SHE’S ALL THAT
The classic charms of a modern Peranakan bride
ONE OF THE MOST COLOURFUL WEDDING CELEBRATIONS IN ASIA, not to mention probably the longest, is the traditional Peranakan wedding. The 12-day affair is usually held at the bride’s house following a series of elaborate and time-honoured activities, including the Cheo Thau, wherein the bride and groom wear the traditional wedding robes; the Lap Chai, where the families of the bride and groom exchange gifts; and the Chim Pang, or the first meeting of the bride and groom.
Champagne cheongsam, DIVINE COUTURE
18K gold Peranakan earrings with 2.56ct diamonds; 18K gold Peranakan kerosong brooches with 7.55ct diamonds, both from FOUNDATION JEWELLERS
Bouquet, BRENDA LEE, FIORE DORATO
But with today’s modern and fast-paced lifestyles, it is unfortunate to note that the practice of holding an elaborate Peranakan wedding is now becoming a rare occurrence, with the younger generation opting to have contemporary, often Western-inspired wedding instead. Thanks to a few proponents of the Peranakan culture, however, the tradition is not totally lost.
White cheongsam, DIVINE COUTURE
High Jewellery Secret ring in pink gold and marquise-cut diamonds; High Jewellery earrings in white gold with unheated Ceylon star blue sapphires, marquise-cut sapphires, and diamonds; Altiplano 38mm ultra-thin watch with a 430 ultra-thin self-winding movement, all featuring feather marquetry from the Sunlight Journey High Jewellery Collection, PIAGET
Bouquet, BRENDA LEE, FIORE DORATO
Caroline Tay and Thomis Kwan of Foundation Jewellers are among those who tirelessly promote the culture, especially within the jewellery industry. Since 1976, the company has been producing Peranakan-inspired, intricate jewellery pieces that appeal not only to those with Peranakan lineage, but also to jewellery aficionados within the region and even abroad, including the Queen of England.
White cheongsam, DIVINE COUTURE
Marrakech earrings in 18K white gold and 12.12ct round- and marquise-cut diamonds; Marrakech necklace in 18K white gold and 21.93ct round- and marquise-cut diamonds; Aurora ring with 2.55ct round-cut diamonds, all from DAMIANI
Bouquet, BRENDA LEE, FIORE DORATO
To encourage the younger Peranakans to wear traditional jewellery, Foundation Jewellers make it a point to create designs that are trendy and contemporary. Their Si Dian Jin offerings — sets of jewellery that are typically given to the bride by the groom’s family — come in stylish and dainty styles. The three kerosang, or the Peranakan traditional brooches, are much smaller than the usual, and are set in diamonds and gemstones, such as kunzite, rubies, or jade.
Red cheongsam, DIVINE COUTURE
18K yellow gold Peranakan Phoenix-design brooch; Peranakan Flower earrings in 18K yellow gold with 3ct diamonds; Peranakan Phoenix-design ring with a 15.98ct opal, ruby, and diamonds; 18K yellow gold Peranakan Phoenix-design brooch with ruby and diamonds, all from FOUNDATION JEWELLERS
Bouquet, BRENDA LEE, FIORE DORATO
Damiani’s Marrakech diamond jewellery set is perfect for the bride to wear during one of the many dinners within the 12-day wedding affair, so are Emperor Jewellery’s diamond parure. Meanwhile, Piaget’s Sunlight Journey High Jewellery Collection Secret ring and earrings add just the perfect pop of colour to a lovely white cheongsam.
Red cheongsam, DIVINE COUTURE
18K white gold earrings with 4.52ct diamonds; Diamond pendant in 18K white gold featuring 7.25ct diamonds; Ring in 18K white gold and 2.97ct diamonds; 18K white gold bangle with 5.91ct diamonds, all from EMPEROR JEWELLERY
Bouquet, BRENDA LEE, FIORE DORATO
Just like the Peranakan heritage, Van Cleef & Arpels’ Bouton d’Or Collection is all about vibrant colours and adapting with the times. The recent reinterpretations of the original 1930’s Bouton d’Or design are visually enchanting.
Champagne cheongsam, DIVINE COUTURE
Bouton d’Or long earrings, pendant, and ring in yellow gold, lapis lazuli, turquoise, and diamonds, all from VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
Bouquet, BRENDA LEE, FIORE DORATO
Whether today’s Peranakan brides opt to do the whole traditional 12-day wedding ceremonies, or just incorporate the tradition in some aspects of their wedding, the important thing is that they take time to honour this beautiful and colourful custom.
Credits
Sittings editor: Maripet Ledesma Poso
Photographer: Chino Sardea
Photographer’s assistant: Lim Si Xian Michelle
DI specialist: Dexter Maneja
Makeup artist: Ginger Lynette using Hera Cosmetics
Hair stylist: Peter Lee using KMS Hair Products
Model: Karina K / Mannequin
