Every year, local fashion purveyors look to fashion design graduate shows with bubbling exuberance, anticipating the works from the next generation of visionaries. These graduate shows often feature a melting pot of brazen styles, distinctly illustrating the individuality and undaunted personalities of these budding new faces. A quick glance at the works of the 2023 graduate collections from the various art schools across the country—namely LASALLE College of the Arts, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) and Raffles Design—will reveal an abundance of bold colours and unique textures.
Vibrant shades of turquoise, fuchsia and marigold are present, inspired by early rave and disco cultures. Many of the garments reference vintage silhouettes, from extravagant peplum dresses to voluminous jacket sleeves. These flashy hues and details exuded opulence then and have seen a similar resurgence in recent years.
The theme of maximalism is also encapsulated through the styling, with accessories such as leg warmers, futuristic goggles and stacked jewellery completing the various looks. From the heavy accessorising of the over-the-top silhouettes, one might note the resonance of Y2K styling sensibilities that were recently popularised by a new wave of fashion lovers. These graduates also showcased a rebellious, youthful energy through the conceptualisation of their work.
Many took sociopolitical stances on current affairs, and looked to their work as a bridge or metaphor to their opinions on the current fashion landscape. Through working with Vogue Singapore, each graduate also expressed unapologetic visions with no fear or reservations, as well as distinctive aesthetics that do not resemble anything currently on the market. Looking to the future, the students are seeking collaborative opportunities to broaden their horizons.
Regarding the importance of mutual respect and openness within the industry, Lasalle graduate Farah Sudiro muses: “I hope to see more young creatives working together to gain fresher perspectives. Ideas are limited when we’re on our own, but teamwork pushes creative boundaries and explores new possibilities.” Quek YuTong from NAFA shares similar sentiments, adding: “Exposure to the industry through internship, competitions and projects have helped me build confidence in myself and my work ethic, and the support I have received from everyone has catapulted my growth.
” Photography Zantz Han Styling Desmond Lim Hair Junz Loke using Goldwell Make-up Kat Zhang using Mac cosmetics Manicure Ann Lim Photographer’s assistant s Michelle Yap and Sin Yean Yam Fashion assistant Carmen Sin Hairstylist’s assistant Winnie Wong Models Roanne Woo/Now Model Management and Zhang Xin Meng/Mannequin Studio Fashion designers Farah Sudiro, Michelle Tan Si Qi, Quek Yu Tong, San Thiri San, Sri Anggreni Wicaksana and Yang Bingyue The September ‘Feel the Heat’ issue of Vogue Singapore is available for sale online and on newsstands..
