When one thinks of Singapore, bold styles and daring ensembles might not be the first elements that come to mind. As our little red dot continues to push the envelope of fashion within Southeast Asia, a wave of fresh faces have already began honing in on their personal style as an outlet of self-expression and experimentation.
Case in point: Lasalle College of the Arts. Since its conception in 1984, the art school has quickly grown into a pivotal stomping ground for generations of creatives. The campus has become a buzzing hub for innovative projects and collaborations, with their students at the heart of it all.
Catching up with the current fashion students of Lasalle College of the Arts, emerging local photographer Zilhanz Bin Affendi lenses them in their favourite outfits. Here, 16 students give Vogue Singapore a glimpse into their sartorial lessons, favourite shopping haunts and what they hope to see from the fashion industry moving forward.
1 / 16
Syafiqah, 23, BA(Hons) Fashion Media and Industries
Describe your look.
My top is thrifted in Sydney, blouse is from Shopee and dress is from an Indonesian brand. The skirt is reused from an old Raya fit of mine, the cowboy boots are an Australian brand, the bag is thrifted from Kuala Lumpur, the necklace is from Hammock Market and the rings are from Shopee as well.
Where do you usually shop?
I like to shop overseas, or thrift stores in Haji Lane.
If there’s one thing you’ve learnt about personal style, what would it be?
I used to copy from inspiration boards, but now I have more confidence to mix and match random items that suit my taste.
What would you like to see from the fashion industry moving forward?Everyone should have a little bit more fun with their personal styles.
2 / 16
Ashley, 22, BA(Hons) Fashion Media and Industries
Describe your look.
My top is from Zara, both the skirt and belt are thrifted at Lucky Plaza. The boots are from Aliexpress, and my accessories are from my Mom and friends.
Where do you usually shop?
I like to go thrifting at Haji Lane, Lucky Plaza and retail space StyledxCo.
If there’s one thing you’ve learnt about personal style, what would it be?
I have grown more confident into wearing what I like, and it has helped me feel more authentic.
What would you like to see from the fashion industry moving forward?
An increase in micro trends that focus on layering and accessorising.
3 / 16
Mitchell Hoo, 22, BA(Hons) Fashion Media and Industries
Describe your look.
I’m wearing a vintage Balenciaga blazer, a shirt from Calvin Klein and shorts from Taobao. My shoes are Valentino and rings are from Chanel.
Where do you usually shop?
I mainly shop overseas as it is an accumulation of memories. I also peruse Design Orchard and handicraft shops.
If there’s one thing you’ve learnt about personal style, what would it be?
Personal style is an evolution of my identity.
What would you like to see from the fashion industry moving forward?
I wish to see more Asian creatives spotlighting our own culture.
4 / 16
Jamie, 22, BA(Hons) Fashion Media and Industries
Describe your look.
My top and belt are Hyein Seo, boxers are Chrome Hearts and pants are from a local brand in Korea. The boots are New Rocks, my bracelet is from Taobao, rings are Vivienne Westwood and the bag is Mschf.
Where do you usually shop?
I frequent Hyein Seo, async, and online stores like SSENSE, Depop, Carousell, and Taobao.
If there’s one thing you’ve learnt about personal style, what would it be?
I like monochromatic dressing, specifically all black.
What would you like to see from the fashion industry moving forward
More locals should be less afraid of judgement, and should have fun experimenting and exploring fashion.
5 / 16
Haura, 18, BA(Hons) Fashion Media and Industries
Describe your look.
My dress and glasses are from random web-stores online, and my jacket is H&M. My scarf is Hermes, shoes are Marks & Spencer. All my jewellery is from my mom.
Where do you usually shop?
I like the Indonesian designer Vivi Zubedi M. I also shop at Zara and online on Shein and Shopee.
If there’s one thing you’ve learnt about personal style, what would it be?
I have come to learn that it is elegant and modern.
What would you like to see from the fashion industry moving forward?
I would like to see the hijab styled in more expressive ways, as well as more personal exploration of one’s dressing.
6 / 16
Syed, 24, BA(Hons) Fashion Media and Industries
Describe your look.
My sweater is from Number (N)ine, belt is Our Legacy, the pants are from Enter Freakshow and the sneakers are Balenciaga. My necklace was made by a friend, the bag is Nohbody and my rings are from Gucci and Acne Studios.
Where do you usually shop?
Mileu, SSENSE, Grailed and Carousell. I also like thrifting in Malaysia.
If there’s one thing you’ve learnt about personal style, what would it be?
It is an illustration of what I’m experiencing in different phases of life.
What would you like to see from the fashion industry moving forward?
I wish to see more experimentation, with people being more authentic and genuine with each other.
7 / 16
Gladys, 23, BA(Hons) Fashion Media and Industries
Describe your look.
My leather top and skirt are Jaded London, and the boots are New Rocks. The arm sleeves and necklace are from Taobao, and my bag is Balenciaga.
Where do you usually shop?
IamGia, Jaded London and SSENSE.
If there’s one thing you’ve learnt about personal style, what would it be?
I try to incoporate various trends that come and go, my style is a mix of genres.
What would you like to see from the fashion industry moving forward?
I would like to see more emerging labels doing interesting things.
