Founded in 2012, this award-winning local brand focuses on high-craftsmanship accessories and fine jewellery. Don’t miss its Nikah Series, which features a sleek collection of stainless steel rings that are available in matte and textured finishes. The Nikah Series also includes a collection of Germany-made, shatterproof tantalum rings, as well as hijab pins, designed in collaboration with celebrity hijab stylist Didiyana Ehsan. The online boutique, which has two physical outlets in Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur, also offers repair services and a full refund for purchases made within 14 or 30 days.
Lylamod
Can’t afford to splurge on designing clothing? Fret not. You can rent them at a more affordable price tag from Lylamod, a Subang Jaya-based fashion rental platform. Established in 2017 by Phikwern Loo, it carries a collection of about 400 designer dresses from a diverse range of international brands including Roksanda, Self-Portrait, Zimmermann and Mischka Aoki. Renting designer garments is also a more sustainable practice than making costly purchases that are worn just a couple of times before they’re ditched.
Whether you’re dressing for a formal gala or packing for a road trip, Lylamod has got you covered. Its catalogue of designer clothes even includes apparel for children aged four to 12. Celebrating the mother-daughter bond, its latest collection, A Tale of Wild Hearts, features exquisite, whimsical threads by Oscar De La Renta and Mischka Aoki for both children and adults. Its new Resort & Holiday collection also highlights casual pieces that would be perfect for those travel selfies with the family.
