It’s time to show more love to our fellow Asians; here are some of our favourite designers from the region to check out.
It’s time to show more love to our fellow Asians; here are some of our favourite designers from the region to check out.
Ask anyone to name the fashion capitals of the world and they’ll probably mention London, New York, Paris or Milan. But with their burgeoning economies, Southeast Asian countries are becoming major players in the fashion scene. The following labels from around the region are just a snapshot of what to look out for on your next trip to one of these countries. They’re on the verge of something great.
Singapore
Ong Shunmugam
Yes, she’s Malaysian, but the Singapore-based designer is so amazing that we’ll claim her as our own. Her pieces should be no stranger to those in the fashion know, but if you still need an introduction, think multi-ethnic pieces that are well-blended and well-presented so they don’t fall into the trap of national costume kitsch.
Designer: Priscilla Shunmugam.
Category: Womenswear.
Address: #01-76, 43 Jalan Merah Saga.
Social Media: Facebook OngShunmugam.
Category: Womenswear and menswear.
Address: dzojchen.com.
Social Media: Facebook dzojchen.
Malaysia
Ving Ming
Born in Singapore and now based in Kuala Lumpur, designer Ving Ming combines an avant-garde aesthetic with practicality, making his shoes total statement pieces. Jimmy Choos? More like Jimmy Snooze.
Designer: Ving Ming.
Category: Shoes.
Address: vingming.com.
Social Media: Facebook VingMing.
Thailand
Rukpong
This rising star won the coveted Club21 Global Scholarship last year and has been featured in the likes of Vogue Thailand and Harper’s Bazaar Singapore. Think structured, modernist athleisure pieces, with a strong graphic sense.
Designer: Rukpong Raimaturapong.
Category: Womenswear and menswear.
Address: rukpong.com.
Social Media: Facebook rukpong.
Disaya
A-listers like Jennifer Lopez and Agyness Deyn have worn the label’s striking dresses, which meld British sensibilities (gleaned from the designer’s years in London at Central Saint Martins) with her Thai heritage.
Designer: Disaya Sorakraikitikul.
Category: Womenswear and jewellery.
Address: L2, TD06, CentralWorld, Bangkok.
Social Media: Facebook disaya official.
Indonesia
Anniesa Hasibuan
Anniesa made the headlines last year for designing the first-ever all-hijab fashion show at New York Fashion Week and, more importantly, for showing the world how fierce Muslimah fashion can be.
Designer: Anniesa Hasibuan.
Category: Muslimah.
Address: Promenade 20, Bangka Raya Street No. 20, South Jakarta.
Social Media: Facebook anniesahasibuan.
Cambodia
Mary Sara
Mary is committed to preserving and promoting the Khmer cultural heritage through her jewellery designs, which are crafted out of materials found in Cambodia, including upcycled metal scraps, keys, screws and nuts.
Designer: Mary Sarath.
Category: Jewellery.
Address: Trunkh., 13 Street, Phnom Penh.
Social Media: Facebook marysara designs.
Vietnam
Linda Mai Phung
Socially-responsible fashion, that’s the name of the game. Certified organic cotton and locally-sourced silk and canvas are the foundation of her pieces. The designer also manufactures her clothes through an independent atelier in Ho Chi Minh, and most importantly employs workers who are paid fair wages.
Designer: Linda Mai Phung.
Category: Womenswear.
Address: The Closet, 81 Xuan Thuy Street, Ho Chi Minh City.
Social Media: Facebook lmpfashion.
Lucy’s Dream
How about a work of art on a work of art? All right, excuse the cheese. But this label will do just that, as each piece of clothing features art by young Vietnamese artists. And if you’re so inclined, they offer art workshops too.
Designer: Various.
Category: Womenswear.
Address: 177 De Tham Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Social Media: Facebook LucysDream.Network.
Images All provided by respective labels.
