Slug: chitown For Bangsar Weekly By Clarence Koh Had you been window shopping lately looking for something "in" to wear for casual or special occasions, the Chinatown Classic might probably put an end to your tiring days of apparel hunting. Back in 1992, a renowned European airlines had organised an exclusive oriental fashion show, in line with their effort expanding into the eastern air bounds. This is when Jimmy Khoo, the founder of Chinatown Classic, sees the potential of Chinese traditional clothing striking back. "It's been decades that western countries have been influencing us with their fashion and culture. Now, it's our time to strike back. We hold on to our motto of bringing the eastern to the west. Although it might sound a bit tough but it is achievable with a bit of wit and effort," Khoo said. "We have to constantly modify the traditional cutting and keep on observing the latest trends, in order to suit the market's demands. For example, modified from traditional full-length cheongsam, we have mini cheongsams which look trendy and chic," he added. The new outlet at the Midvalley Megamall is a boutique for the whole family, with a wide range of apparel. For the ladies, mini cheongsams, blouses and skirts come in huge selection of colours, materials and cuttings. Kungfu suits and Scholar long suits are specially for the gentlemen. Besides, colourful and cute apparels are also available for the kids. The Cheongsams come in six different cuttings, for the same material and colour. They are cut-in, sleeveless, short-sleeve, long-sleeve, full-length and 3-quarter length. Therefore, one will most probably find what she wants, at RM169 onwards. Kungfu suits for the men have recently gained more popularity due to its baju-melayu-like tailoring. It is suitable for daily wear, or as a fashion statement, or even as a costume for parties! Priced RM108 onwards, the Kungfu suits come in either cotton or silk material. According to Khoo, the kids' clothing are very popular especially during end of the year. Parents will normally buy the clothes for their children for Chinese New Year. The garments are sized according to the age group, 2-4, 6-8 and 10-14. The price ranging from RM89 to RM140 is considered quite reasonable due to its material quality and also workmanship. "Northern China, especially Shanghai and Beijing, have a long history in fashion and craftsmanship. It is considered as the master of fine workmanship. Therefore we employ a designer and some tailors there to produce our merchandise. All the embroideries are hand sewed," Khoo explained. Chinatown Classic constantly modify and better its merchandise. It also takes on the task to revive old and instinct oriental fashion. For example, the du-dou, which used to be undergarments for the ladies in the olden times are recently revived and modified into a spaghetti-top. The unique combination of cutting, embroidery and material gives the du-dou a new life. In fact, it has been gaining great acceptance! In addition, the outlet offers a vast variety of accessories to go with the clothes. They are the embroidered lipstick holders, handbags, and the shoes. Other merchandise includes traditional Chinese bridal wear, reversal jackets, nightwear, pyjamas, oriental cushion covers, embroidered dustbins, embroidered drawings and banners for praying altars. To complete your oriental-look, get yourself a matching handbag from RM60 onwards. Different sizes and designs are available. Also not forgetting the shoes, reasonably priced from RM23.90 to RM29.90, are either beaded or embroidered. "I predict the traditional bridal wear to revive in our society. As in Hongkong, it is a must-wear by the bride and bridegroom during the dinner. It is our tradition. Also I feel that the reversal jacket is worth recommending. It is embroidered at the inside as well as the outside, in different colours. One could choose which side to wear in. It is like owning two different jackets," he said One of the embroidered drawings named the 100 Children Embroidery is sold at RM138 per piece. According to the sales personnel, the embroidery has auspicious meaning, and can be used as a table cloth or purely as an artistic piece to be hang on the wall. There are also other drawings that come in different sizes. The embroidered dustbin is a very special item. The polygon shape bin is sold at three different sizes. There are currently two designs, the eight-gods embroidery and the children embroidery bins. It costs between RM23.90 and RM29.90 each. Midvalley Megamall's outlet is Chinatown Classics' second outlet in Malaysia. Khoo owns another two outlets in Singapore. With over 12 years of experience in the business, the concept of reviving oriental fashion has succeeded. Recently, we see the Chinese fashion coming back to the mainstream. The outlet located at Lot LG-056, lower ground floor, Midvalley Megamall, welcomes the public for try-ons and alterations are provided for the merchandise. For queries, please call 03-287 8168. Pic Captions: 1. Chinatown Classic's latest outlet in Midvalley Megamall. 2. Revival...oriental clothing strikes back in fashion.