The bold, the brilliant, and the beautiful on celebrating the power and joys of fashion.
The past 10 years have seen seismic shifts in the world of fashion and culture at large. Gone is the dictating manner in which fashion used to speak. Today, influence and inspiration bubbles up as much as it trickles down. The speed at which movements now take root and cross-pollinate across cultures and communities would have been unimaginable a decade ago. In many ways, the rise of social media and the digital age has revolutionised the way we access, consume and interact with fashion. At its core, style is still about looking a certain way to telegraph a certain message, but the key components of that message have evolved to centre around the ideas of authenticity, individuality and positivity. To close out this progressive, transformative decade, we’ve chosen to celebrate a group of originals who are as sharp as they are stylish; the ones who march to their own beat while maintaining a certain polish and verve that drives home a uniquely Asian perspective.
MIRA MIRA SIANIPAR
FASHION CURATOR & MILLINER
Balance. For example, I love a dramatic piece such as an oversize, voluminous top worn with simple bottoms and a belt.
My hat, a vintage Lolita Lempicka blazer with pearl buttons, a Max Tan leather jacket and Max Tan harem pants.
Mutton sleeves! I’ve always loved good dramatic sleeves and power shoulders. It’s so exciting to see different takes on these from various designers right now.
Polka dots and horizontal stripes, but never say never.
Cristobal Balenciaga, Gianfranco Ferré, Stéphane Rolland, Christian Dior, Rei Kawakubo and Max Tan.
I mostly get inspiration from looking at vintage stylings—especially campaigns and editorials from the ’80s.
FREELANCE WRITER
I know it’s a no-no for some, but I like total looks—it’s like inhabiting the whole vision of the designer. I might wear the same designer from head to toe, but with pieces from different collections, or I would change up the accessories to make [the look] more my own. I love Saint Laurent so I wear a fair bit of black. It’s sexy in a way that is not so in-your-face; it’s quite French and effortless, and I like that kind of edginess in a look. Fashion to me is like works of art, so I care more about how I look and how I feel in them rather than practicality.
My favourite item would be a pair of sequinned shorts by Anthony Vaccarello for Saint Laurent. I have a lot of his more dramatic pieces, but this is the one thing I feel goes with everything. My staple look would be these shorts with booties and a jacket.
I like Balmain for its sequinned dresses. On lazy days when I don’t know what to wear, I just throw on a sequinned dress. I am also rediscovering a long-lost love for Alaïa; and Chanel is such a classic. Some people think it’s just another tweed jacket, but for me, there’s always something slightly different, so I try to pick up at least one or two every season. I think it’s worth collecting because it’s truly timeless.
I’ve been playing around a lot with accessories. Most of my Saint Laurent looks are of a similar spirit—the biggest difference comes from the accessories. For example, this season, Vaccarello paired a lot of looks with sheer stockings and feather booties. It’s these small things that totally change the look. I wear them with my older pieces and they look updated. Other key accessories for me this season are the Dior Saddle belt and the veiled bucket hat.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR & CO-OWNER, VIOLET OON RESTAURANT GROUP
Style is an expression of one’s self. It gives a glimpse into someone’s mind and what they choose to reveal about themselves. I like the juxtaposition of the masculine and strong alongside the soft and feminine. I also like pushing boundaries while still feeling comfortable in my choices. Having said that, with a very hectic life, there isn’t always time to push boundaries—you just grab and throw on something. An alternative is to have a good shoe collection to elevate an outfit.
A tailored suit.
A good pair of black pants, a black blazer, leopard-print shoes, boyfriend jeans, and a great handbag that goes with everything.
Fashion has the power to inspire and move someone. A beautiful collection or piece usually involves a village— bringing together the hard work of creative minds and craftsmen. It’s quite humbling to think of, actually.
Prada and Dries Van Noten.
FOUNDER, ASHEPA LIFESTYLE
I am involved in all sides of the business, but for the most part, I design jewellery, home decor and accessories, and then work with artisans in Africa to bring them to life. I moved to Singapore from Kenya and people would ask me about my old home and I remember them being intrigued when I told them about Kenya. I realised that Africa is a mystery to a lot of people, which was when I decided to connect Africa to Asia through product and people. And I wanted to do it in a way that was ethical and true to my sustainable values.
An oversize white shirt. I love a good shirt. You can wear it over skirts, jeans or even a dress. I like that masculine/feminine touch.
I am absolutely loving the raffia trend. I love how a sustainable, natural material can be used for something beautiful, functional and fun. In Africa, we are very resourceful—we use everything that Mother Nature has provided us. There is a great beauty in that, which is why seeing high-end brands do the same is brilliant.
