Zee Tan, a mural artist and fashion designer, enters into the Malaysian fashion industry with his bold collection inspired by the universe’s two most powerful elements.
Making a statement with Yin-Yang style
This week’s fashion demonstrates the basic idea and principle of yin and yang, which is that everything exists in inseparable and contradictory opposites. Yin is considered feminine energy, whereas yang represents masculine energy.
It is a collection that can be worn by either gender depending on how you mix and match the pieces. Whether you have dark or pale complexion, are young or old, fashion pieces can be worn separately in a minimalist or bold way.
The designer is Zee Tan, a 27-year-old mural artist who is breaking into the Malaysian fashion industry with his urban chic “Ying & Yang Collection” by the fashion label ZENZU, which he started with Datin Sara Ng of Sara Design, an expert in interior design, architectural design, concept development, and project management. The two met when Zee was commissioned to do a wall mural for her.
Zee, who was born in Malaysia but raised in Singapore, attended LASALLE College of the Arts and earned a diploma in fashion design. He relocated to Kuala Lumpur in 2019, where he is now based.
I have been following his social media posts since 2021 and find this young talented man to be rather bold with his opinion, style, and, at times, hilariously entertaining.
“Art and fashion have always been a part of my life since I was a child. I’ve always loved drawing, painting, and creating things,” said Zee.
When he first returned to Kuala Lumpur a few years ago, he began painting murals. His first mural painting project was at this huge bungalow home, and he has been in love with doing wall art ever since.
“I had no idea it would become almost a full-time job for me. Following that, I was booked for several projects. I had already conquered 21 walls, and I am looking forward to conquering more in the coming days and leaving my mark around the city,” said Zee, as he became excited to show me his sketches and fashion pieces in ZENZU Studio.
The tidy studio is in a modern arty looking building in a high-end area. Once inside, the monochrome pieces are impossible to overlook. One of the materials utilised in fashion pieces is leather.
Zee is deeply grateful to Datin Sara for recognising his potential and giving him the opportunity to work with her in establishing the ZENZU brand.
The brand is where “Art meets Fashion and Fashion meets Art”. ZENZU creates custom-to-measure clothing that is appropriate for all genders, sizes, and body shapes.
“This year, ZENZU released an official runway SS24 collection called ‘YING & YANG’, which was inspired by the two most powerful elements that make up the universe and will always be a favourite in my colour palette.
“Whenever I create a painting, the colours black and white are always there, as black is for shadows, the darkness and depth, while white is for highlights, reflections, and so on. As a result, I wanted to design a collection that brings together these two colours and allows me to experiment with how and what people will wear and look like in the future,” said Zee.
This tall and slim artist and designer can create a bold statement with his art, fashion, and style.
Be on the lookout for ZENZU in Kuching!
For more information, visit ZENZU on Facebook and @zenzu_studio on Instagram.
