From the 98th floor of Kuala Lumpur’s Merdeka 118 to the open steppes of Mongolia, Melinda Looi’s 2026 Chinese New Year collections – Looi Fu Hustle and Mellgolian – fuse cinematic flair, martial arts energy and nomadic spirit. The avant-garde designer’s showcase blends nostalgia, humour and couture, inviting guests to embrace bold movement, vibrant style and festive cheer.
Looi Fu Hustle and Mellgolian inspire bold, festive style
WHEN you receive an invitation to a showcase featuring one of Melinda Looi’s collections, you can always expect something extraordinary. This time, she chose one of the most exclusive venues in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. We made our way up to a lounge perched on the 98th floor of Merdeka 118, Malaysia’s tallest building and currently the second tallest in the world.
Malaysia’s renowned avant-garde designer is no stranger to remarkable settings. I last met her earlier this year in a longhouse in Batu Niah, rural Sarawak, and the contrast between that moment and this spectacular gathering could not be more striking.
The views alone were worth the journey. For the first fifteen minutes, everyone was captivated, snapping photos of Kuala Lumpur spread out beneath us, the skyline floating under soft white clouds. The recent cooler weather added a crisp freshness to the atmosphere.
So, what were we expecting? A cheerful and rather adorable emcee set the tone.
“Welcome to our delightful gathering,” she beamed. “Surprises await you.”
And indeed, they did. The show commenced at exactly 4:08 pm, a carefully selected auspicious time symbolising eternal prosperity in Chinese tradition.
Soon, the radiant and smiling Melinda Looi appeared to thank her dear friends and loyal customers for joining her in such an intimate setting. At the Park Lounge, we were served a delectable high tea of pastries and baked treats as the models emerged to unveil a collection themed ‘Looi Fu Hustle’. But what exactly was this playful, punchy concept? Her press release provided the answer.
Step into a world where tradition meets rebellion. Looi Fu Hustle is a bold and spirited fashion collection inspired by the wit, rhythm and cinematic flair of ‘Kung Fu Hustle’. Each piece captures the essence of movement, power and humour, blending Eastern heritage with a contemporary, streetwise attitude.
Infused with nostalgia and heart, this collection holds a deeply personal meaning for Melinda. Her late father, who adored watching ‘Kung Fu Hustle’ every Chinese New Year, inspired her to create a collection that celebrates his laughter, his energy and the joy he found in life’s little moments. Looi Fu Hustle is Melinda’s tribute to him – a revival of cherished memories and a heartfelt nod to the man who shaped her creative spirit.
It was unmistakably a Chinese New Year collection, with fluid silhouettes echoing martial artistry, intricate details honouring classic Chinese motifs, and prints inspired by the iconic film. The result was a fusion of nostalgia and edge, where vintage kung fu cinema met modern couture energy.
No wonder celebrities such as supermodel Amber Chia, ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ actress Carmen Soo, and Datin Louisa Chong, the respected veteran actress, were in attendance – each adding flair as they embodied fashion in motion.
With Christmas and the English New Year only a few weeks away, and Chinese New Year falling in mid-February 2026, many will soon be planning their festive outfits.
The message was clear: this Chinese New Year, we are invited to awaken our inner kung fu style. In the world of Looi Fu Hustle, every move becomes a masterpiece, and every laugh becomes a legacy.
Then came a delightful twist when the God of Fortune made a dramatic entrance, pushing a trolley overflowing with desserts to sweeten the moment. The room erupted when everyone recognised that the deity was none other than Melinda Looi’s assistant designer, Jim Goh, fully transformed in costume and makeup.
But the surprises were far from over.
If you have seen Melinda’s recent social media posts from Mongolia, you might already guess why. Mongolia – a land of open steppes, powerful horses and centuries of nomadic culture – played a pivotal role in inspiring her next line under Mell by Melinda Looi.
‘Mellgolian’ gallops into 2026 with the fierce, unbound spirit of Mongolia.
This second collection embraces the wild grace of the steppes, reimagining traditional elements through a modern, fashion-forward lens. Flowing silhouettes echo the movement of galloping horses, while layered textures, fur accents and intricate embroideries honour the depth of Mongolian craftsmanship. Rich earth tones, metallic touches and fluid fabrics weave together a narrative of adventure, resilience and elegance.
Seated at a table just in front of us was Datuk Nicol Ann David, Malaysia’s retired squash legend who reigned as world number one for a record-breaking 108 consecutive months. She was dressed in full Mellgolian style, complete with Mongolian boots.
As we enter the Year of the Horse in 2026, Mellgolian celebrates courage, independence and the power of movement – an ode to those who ride boldly through life, unbound and unstoppable.
We greeted one another with “Loong Ma Chin Seng”. As commonly said in Cantonese or Mandarin, it is an auspicious Chinese New Year greeting and a well-known idiom describing someone full of vitality, strong spirit, energy, enthusiasm and resilience.
For more information: www.melindalooi.com and www.mell.com
Datuk Nicol Ann David is dressed in full Mellgolian style, complete with Mongolian boots.
