In local designer label Tangoo’s early days, design aesthetics focused heavily on statement pieces.
Being bold, experimental, and sometimes avant-garde captured the interest from the style set and lead to a loyal client base, solidifying their status as a label to know in Malaysia’s fashion industry.
Over two decades later, founders Moses Law and Eric Yeong have embraced the value of versatility and wearability while maintaining their artistry.
The shift came as they listened to clients’ feedback, discovering that there is a need for outfits that transition seamlessly across occasions.
Today, their designs balance refinement with a hint of edginess, ensuring they remain timeless while catering to a broader audience.
They also maintain a creative vision that centres on building a legacy of designs that evoke emotion and tell a story.
Law: The latest collection is inspired by the juxtaposition of tradition and modernity, a theme we’ve found increasingly compelling in recent years.
It reflects the beauty of heritage craftsmanship blended with contemporary design sensibilities.
For instance, we’ve integrated hand-embroidered motifs inspired by local flora but reimagined them with bold, geometric silhouettes to reflect a modern edge.
After two decades in the industry, inspiration is less about trends and more about storytelling.
We often draw from cultural elements, personal experiences and global travels. Sometimes, a single colour palette from nature or an old photograph can spark an entire collection.
Staying curious and constantly observing the world helps us find fresh ideas while staying true to our signature style.
Read more: Gen-Z fashion designer Daniel Ong on the generation's need for authenticity
Looking at the Malaysian fashion scene today, how do you perceive the growth of emerging brands? What challenges and opportunities do you see for homegrown designers like yourselves?
Yeong: The Malaysian fashion scene has grown remarkably, with emerging brands bringing fresh perspectives and redefining local aesthetics. The rise of social media has been a double-edged sword – it has democratised visibility but also intensified competition.
One of the main challenges for homegrown designers is scaling beyond the local market. Limited access to global distribution channels and high production costs can be restrictive.
However, there’s a growing appreciation for Malaysian craftsmanship and sustainability, which presents an incredible opportunity.
By leveraging unique cultural elements and focusing on storytelling, homegrown brands can carve a niche in the global market.
How do you maintain that sense of longevity while staying relevant in a fashion landscape that’s constantly shifting with trends?
Law: Longevity comes from adaptability while staying authentic. We make it a priority to balance classic elements with contemporary influences, ensuring that our designs remain relevant regardless of trends.
Listening to clients and embracing technology – be it digital marketing, AI-driven design processes, or sustainable materials – has also played a role.
Staying curious and connected to the younger generation keeps us in tune with evolving tastes.
It also allows us to infuse our collections with fresh ideas while honouring the brand’s core ethos.
Yeong: Malaysian consumers are gradually embracing slow fashion, though price sensitivity and limited awareness remains a barrier.
Younger shoppers, in particular, are showing greater interest in sustainability, seeking quality over quantity.
Designers and brands must lead by example – incorporating eco-friendly materials, offering transparency about production processes, and sharing the stories behind each piece.
Education is key, whether through social media campaigns, workshops, or partnerships with sustainability advocates.
Showing consumers that sustainable fashion doesn’t compromise on style or quality is vital in shifting mindsets.
Read more: Just do you': How Malaysian designer Bernard Chandran fashioned his success
After two decades of success, what are your long-term aspirations for your brand?
Law: Our aspiration is to grow the brand into an enduring legacy that celebrates craftsmanship and timeless design.
We aim to expand internationally while preserving the essence of what makes the brand unique – our commitment to quality, storytelling, and cultural heritage. Another goal is to nurture the next generation of designers by mentoring emerging talent and advocating for sustainability within the industry.
Ultimately, we want the brand to be synonymous with elegance, innovation, and purpose.
Having extensive experience in the industry, in your opinion, what do Gen Zs look for in occasion wear, and how is this different from the older generations?
Yeong: Gen Z approaches occasion wear with a focus on individuality, sustainability, and versatility. They prefer pieces that allow for self-expression – mixing streetwear influences with formal elements.
Unlike older generations who prioritise timeless classics, Gen-Z is open to experimental cuts, bold colours, and gender-neutral designs.
Cost and sustainability are also key factors; they value rental services or upcycled pieces.
For older generations, occasion wear is often about tradition and formality, while Gen-Z seeks a balance between comfort, functionality, and a statement-making aesthetic.
They’re also more likely to buy from brands aligned with their values, that is ethical practices and inclusivity.
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