I have a few, but currently, I would say it’s Victoria Beckham. I think she has explored and embraced fashion through its phases but still kept true to herself. She has pieces she looks comfortable in and her mix of colour palettes is right up my street!
TV PRODUCER & ENTREPRENEUR
It’s your point of view at a particular moment, and a personal story reflected through clothing and accessories. Style is a dialogue you have with your surroundings.
The desire to always tread new territories and to understand the systems behind them; and hoping to make a difference.
Everything that accentuates my pregnant belly—it’s time to celebrate motherhood and femininity.
A nice suit; a bodysuit—in white, black or prints; a high-waisted skirt or a pair of wide-legged trousers; a comfortable pair of heels; and that one dress that makes you feel like a Bond girl.
A Juicy Couture velour tracksuit.
Martin Margiela, John Galliano, Karl Lagerfeld, Alexander McQueen and Rei Kawakubo.
Iris Apfel’s, and Anna Dello Russo’s before she sold all her stuff.
CREATIVE BUSINESS CONSULTANT
I’m very much driven by my failures. Every time I fail in relationships or career moves, I’m redirected to the right direction and am one step closer to my end goal. It’s okay that my journey takes much longer than others as long as I’m progressing daily.
No more than three pieces in a total look.
I love the leather culottes from Daniel Lee’s first collection for Bottega Veneta.
A bandage dress.
It brings communities together regardless of nationality, religion or gender. It will always be a powerful incubator of ideas and influence. And recently, the impact of fashion is even more prevalent through important dialogues across sectors pertaining to issues like the climate crisis, diversity, sustainability and politics. It’s definitely beyond just clothing and designer bags.
FOUNDER, COVETELLA
I’ve always been passionate about helping women look and feel beautiful so I started as a fashion designer, but I went on to found Covetella—a personal styling and luxury rental service—for women to share their wardrobes in order to be more sustainable. Now, it’s also a fun destination where you can access coveted brands and have a modern Cinderella experience for special events.
Wear what looks good on you, not just what looks good or what people say looks good. You won’t go wrong with a look that makes you feel confident and comfortable, but also don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things.
A well-fitted black blazer. You can dress it up with a dress and diamonds, or down with jeans and a t-shirt— it will never go out of style.
I love to sparkle, so I’m obsessed with all the sequins that come out during the holidays. I always encourage clients not to be afraid to shine, and I love how fashion becomes a bit more fun and dressier during the festive season.
A mix of Coco Chanel for her sophisticated elegance, Jennifer Lopez for her sexy femininity, and Lady Gaga for her unabashed attitude.
JUNIOR SPECIALIST IN SOUTHEAST ASIAN ART, CHRISTIE’S
Visual aesthetics are an important part of my job and I think that extends to my style. Ninety percent of my wardrobe is black and white, but I look for unique details or interesting proportions in each garment. Although I dress monochromatically most of the time, I pick pieces I can throw on without much fuss, but still instantly make a statement.
I love a dramatic top with a voluminous sleeve or gathered waist, paired with simple black pants or jeans. I almost never wear dresses or skirts— I think you can be equally feminine in trousers or even a suit, so I always find myself gravitating towards these pieces.
Fashion has the ability to reflect a moment in history, whether social or political. For example, in the ’20s, Coco Chanel took inspiration from menswear when women were lobbying for wider issues such as the right to vote. It didn’t develop out of a vacuum. Much like the arts, fashion is a product of society and culture, and another avenue for us to consider the human condition.
Chitose Abe of Sacai is one of my favourites because of the innovative and contemporary way she constructs garments and combines fabrics. I also love Cecilie Bahnsen because she puts a lot of emphasis on silhouettes to create luxurious, romantic clothing. Finally, I really miss Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy— I loved every collection!
Probably Ashley Olsen’s, because she has a great collection of vintage pieces like the black and white Dior gown she wore to the 2011 Met Gala; as well as a wardrobe full of The Row, which has an amazing maximal minimalist aesthetic.
ARTIST
My style revolves around statement glasses or platform boots. I like formulating the rest of my look around key pieces.
Red tartan or black vinyl with platform boots.
It shows you all the alternative selves you carry within you. It exposes how much is artifice or constructed, and ironically, this gives you the freedom to trust or protect your inner self.
There are so many designers I love. My current crushes include Mowalola, Blindness, Noir Kei Ninomiya and No Sesso.
I like observing people with a distinctly individual sense of style. It’s not about being trendy, but rather, someone who shows a strong personal identity, character and expression.
The desire to create and to make and hold space for existing.
Silk, wool and leather dress, Chopova Lowena at Dover Street Market Singapore. Vintage leather army boots, Chong’s own
Makeup and hair: Grego, Manisa Tan Manicure: Audrey Wee Assistant stylist: Gracia Phang
