Zoom in on the mood boards and style notes of global creatives from the worlds of fashion, photography, gastronomy and urban art.
Zoom in on the mood boards and style notes of global creatives from the worlds of fashion, photography, gastronomy and urban art.
SAM LO
Artist and Founder of Project XIV, Singapore’s “Sticker Lady”, rebel with a cause
CREATIVE START
My love for art was sparked off by Victorian paintings I chanced upon in school. It was the first time I was introduced to how messages could be communicated visually, be it through symbols, layers, light, colours or contrast—sometimes subtle, sometimes strong. That greatly informed how I looked at art. Then I came across artists like Trustocorp, Banksy and Shepard Fairey, who did this on the streets. I’ve used visuals to spread messages that I hope are meaningful in the environment they’re in ever since.
FASHION MEETS ART
Art and fashion are both forms of expression, and are personal in the sense that they reflect and reveal our individuality, thoughts, preferences and moods. This outward show of aesthetics, though reflective of the individual, speaks volumes to others who can relate to it, or react to it.
FRESH INSPIRATIONS
Recently, my work has been revolving around patterns, and some of these are inspired by the repetitive artwork on kebayas and kimonos. My intrigue was sparked as I couldn’t wrap my head around how these shapes could endlessly repeat themselves while forming a tapestry of stories around them; and I’ve always loved a challenge. Since then, my work has moved towards exploring storytelling through the use of different patterns that reflect our culture, and new ones that tell new stories.
SPRING/SUMMER 2018
I’ve been drawn to Fendi and Louis Vuitton for their colourful palettes and patterns.
GRAPHIC CONTENT
To me, art is a means of communicating a shared experience of humanity—be it text or imagery—through well-composed colours and forms that invoke emotion and action.
DANIEL NGOO
Fashion designer and Founder of Prototype Label; former Creative Director of Whole9Yards
DESIGN AESTHETIC
As a fashion designer, I create timeless pieces for collections that have a distinct elegance based on the transformation of basic and classic items. As a Creative Director, I have so much more to consider, from the company image to communication, and am tasked with building connections between the brand and its audience.
SPRING/SUMMER 2018
Peter Pilotto’s collection has really caught my eye this season—the colours are amazing, the silhouettes are innovative, and the fabrication is unique and chic. I feel there is so much thought and varied elements put into it, and yet, the collection is so harmoniously presented.
NEW VENTURES
I founded Prototype Label in late 2017 and the first collection just launched in February 2018. It is what I call an “advanced-contemporary” womenswear label that embraces femininity and embodies an interesting juxtaposition of sophistication and elegance with pieces that boost a woman’s confidence.
FASHION INSPIRATIONS
The undone glamour of the ’90s and Piet Mondrian’s art have influenced the palette and sumptuous texture of my new collection.
EARLY INFLUENCES
My mother piqued my interest in fashion. She designed my clothes when I was young. Once, I drew a pair of bell bottoms and she brought me to the tailor to bring them to life. After observing the creation process, I realised designing and making clothes was a path I wanted to take.
CREATIVE SPARKS
I’m inspired by my surroundings. I’m also greatly tuned in to the little things, especially those that touch my heart. I love to observe an imperfect object and see the beauty of it from another perspective
DAVID MYERS
Nomadic chef, global restaurateur, man behind Singapore’s Adrift
CULINARY STYLE
Nature is my guide. I focus on finding the best ingredients and use simple techniques to bring out their natural flavours; and my plating reflects this.
SEASONAL INTERPRETATIONS
Spring is a season of growth, blooms and regeneration, and summer is about enjoying the produce of spring. Japan is one of countries that best captures this spirit.
THE FLAVOURS
During these seasons, I like to cook light and simple dishes that are healthy and vibrant in taste. Summer is a good time to be in the great outdoors, so fish, meat, shellfish and vegetables are usually on the grill and paired with Pinot Noir. Rosé and champagne are also amazing in the summer.
FASHION NOTES
Rather than chasing after trends, I like to look at fashion from a craftsmanship perspective. Quality and technique fascinate me, and I admire the work of artisans who are so focused on creating incredible products.
PERSONAL STYLE
I love simplicity, and good quality materials and fit are key. My everyday wardrobe staples are James Perse t-shirts with a pair of A.P.C. jeans, Vans sneakers, Oliver Peoples aviators and bracelets picked up from my travels. In summer, board shorts for surfing in the Maldives.
SPRING/SUMMER VISIONS
When I think about the season, I see the beautiful waters of the Maldives and Japan’s cherry blossoms, for their growth, beauty and lightness are inspiring—I envision a dish made up of fresh herbs and flowers with delicate, wispy ingredients. I also see wood, a beautiful texture, and what slowly burns into ember, which we use to cook our ingredients over; as well as brassicas—their vibrant green colour really highlights the beauty of nature, and it is a strong representation of spring and summer.
GEORGES ANTONI
International photographer, visual storyteller, noted Harper’s BAZAAR collaborator
VISUAL AESTHETIC
My artistic direction is hard to describe, as I shoot what is in my heart and mind at the time. I suppose it is varied; I like to blur the lines of fashion and art. I feel like my best pictures express some form of emotion—be it derived from what the subject is doing or engaging with the environment—and capture the freedom of that experience.
CREATIVE SPARKS
Inspiration can be found in the little things—a beam of light, an unusual model, a new stylist, my wife, my dad, my niece. You just need to keep your eyes open to the beauty of everything around you.
FASHION INFLUENCES
Fashion is at the core of my work. What inspires me is when designers put their heart on the line to create incredible shapes, bold colours or unusual textures. It can even spark a new photographic movement in my head. I find that sometimes fashion has a bad reputation for being frivolous. But at its essence, fashion is the art that provides us with the most comprehensive beacon of social issues. It’s the way we visually communicate to our community about who we are.
GRAPHIC CONTENT
The concept of “graphic” can mean two things: First, a strongly composed interaction of elements—it can be a pose, clothes, or even the model—and secondly, something that may off end you if you look at it.
SUMMER LOVING
When I think of spring/summer, I think about old Italian family portraits, blocks of colour against neutral tones, R-rated films from the ’70s, anything Sicilian and the playwright Bertold Brecht. I also like that the season usually comes packaged with holidays and more time with family. I love the longer days, so it doesn’t feel as if my day begins and ends with work.
PHOTOGRAPHY: INSTAGRAM; TPGVIP/CLICK PHOTOS; WIKIMEDIA COMMONS; COURTESY OF THE BRANDS
