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In the lead up to the finale of Singapore Stories 2021, the five finalists reflect on valuable insights imparted by their mentors, as well as their experiences thus far
Earlier this year, five finalists—Angeline Oei, Jon Max Goh, Nantana Boonchuayseng, Nikasha Khemka, and Yan Ng—emerged amid stiff competition to vie for the top spot in Singapore Stories 2021, a fashion design competition held by the Textile and Fashion Federation (TaFF). Presented by Sing Lun and MTM Labo, this competition for up-and-coming fashion designers promises to take one talented couturier’s career to the next level with retail opportunities at Design Orchard, as well as a once-in-a-lifetime Paris Fashion Week debut.
With so much at stake, it’s no surprise that the competition is heating up, especially as the show’s finale looms. As they make the final alterations to their capsule collections inspired by Singapore’s culture and history, the five finalists take the time to reflect on what they’ve learnt in the competition thus far.
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After countless mentoring sessions with some of the industry’s top experts, many of the finalists came away with valuable nuggets of advice.
“My mentor David definitely helped me gain some perspective, [especially when] making tough choices,” said Khemka, who designs vibrant traditional clothing reminiscent of birds of paradise.
Ng, founder of fashion label Lily & Lou, as well as Boonchuayseng, a bespoke tailor, also felt that the mentoring sessions were invaluable in encouraging their growth as designers.
“I think the mentorship sessions helped me push my creative limits a little bit more,” Ng said, adding that advice from her mentors encouraged her to incorporate more details into her designs. Boonchuayseng, meanwhile, credited her mentors for helping her see the bigger picture. “I think my collection now looks more coherent,” she said.
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