The collection shows off Teh’s tailoring skills.
Silvia Teh clinched the Harper’s BAZAAR Asia NewGen Fashion Award in 2015 by impressing judges with her cutting-edge designs. Two years on, and after spending time at the Istituto Marangoni, she has finally launched her eponymous label. BAZAAR spoke to Teh about her creative journey after the competition.
Life after NewGen… Has been about finding my calling and identity as a designer, all while broadening my horizons for my designs.
Silvia Teh the brand has… Evolved into an honest expression of myself. It’s more than just about the designs, it’s also about embracing individuality.
The brand’s DNA is about… Elevating everyday wear into wearable statement pieces that easily transition from day to night. I design authentic, feminine and understated pieces with people in the creative/ entertainment industry in mind.
When you are an emerging designer… There are more lows than highs. However, I can assure you that every dark cloud has a silver lining. When I finally saw my blood, sweat and tears materialise as we shot the looks for the campaign, I knew it was all worth it.
This collection is different from my previous collections because… There is more flexibility in the pieces. The designs are tailored such that my customers are free to wear the pieces in ways that flatter their body shape. This is an idea that I will carry through to future collections.
While sketching this collection… I had so many voices of doubt in my head.
But when I presented a dress I designed for myself to anex-mentor at Singapore Fashion Week last year, and she loved it, it clicked that I should design with my own voice. The rest is history.
One of my long-term goals is… To increase the use of sustainable materials in my garments.
Teh’s designs are available for purchase on her website, www.silviateh.com
