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In the third instalment of Singapore’s beloved fashion design competition, a new wave of creatives vie for tops
So much more than just big prizes, the third year of the esteemed national fashion design competition, Singapore Stories 2022, promises a journey of creative excellence. Aimed at celebrating our nation’s material heritage and design culture, the search for Singapore’s visual identity is also explored through fabulous clothing.
With four judges from the industries of fashion and culture providing wisdom, the young hopefuls present their case in the first episode of the reality fashion design competition. When asked what the panel were looking for, Semun Ho, CEO of the Textile and Fashion Federation (Taff) explains, “Fashion is an expression of personality, as well as identity. We started Singapore Stories to help and nurture an identity for Singapore.” A sentiment echoed by Pakkee Tan, Executive Editor of Tatler Singapore, “We need new designers on the scene. We need to be able to build new luxury labels that are coming out of Asia”.
“I look for innovation in tradition, something that is at the same time rooted in our Asian heritage,” clarifies Kennie Ting, Director of the Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore, on what he looks for in a fashion designer. “And what I’m looking for in a designer is definitely someone who can propose something new or someone that can bring something to the fashion debate here in Singapore,” reveals Circe Henestrosa, Head of the School of Fashion, LaSalle College of the Arts.
Read more: Singapore Stories 2022 Invites Fashion Designers to Celebrate Our Cultural Diversity
From the Lion City’s strategic position between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, to the various cultures that make up our island home, these design hopefuls also tap into the vast collections at the Asian Civilisations Museum for inspiration to create some of the most forward thinking pieces while making fashion history.
Who will make it to the next round? Watch this space.
*As of July 28th, the Textile and Fashion Federation (Taff) is known as the Singapore Fashion Council (SFC) under the Registry of Societies (ROS).