Commerciality is an undeniable aspect of any business, especially in Singapore where high rents and manpower costs are significant considerations. Thus, it’s not surprising that Singaporean fashion designers are engaged in a delicate dance, balancing wearability with an identifiable aesthetic. Just how far can one push the design boundaries to stand out without alienating the consumer? The creative forces behind Denise Chong, Tirados, Studio Vetyver, and Shirt Number White seem to have mastered this art.
Denise Chong
Avant-Garde Elegance Born from Beadwork
Denise Chong, an eponymous label founded by the designer during the COVID-19 pandemic, is a testament to the transformative power of creativity. What began as a simple hobby of beadwork crafts has blossomed into a brand offering intricate and avant-garde clothing, jewelry, and body adornments.
Launched in 2021, Denise Chong’s main line features beaded garments with body-hugging silhouettes and a peekaboo nature, creating statement pieces characterized by an undercurrent of sexual provocativeness. In contrast, her secondary line, Denise Chong Adornments, offers more pragmatic fashion and lifestyle accessories designed to elevate everyday outfits. This duality ensures that the brand caters to both bold fashion enthusiasts and those seeking subtle elegance.
Tirados
Where Tradition Meets Subversive Innovation
Tirados, the brainchild of fashion designer and butoh practitioner Josh Tirados, draws inspiration from the interplay of textures and unconventional construction methods. The label’s garments, with their frayed detailing and muted colors, exude a rustic charm reminiscent of the Japanese ethos of wabi-sabi.
However, beneath this unassuming exterior lies a wealth of intricate details—brass rivets, layered cutouts, and detachable front flap panels that dramatically alter the silhouette. Tirados’ designs masterfully weave traditional elements with innovative subversiveness, resulting in clothing that captivates with its complexity and thoughtfulness. Each piece is a testament to the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of fashion while maintaining a deeply rooted aesthetic.
Studio Vetyver
Redefining Uniformity with Asymmetry and Sustainability
Founded by fashion designer Pit Firdaus Aris, Studio Vetyver is an independent label that challenges conventional ideas of uniformity through its eco-conscious philosophy and asymmetrical designs. The brand’s minimalistic wrap skirts and draped dresses are characterized by their innovative use of asymmetry, offering fresh perspectives on traditional garments.
Studio Vetyver’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its made-to-order business model and preference for collaborating with local seamstresses, reinforcing its stance against the status quo. By merging eco-conscious practices with bold design elements, Studio Vetyver not only redefines fashion norms but also promotes a more sustainable approach to clothing.
Shirt Number White
Reinventing the Classic Shirt with Artistic Precision
Independent label Shirt Number White, founded by designer Shannon Lee, stands out for its unique approach to reimagining the classic shirt. Combining elements of menswear and womenswear, Lee leverages his expertise in shirt-making to create artisanal tops with distinctive silhouettes.
One standout piece, The Cube, features angled sleeves and a constructed drape that allows it to function as both a standalone top and outerwear. Despite its name, Shirt Number White offers a variety of prints and patterns, with fabric sourced from Liberty London and the brand’s own Japanese mill. This fusion of craftsmanship and creativity ensures that each piece is both timeless and contemporary, making Shirt Number White a noteworthy player in the fashion scene.
These four brands exemplify the innovative spirit and creative ingenuity of Singaporean fashion designers, each navigating the commercial realities of the industry while pushing the boundaries of design.
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