THE ANNUAL SINGAPORE FASHION WEEK RETURNS FROM OCT 26 TO 28 WITH NEW NAMES AND FRESH PERSPECTIVES. HERE’S A PREVIEW OF WHAT’S IN STORE THIS YEAR. BY DONSON CHAN
THE THEME: BEYOND THE RUNWAY
It used to be that fashion show previews were held behind closed doors, with a closely guarded invite list that was mainly made up of media partners, buyers and VIPs. Over time, though, such shows have opened up to a bigger audience. Today, anyone can watch a live telecast of one as long as you’re connected to the Internet. The constantly evolving Singapore Fashion Week (SGFW) takes this public engagement factor further this year with the Zip Code Fash Tech Summit, a series of talks and conferences, and E-Shopp ability, a shop-as-you-watch online platform. SGFW is also working with MODESTyle to showcase designs in “modest fashion” to reach out to a different demographic of consumers. These collaborations bring everyone, from industry leaders to investors, within the technology and fashion retail sectors together.
INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT: JASON WU
INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL MEDIA STARS
ASIAN DESIGNERS, ALWAYS
SGFW continues to shine the spotlight on Asian and Singapore designers this year.
Headlining the 2017 event is local designer Lai Chan with his eponymous brand, Laichan.
The veteran designer known for his distinct oriental aesthetics since 1990 will be opening SGFW with a showcase of his latest designs.
Local designer Yoyo Cao (@yoyokulala) will also be collaborating with Charles & Keith for the fourth time, while Arissa X, which made its debut last year, will be making a return.
Other new faces to look out for include Whole yards, which expanded its reach to 80 stockists spanning 18 countries, all within two years; and Central Saint Martins graduate Gin Lee, who was named “Emerging Designer of the Year” at last year’s Singapore Fashion Awards.
THE FUTURE IS NOW
CULTURAL INCLUSIVITY
SEE NOW, BUY NOW CONTINUES
The “See now, buy now” concept that was unveiled last year goes one step further.
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH...
RISING STARS
GINLEE STUDIO
What: The six-year-old Israel-based label of Singapore designer Gin Lee is carried in over 20 stockists worldwide, including the Tangs department stores here and multilabel store Kapok at the National Design Centre. Last year, the Central Saint Martins alum won “Emerging Designer of The Year” at the Singapore Fashion Awards. Why know it: For her elegant and minimalist take on wardrobe classics such as column dresses and kimonoin spired frocks – the sort of designs with a broad appeal, whether you like mona0stic silhouettes or relaxed staples. What to expect: Lee distils the conceptual and highly geometric works of feted Japanese architect Ryuji Nakamura into wearable designs that are also perfect for layering. Among them: a blouson with origami folds in millennial pink, and a petrol blue maxi dress rendered with multi-directional pleats. Look out for Ling Wu’s signature exotic skin wares as well – the bag maestro will be showcasing her new range of leather handbags together with Lee in her Singapore Fashion Week debut.
WAI YANG
What: The namesake label of Raffles Design Institute and London College of Fashion graduate Wai Yang that debuted last year. Trivia: The Myanmar-born and Singapore-based designer trained under the LVMH Prize-nominated designer Faustine Steinmetz.
WHOLE9YARDS
What: The three-year-old Singapore-based label co-founded by former investment banker Widelia Liu, art director Franck Pouch and fashion designer Daniel Ngoo (pictured). Ngoo, who is also the brand’s creative director, was formerly assistant to top Malaysian designer Khoon Hooi. The brand is currently stocked in over 80 stockists in markets such as France, the US, and Tangs at Tang Plaza here.
Why know it: It’s the go-to name for really feminine styles – think lots of florals and lace – with a cool street edge that will appeal to fans of brands such as Molly Goddard and the like. Think an asymmetrical toga jersey dress with a lace overlay, or a parka with large tulle tiers on its dolman sleeves.
