In the heart of Dempsey Hill, at the chic new outpost of iconic Peranakan restaurant Violet Oon Singapore, the members of Club Vogue gathered for an afternoon of culture and conversation. A special edition of Club Vogue‘s aperitivo hour—held to celebrate Vogue Singapore’s latest ‘Home’ issue as well as the nation’s 60th birthday—the afternoon was an ode to the fashion, food and places that make up the rich and diverse cultural tapestry of the city we call home.
Upon stepping into the restaurant, guests were greeted by three mannequins draped in the stunning designs of regional designers Behati, Adeline Esther and Laichan—all featured in Vogue Singapore’s July/August ‘Home’ issue. Intricate and one-of-a-kind, these dresses serve as a tribute to Singapore’s heritage, reimagined through a fresh and contemporary lens. Next to the dresses, a Peranakan bouquet installation by Fawn World offered a glimpse at the bespoke florals used in the shoot.
The programme kicked off with a fireside chat between Vogue Singapore editor-in-chief Desmond Lim, acclaimed filmmaker and guest editor of the ‘Home’ issue He Shuming, and associate lifestyle editor of the ‘Home’ issue Chandreyee Ray. Their candid and casual conversation explored the evolving meaning of home and celebrated the creative talent thriving locally—with Lim describing the magazine as “an ode to the talent we have present in Singapore”.
Next, the spotlight shifted to the designers. In a conversation moderated by Lim, Kel Wen of Behati, Dennis Ng of Fawn World, and Esther herself unpacked how cultural heritage informs their craft and creative vision. Offering a behind-the-scenes look into the designs they created for the ‘Home’ issue’s cover spread, the artists spoke on how tradition can be seen as a living source of inspiration rather than a mere relic on display.
Between segments, guests mingled over Violet Oon’s signature canapés, from a delicious Rendang and Nasi Kuning to a lemongrass and kaffir lime-infused Bika Ambon honeycomb cake. Of course, one could not miss out on the house favourite: Dry Laksa, tossed in an aromatic paste of dried shrimp and topped with juicy prawns and crunchy bean sprouts.
It wouldn’t be an aperitivo hour without some impressive tipples, and Brass Lion certainly delivered on that front. From the floral Violet Bloom to the herbaceous Jasmine Julep, each cocktail captured a unique facet of Singapore’s botanics, offering guests a sensory journey through the country’s rich and vibrant culture.
As afternoon gave way to evening and the event drew to a close, guests departed with a limited-edition goodie bag. Created in line with our July/August 2025 ‘Home’ issue, the exclusive Vogue tote features printed embroidery by renowned Peranakan designer Raymond Wong, paying tribute to Southeast Asian artistry and craftsmanship.
Join Club Vogue and gain exclusive access to a year-round calendar of cultural experiences that celebrate creativity and community. A quarter of every membership goes towards the Vogue Singapore Foundation—Vogue Singapore’s purpose driven arm to educate, nurture and elevate local talent to a global stage.
Explore the limited-edition embroidered tote and postcard set—available online and at select retailers.
