By: Nazurah
Nestled on the third floor of the busy Joo Chiat Complex, abright turquoise shop signage stands out amongst the many other tailors — its non-Malay name standing out amongst the familiar Malay-Muslim businesses. Cassandra Fashion is a family tailoring shop owned by Cassandra & Carol Chong, sisters who have been in the business since 1976.
Cassandra Fashion specialises in the tailoring of traditional Malay outfits such as the baju kurung and kebaya, and also have ready-to-wear options available in-store. Especially during Ramadan, Joo Chiat Complex comes alive with the hustle and bustle of the community, making their preparations for Hari Raya.
“It started as a hobby to make traditional Malay outfits,” shares Carol, co-owner of Cassandra Fashion. “And since we’ve grown up with our parents having their own shop in Geylang, my sister had the sense to continue making traditional Malay clothes for the people here.”
Bridging Cultures Through Craft and Language
Both sisters have had the opportunity to interact and engage with their predominantly Malay customer-base, learning the language as well as other attributes of the Malay culture.
“I learnt Malay through my regular customers,” shares Cassandra. “I had to learn the language to be able to communicate with them because I was in a Chinese school growing up.”
The lively spirit of Ramadan naturally encourages kindness and generosity — a season where gift-giving comes from the heart, creating a warm and healthy community built on sharing, without the pressure of expecting anything in return. It’s a time where small acts of giving spark positivity, strengthening bonds and fostering a culture of care within the community.
“Every Friday, our neighbour on this floor will give us some food. We’ve come to learn that this form of giving is part of the Malay culture – in kindness, gift exchange. We also provide them with some food items during Chinese New Year, that’s how it is here,” says Carol.
The sisters shared their personal experiences with creating traditional Malay outfits – and how they’ve learnt to adapt to their customers’ requests over the years.
These everyday interactions have created a space where cultural exchange is not just welcomed, but celebrated. From tailoring requests rooted in modesty, to respectful conversations about traditions and design, the sisters have learnt unique quirks about the community.
For example, colours are not typically symbolic within the Malay community, with families opting for cohesiveness over meaning. Additionally, modesty is key for the Malay community, with many preferring loose-fitting cuts.
“For the younger customers, they prefer the fitting Kebaya. However, we’ve learnt that they like the traditional Baju Kurung, because they prioritise modesty, and also because it gives them more space to eat during Hari Raya – especially with delicious food like Lontong and Rendang.”
Generations of Loyalty and Trust
In 2025, Cassandra Fashion continues to welcome a loyal community of regular customers — many of whom have been coming to the shop since they were children. These customers have returned as mothers, and even grandmothers, bringing the next generation along with them. For the sisters, this enduring relationship has blossomed into something deeper than business; it’s a sense of friendship and sisterhood, watching their customers grow and feeling like they’ve become family of their own.
“I feel happy when they come to make their family Baju Melayu with us,” shares Cassandra. “We have grown to become like family, sisters.”
Although the sisters behind Cassandra Fashion come from a different cultural background than many of their customers, there’s a deep sense of meaning in what they do. Each piece they create isn’t just about fabric or fashion — it’s about being part of their customers’ celebrations, family traditions, and cherished memories. In their own way, through every stitch and seam, they’ve found a place within the community — sharing in its joy, its stories, and the simple happiness of bringing people together.
What’s your favorite Hari Raya memory? Let us know!