8 / 16
Faith, 21, BA(Hons) Fashion Media and Industries
Describe your look.
The top is from Omweekend and skirt is from a vintage store in London (Menace Vintage). I got the belt at a store in Chinatown (i.nism), my necklace is thrifted from Japan and the headband is from Shopee.
Where do you usually shop?
I.nism and Plop Apparels.
If there’s one thing you’ve learnt about personal style, what would it be?
I learnt the importance of finding comfort and confidence in the things that I wear.
What would you like to see from the fashion industry moving forward?
I want to see people be bolder and not afraid to try out new things.
9 / 16
Efy, 23, BA(Hons) Fashion Media and Industries
Describe your look.
The Kangol hat is thrifted from Johor Bahru, my blazer, tee and pants are all from Lucky Plaza. My shoes are from a local market in Korea.
Where do you usually shop?
I go to Johor Bahru to thrift.
If there’s one thing you’ve learnt about personal style, what would it be?
My personal style is more curated now, I’m working on building a capsule wardrobe filled with timeless pieces.
What would you like to see from the fashion industry moving forward?
I wish to see more representation for people of colour.
10 / 16
Katherine, 20, Diploma in Creative Direction for Fashion
Describe your look.
My shirt and skirt are both thrifted. My boots are Charles & Keith. My accessories are all thrifted and gifted.
Where do you usually shop?
I usually thrift as its way more affordable.
If there’s one thing you’ve learnt about personal style, what would it be?
That it is an ever-evolving discipline. My personal style does not fall under a fixed genre.
What would you like to see from the fashion industry moving forward?
I would like to see more collaborations between disciplinaries (e.g. music and fashion).
11 / 16
Rhea Kapahi, 20, BA(Hons) Fashion Media and Industries
Describe your look.
I got my top and skirt in India and my boots are from Style Tribute. My ring is gifted to me from my parents.
Where do you usually shop?
I like to thrift in India.
If there’s one thing you’ve learnt about personal style, what would it be?
My style is not limited to a fixed genre, sometimes its fully grunge and sometimes its feminine.
What would you like to see from the fashion industry moving forward?
I would like to see more individuality in everyone’s personal style and works.
12 / 16
Shandy, 21, BA(Hons) Fashion Media and Industries
Describe your look.
My top is thrfited from Hammock Market, pants are from my mom and shoes are Taobao. The necklace I made myself and the bracelet is from Bali.
Where do you usually shop?
I frequent Urban Revivo or thrift stores.
If there’s one thing you’ve learnt about personal style, what would it be?
I used to confuse aesthetics w personal style, but now I dress differently everyday depending on the mood.
What would you like to see from the fashion industry moving forward?
I would like to see more people my age reference their tradition and culture in their works.
13 / 16
Van, 19, Diploma in Creative Direction for Fashion
Describe your look.
The jacket is from Julius, the sleeveless zip-up is MA+ and my T-shirt is from COS. My pants are from a multi-label punk store in Osaka, the boots are Balenciaga, and my rings are Chrome Hearts.
Where do you usually shop?
Online, perusing auction sites.
If there’s one thing you’ve learnt about personal style, what would it be?
I have grown to appreciate the meaning behind clothing more instead of how it just looks. I have also grown away from following trends.
What would you like to see from the fashion industry moving forward?
I wish to see more personality and originality in everyone’s style.
14 / 16
Hannah, 22, BA(Hons) Fashion Media and Industries
Describe your look.
My blazer and skirt are from H&M and the T-Shirt is thrifted. My shoes are Nike x Jacquemus, bag is Sandy Liang x Baggu collection and my accessories are gifted from my mom.
Where do you usually shop?
I like shopping online, on brands such as House of Sunnies.
If there’s one thing you’ve learnt about personal style, what would it be?
The way I dress is a reflection of my personality, I am a bubbly person thus I like to wear tons of vibrant colours.
What would you like to see from the fashion industry moving forward?
I would like to see more inclusive sizing and fashion works that I can relate to emotionally.
15 / 16
Sadiq, 25, BA(Hons) Fashion Media and Industries
Describe your look.
My shirt was an old design of mine for my diploma final year project, the T-shirt is from Dover Street Market Singapore and the jeans are Uniqlo x JW Anderson. My boots are Margiela and the watch is from Breda.
Where do you usually shop?
Currently, I like looking at Dries Van Noten, Peter Do, Lemaire, Martine Rose and Chloe Nardin.
If there’s one thing you’ve learnt about personal style, what would it be?
I learnt that comfort is key, what I wear has to be practical for the weather. I don’t like to show a lot of my skin as well.
What would you like to see from the fashion industry moving forward?
I wish to see more creatives have a stronger point of view, cultivating their own voice.
16 / 16
Claire, 23, BA(Hons) Fashion Media and Industries
Describe your look.
My tank top is from Mischf, my pants are from Thug Club and boots from Taobao. The beanie is jc.osf, the necklace is thrifted and my rings are all Kuyashii Jewelry.
Where do you usually shop?
Mischf and Thug Club, as well as Uniqlo for basics.
If there’s one thing you’ve learnt about personal style, what would it be?
I have learnt that my personal style is same aesthetic through the years, albeit more evolved.
What would you like to see from the fashion industry moving forward?
I wish to see more experimental and gender-fluid styles.
