ENTERING THE WORLD OF JOE CHIA

Founded in 2012 in Kuala Lumpur by designer Joe Chia and co-founder Melissa Deng, JOE CHIA blends precision tailoring, conceptual silhouettes and a modern urban sensibility to create a distinctive brand of avant-garde menswear and unisex fashion.

The label rejects seasonal fashion cycles — instead it builds through “chapters,” each representing a new evolution in design, cut and narrative. JOE CHIA’s collections include bold outerwear, structured jackets, layered garments, asymmetric cuts, and pieces in natural or muted colour palettes — all rooted in a minimalist-meets-experimental aesthetic that balances wearability with high-concept design.

Whether it’s oversized coats, deconstructed shirting, draped layering or sharply tailored trousers, JOE CHIA offers a wardrobe where structure meets fluidity — clothing that merges architectural cut with urban rhythm.

ORIGINS & BRAND PHILOSOPHY: FROM KUALA LUMPUR TO GLOBAL AVANT-GARDE

JOE CHIA was born out of humble beginnings: after graduating, Joe Chia started sewing garments himself and selling them in a friend’s multi-brand boutique. The first collections were self-sewn and sold locally. From 2014 onward, the brand expanded internationally — its “chapters” (rather than seasonal collections) began to draw attention across Europe and beyond.

The founding philosophy revolves around “wearable avant-garde” — clothing designed to transcend fleeting trends, built with contemporary tailoring, thoughtful proportions, experimental cuts and functional versatility. This approach reflects the multicultural backdrop of Malaysia and the designer’s personal journey, resulting in garments that are both global in outlook and deeply rooted in creative intent.

The brand views clothing as a medium of expression — where form, silhouette, function and context converge to create pieces that tell a story and challenge norms.

DESIGN LANGUAGE: ASYMMETRY, LAYERING & SUBTLE REBELLION

JOE CHIA’s aesthetic is defined by:

• asymmetric tailoring & shifted proportions — dropped or extended sleeves, irregular hems, layered construction, draped or wrapped forms
• layered silhouettes & modular outfits — garments built to be combined, reinterpreted and worn in multiple ways, reflecting the brand’s “chapter” philosophy
• muted palettes & material subtlety — natural tones, blacks, greys, earthy neutrals; textures often more expressive than prints
• urban-functional details — utilitarian cuts, subtle deconstruction, comfort-oriented tailoring, and a gender-neutral approach that challenges traditional menswear archetypes

Together, these create a wardrobe that feels timeless yet forward-thinking — ideal for those who view clothing as architecture, movement, and identity rather than mere fashion.

MATERIALS & CRAFT: FABRIC INNOVATION, FUNCTIONAL DESIGN & CULTURAL VERSATILITY

JOE CHIA works with a variety of high-quality materials:

• natural fabrics like cotton, linen and wool blends for breathability and texture
• treated or garment-washed materials for subtle surface depth and durability
• technical blends for outerwear and structured layers — reflecting the brand’s functional approach

This flexibility allows JOE CHIA to create a range of garments — from light layering pieces and draped tops to structured coats and statement outerwear — all while preserving comfort, movement and durability.

Because of this fabric and construction diversity, JOE CHIA’s vision of “wearable avant-garde” extends beyond leather or heavy-duty materials: it encompasses a holistic wardrobe philosophy that adapts to climate, lifestyle and personal expression.

GLOBAL REACH & COMMUNITY: FROM MALAYSIA TO WORLDWIDE AVANT-GARDE CIRCLES

Since its international debut — notably at trade shows such as WHITE in Milan in 2014 — JOE CHIA has gained presence in Europe, Asia, and beyond.

The brand’s collaborations with global names and its ability to blend cultural influence, technical tailoring and conceptual design have helped it resonate with a diverse, global audience seeking bold yet wearable pieces.

For Orimono, JOE CHIA brings a fresh perspective — merging Southeast Asian creative roots with global avant-garde sensibility, offering a unique addition to our curated, international menswear selection.