From rediscovering a childhood passion to shaping a quietly confident label, Shaleen Cheah designs with a sense of timeless femininity.
Creating garments defined not by the urgency of trends, but by a thoughtful, intuitive understanding of what women want to wear, Cheah’s journey into fashion started almost by accident.
“After stepping away from my professional career to focus on raising my children, I rediscovered my childhood love of dressmaking. What started as a fun project soon turned into a full-time business,” says Cheah, a former national runner who later went into modelling and acting.
“I started out in finance in London before moving to Dubai to start a family. London seeded my love for eclectic fashion. Wandering the high street and discovering London’s cult labels from Topshop to Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood taught me that an outfit isn’t just clothes, it’s a mood,” says Cheah, who is married to Matthew Nathan.
That spark, the thrill of styling, mixing unexpected pieces and creating feelings is what pushed her to dabble in design.
“I’m self‑taught, but when I decided to sharpen my craft; I was privileged to be mentored by the late Madam Annie Wong. She instilled in me a reverence for construction and finish. I still turn garments inside out to read the seams. To me, the details no one sees are proof of care and that’s where true quality lives,” says Cheah.
Connection with creativity
Today, her studio reflects that organic beginning.
A chic space brimming with personality, it hums with energy: fabrics in bold hues, racks of finished outfits lining the walls, plush seating areas for where clients relax and connect with Cheah and the clothes.
“The studio is abuzz with colour as summer approaches, my favourite season! I’m working on feminine, vacation-ready pieces that are perfect for holiday destinations and that transition easily from daytime to evening. The studio comes alive this time of year with bold colours, fittings and lively afternoon soirees,” she says.
At the heart of Cheah’s work is a commitment to timelessness rather than trend, with each piece beginning with what feels enduring.
Creating limited-edition ready-to-wear collections sourced from the textiles she collects on her travels, garments made are truly unique, as once a bolt is exhausted, it’s gone for good.
Working in small batches also keeps each item personal, ensuring that every client who visits her studio discovers something rare and special.
“I don’t design to follow trends. My process begins with a mood or silhouette that feels timeless and feminine. I sketch, choose fabrics, develop patterns and refine through fittings until the piece flatters and moves exactly as intended.
“I design for versatility: pieces that can be styled for women in their 20s through their 50s and worn again and again, not left to gather dust after a single outing,” she says.
That emphasis on wearability has only deepened over time, and years in the industry have sharpened her understanding of her clientele, resulting in a refined and personal design language.
“My aesthetic has become more refined and client-focused over the years. I’ve grown more attuned to what makes my clients feel beautiful, so I design with fit, thoughtful details and joyful finishes that instil confidence. I aim to create pieces that feel special and spark an almost youthful excitement whenever they’re worn,” she says.
Following the success of last year’s Essentials Collection – “a sell-out success” as she notes – Cheah is preparing for its return.
“It will focus on comfortable separates, loungewear and easy jumpsuits (my favourite wardrobe staple!). They’re designed to be comfortable, effortless and chic. The kind of pieces you’ll reach for day after day,” says Cheah, whose most recent showcase was held in October 2025 in support of the Breast Cancer Foundation.
Her own approach to dressing mirrors the versatility of her creations, changing her style up day after day.
“I don’t stick to one style. I dress by my mood, my creative impulses and the occasion. I’m a true girlie girl at heart, so I love pretty, feminine pieces. Luckily, I can rarely say ‘I have nothing nice to wear!’” she quips.
Like many in fashion, Cheah acknowledges the demands of the industry, but it is this exact intensity that fuels her.
“Fashion is demanding, but it’s where my creativity stretches the most, and that makes it deeply rewarding. I truly love what I do, so I welcome challenges. A bit of pressure sharpens me and fuels my passion,” says Cheah, who is optimistic about the evolution of Malaysia’s fashion landscape.
“I’m amazed by our local talent. Growing up and working in a multicultural landscape has shaped an eclectic creative viewpoint, and I’m constantly inspired by my fellow designers. My advice to young designers is to ask for advice and seek mentorship whenever you can, you’ll be surprised how willing established designers are to lend a hand (or an ear).”
A balanced life
Beyond the studio, Cheah’s role as a mother remains central to her identity, informing not only her work ethic, but the values she hopes to pass on.
“The lessons I want to pass on to my children Reo (18), Keara (16) and Anya (14) are simple but intentional. I emphasise determination in pursuing goals with steady effort, to keep going when things get hard, and to trust that persistence often opens doors,” says Cheah.
She continues, “I try to teach that, with grit and flexibility, things will work out in the end, sometimes in very unusual ways and that being prepared makes those surprises easier to navigate. Practically, I model these lessons in my everyday actions. I set boundaries so work and family both get attention, I apologise and repair when I make mistakes, I celebrate effort rather than only outcomes, and I make time for rest and reflection.”
It is this balance between ambition and adaptability that defines both her life and her label.
“My hope is they grow into confident, compassionate people who pursue their ambitions honestly, adapt to change with curiosity and determination and care for themselves and others along the way,” she says.
In a way, Cheah’s designs reflect that very same philosophy: considered, enduring and quietly empowering pieces that are not only worn, but lived in.
“Building the brand has been a beautiful hustle. The challenges are real! Balancing family life with the hands‑on rhythm of a studio, tracking down one‑off fabrics across the globe, and teaching people to value slow, well‑made clothing in a fast fashion world,” says Cheah.
But to her, those challenges are what shape her, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
