Our story so far.

Born and raised in Malaysia, designer Shirley Ong’s path to motherhood was anything but smooth — after ten years of trying, her daughter, Sophia, was finally born. To provide for them both, the enterprising designer launched her own label and took Sophia as its namesake.

Her earliest customers were fellow Malaysian mothers; today the brand has admirers around the world commissioning pieces of their own. Among its proudest moments was presenting a bag to Tun Siti Hasmah, wife of Malaysia’s seventh Prime Minister. 2026 marks Sophia by Shirley’s tenth anniversary — and Shirley has no plans to slow down, still making beautiful, uniquely one-of-a-kind handbags by hand.

Established in 2016, Sophia by Shirley is a Malaysian atelier creating ‘one of a kind’ handmade bags from vintage Japanese handwoven kimono and obi silk. Because every length of fabric is unique, each Sophia piece holds its own story — a conversation starter, a gift, a statement, an indulgence, an art. The story is infinite.

Sophia plays with a few key motifs — cranes, phoenixes, peonies and cherry blossoms — across many of its pieces. Each carries a symbolic meaning, explained in a note tucked inside an envelope. The motifs, colour and texture of every fabric are chosen on purpose to compose the bag.

The highlight of many creations lies in the handle. Special attention goes to the materials: exquisite Burmese jade and crystal beads, and Malaysian premium woods — Cengal and Merbau — renowned for their exceptional durability. Trinkets and charms curated in-house add a final, playful touch.

Sophia has come a long way — from little purses, pouches and simple evening clutches to a growing collection of customised pieces made to suit individual taste, lifestyle and occasion. Cut, sewn and finished by hand in Kuala Lumpur, and always one of a kind.

Featured in The Edge, The Star and The Sun, Sophia by Shirley has made its name locally and internationally — with collaborations for luxury hotels including The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur, Four Seasons Langkawi, Mandarin Oriental and Pavilion Hotel Kuala Lumpur, and Cameron Highlands Resort, and onboard the Eastern & Oriental Express.