Don’t wear the same old thing that everyone else in the room is wearing. We wouldn’t. So we told four local designers what we really want. Here are their custom-made creations.
Don’t wear the same old thing that everyone else in the room is wearing. We wouldn’t. So we told four local designers what we really want. Here are their custom-made creations.
WANG MENG www.wangmeng.com.sg (info@wangmeng.com.sg)
This 29-year-old designer started making dresses for herself before turning her hobby into a business in 2013. She has taken e-mail orders from a handful of US-based customers, and she dressed local actress Sora Ma at this year’s Star Awards. Wang Meng is especially good with dresses in white, gold or navy, with her signature deep V-necks and sexy slits. We like how she works mainly with crepe and jersey, comfy fabrics that drape beautifully.
We asked for: Something long, classic and tastefully sexy.
How much: A dress like the one shown here costs $1,980. Short dresses: from $600. Price includes a consultation session and up to two fittings.
Waiting time: Two weeks.
How to get your dress made: Make an appointment with Wang Meng, who will conduct a consultation session, lasting about an hour, at your home. She will sketch designs on the spot based on your personal style.
VAUGHN TAN 7 Spottiswoode Park Road (6299-0503)
For the past six years or so, he’s been the go-to guy for Singapore celebs (including Carrie Wong, Kate Pang and Jayley Woo) seeking bespoke red-carpet-worthy gowns. Vaughn, 36, who started his label nine years ago, uses a lot of silk taffeta and silk satin as these fabrics hold up his signature structured designs and dramatic folds best.
We asked for: An edgy jumpsuit that isn’t, well, black.
How much: A jumpsuit like this costs $2,600. A minidress would cost $2,500 onwards. The price includes a consultation session and up to two fittings.
Waiting time: Three weeks.
How to get your dress made: Book a consultation at Vaughn’s studio. “I believe that a dress has to complement a person’s character,” he says.
PRIVE #03-13 Wheelock Place (6341-7206)
Simbian Chua (far left), 24, and Joel Xiang, 27, are childhood friends who complement each other like yin and yang at work. “Joel dreams of the most elaborate and dramatic designs, while I think of ways to tone them down and make them more wearable,” says Simbian. The duo founded Prive last year.
What do they do best? Evening wear inspired by the minimalist elegance of classic Hollywood gowns – bareback designs, or with fishtail hems or plunging V-necks. You can choose from luxe fabrics like duchesse satin and silk, in 80 colours.
We asked for: A classic Hollywood look with a modern twist.
How much: A dress like the one shown here costs $560. An evening gown costs $560 onwards, including a consultation session and one fitting.
Waiting time: Two weeks to a month.
How to get your dress made: Book a consultation with Simbian. Show her reference photos of the silhouette you want, and she will recommend the best fabrics for that style. Jazz up the dress with sequins, crystals, beads or diamante.
LOVE, YU The Proposal at #01-83 Millenia Walk (6835-7077) and The Prelude Bridal at 8 Mohamed Sultan Road (6221-4982), www.weloveyu.com
Eelyn Tang, 36, started her label in 2009, two years after she quit the banking industry to study fashion marketing at the Parsons School of Design in New York. Since then, her bespoke gowns have been featured in UK, US and Japanese magazines, and she shows a collection every year at New York Bridal Fashion Week. Go to Eelyn for pleated Grecian-style dresses or mullet dresses (short in the front, long in the back) which she does in ultra-feminine fabrics like silk chiffon, silk georgette, fine French laces and tulle.
We asked for: A girlie frock with a hint of drama.
How much: A dress like this costs $900. A cocktail dress costs $600 onwards. The price includes a consultation session and up to three fittings.
Waiting time: One to two months.
How to get your dress made: Book an appointment with Eelyn and meet her at The Proposal or The Prelude Bridal for a consultation. Take along reference pictures so she can sketch an original design based on them.
