As Singapore blows out the candles for her 52nd birthday, there’s no better opportunity to celebrate all thing local. In the last few years, the Singaporean fashion scene has seen an increase in designers who are slowly etching out a mark in the history of local style by offering one-of-a-kind pieces that are created to address the unique needs and whims of the Singaporean women.
If you’ve ever complained about a jacket being too impractical or a skirt being too uncomfortable to catch the MRT in, then give our local talent pool of fashion designers a shot. Chances are, they know what you need from your wardrobe.
Get to know more about the visionaries behind Singapore’s leading fashion labels, as well as the brands are attracting plenty of buzz, both at home and abroad.
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Daniel Ngoo, Creative Director.
What was your latest collection inspired by?
“The F/W17 collection takes its cue from desert blooms. It’s about finding the beauty in an unexpected way. Instead of having a singular idea of femininity, I wanted something
a bit rougher, stronger and more unconventional.”
Tell us something special about the collection.
“There’s this lace material that is finished with seven layers of rubber. I spent a lot of time developing this technique, and it encapsulates the collection’s idea of strength and beauty.”
What inspires you?
“I grew up in a flower nursery run by my father, so flowers and nature have always inspired me since childhood. I also pay attention to the real world around me. I love to travel and interact with people from all walks of life, and it’s these moments that inspire me greatly.”
On Daniel: Clothing, Daniel’s own. On model: Dress, $850; and jacket, $890, both from Whole9Yards.com. Earrings, $350, from Tory Burch. Boots, $1,640, from Tod’s.
Max Tan, Designer.
What was your latest collection inspired by?
“The F/W17 collection is a continuation of my S/S17 inspiration and theme. I’m continuing to explore the mixing of stereotypically feminine details with masculine garments and cuts, and building on this study of genders.”
What inspired you to become a fashion designer?
“Being raised by my mother, who is a seamstress, I’ve always been exposed to fabrics, patterns and process of making garments, even before I knew what fashion was. I guess that was a huge influence in my design processes, and my decision to become a fashion designer.”
Describe your muse, and the lady that embodies your brand.
“If I were to describe a woman who wears MAX.TAN, I would say she is part sophisticated, part rebel. She enjoys classic pieces, but appreciates a little quirkiness as well.”
On Max: Clothing, Max’s own. On model: Jacket, $1,699; and pants, $369, both from MAX.TAN. Earring, $449, from Atelier Swarovski. Shoes, $1,860, from Roger Vivier. Top, stylist’s own.
Carolyn Kan, Founder & Designer.
What is your favourite piece from the collection?
“My favorite piece has to be the new Safety Pin rings because they reflect my belief in what makes Singapore special – one united people, regardless of race, language or religion,
based on justice and equality.”
Describe your brand ethos.
“I am inspired by stories and people. I design to document and spotlight important moments or things people miss or take for granted. Things become important because we affix meaning. It takes time to be thoughtful, and to celebrate things that should be important.”
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt in your career as a designer?
“Ask for help; don’t bottle up problems inside you. I’ve always surrounded myself with people who are better than me, and who share my passion and mission. And when you see people who are in need, give back.”
On Carolyn: All jewellery, Carolyn’s own. Shirt, $2,680, from Chloé. On model: Pearl rings, from $148; Skeleton ring, $1,688; Fangs rings, $238 each; Signet ring, $298; Cuff; Necklaces, from $228; and ear cuff, $268, all from Carrie K. Iris & Ink top, $169, from theoutnet.com.
Sabrina Goh, Creative Director.
What was your latest collection inspired by?
“This season is inspired by sea waves, hence the collection’s title, “Weave Wave”. Throughout the collection, you’ll see abstract interpretations of the concept of waves, be it in the fabrics or the way we’ve manipulated textures.”
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt in your career as a designer?
“I’ve learnt that every stage will bring its own challenges, but what’s important is that you emerge from it. At the same time, it’s important to preserve a sense of humility in everything that you are doing.”
What inspires you?
“I find it easier to seek inspiration and ideas when I am travelling, because it is always good to break away from the current routine and refresh my mind.”
On Sabrina: Clothing, Sabrina’s own. On model: Top, $169.90; coat, $369.90; and pants, $249.90, all from Elohim by Sabrina Goh. Earrings, $649, from Swarovski. Shoes, $1,240, from Tory Burch.
FASHION DIRECTION: JANICE PIDDUCK / FASHION STYLING & TEXT: AARON KOK, ASSISTED BY TIFFANY TAN / PHOTOS: IVANHO HARLIM & SHYSILIA NOVITA, ASSISTED BY MARIE LIANG / MAKEUP: GREGO OH, USING SHU UEMURA / HAIR: ASH LOI ATELIER, USING KEUNE HAIR COSMETICS / MODEL: ELENA U/MANNEQUIN
The Brand: Started by fashion influencer Velda Tan in 2015, the budding label has amassed a steady fan base who readily snap up Collate’s easy-to-pair pieces.
The Style: Collate’s mastery is evident in their ability to take fashion trends and treat them with modernity for the urban female, so nothing is too frivolous or hindering.
The Brand: Stemming from Phuay Liying’s love of painting, Ying The Label is chalking up a steady offering of easy separates that won’t break your budget.
The Style: With everyday ease at the forefront of the brand, Liying translates her gorgeous paintings into timelessly colourful patterns and prints that decorate her collection of practical separates.
The Brand: Running for nine years and counting, the label is reinventing the stuffy ideas of Asian jewellery with modern interpretations of heritage designs details.
The Style: Expect to find a hybrid of Asian-rooted inspiration and designs tempered with Western shapes and influences. Yilin’s winning formula is her ability to create pieces that speak to women, regardless of age.
The Brand: Founded in 2010, the womenswear label is the brainchild of self-taught designer Danelle Woo. Aijek is already gaining a steady stream of accolades at home and abroad.
The Style: Shoppers can expect to find gorgeous lace concoctions that are both modern in shape and cut, while remaining resolutely feminine and figure-flattering.
The Brand: Founded in 2011 by Gin Lee, the fashion label has since moved from Israel back to our sunny shores, bringing with it a wide selection of minimalist, tasteful daywear pieces.
The Style: Customers can look forward to Gin’s signature array of clean, relaxed and fuss-free separates that flatter its wearer’s body without restricting movement.
The Brand: Dzojchen is a labour of love from its founder and designer, Chelsea Scott-Blackhall. With famous customers that include Zoë Kravitz, there’s no stopping Chelsea.
The Style: There’s something for every woman, no matter who you are – from the brand’s sharply-tailored suits every head honcho needs, to the oversized shirts and skinny jeans favoured by It girls.
The Brand: The footwear label is conceived by Singapore-born, Florence-based designer Mashizan Masjum, after he left his career as in journalism and revisited his love for shoes.
The Style: Having honed his craft from Italian masters, expect to see a generous dose of Italian glamour injected in Mashizan’s designs, realised with premium Italian leathers and skins.
The Brand: As a testament to their success, Rebecca Ting and Daniel Chew’s Beyond The Vines is into their second year of business, and already they’ve got a standalone boutique of their own.
The Style: A combination of Scandinavian designs with Singapore-friendly fabrics. Think clean, unfussy silhouettes in lightweight and cool textiles.