True sustainability is about making the things you own go the extra mile. In this shoot, Singapore’s home-grown models from the ’90s and today rediscover the gems of yesteryears. Breathing new life into preloved jackets, perennial classics get a fresh update with this season’s strongest trends—from pussy bows, top-handle bags and flared pants to Bermuda shorts paired with ultra-cool boots. Get ready—the new classics are here to stay.
Photographer: Stefan Khoo
Styling: Desmond Lim
Hair: Sean Ang using Kevin Murphy
Makeup: Cheryl Ow using Hera
Models: Celia Teh, Lum May Yee, Serena Adsit, Kaigin Yong/NOW Models
Styling assistant: Joey Tan
Special thanks to Caroline Heah, Dawn Koh, Nancy Ong, Kelly Randall Sia and June Goh
1 / 9
Celia Teh
“It’s nice to be recognised as someone whose peers and the industry think represent a certain moment in our local fashion scene. I would like to think being in this shoot meant something and it’s also an affirmation that I did good during my time modelling!”
Celia wears tweed jacket, Chanel AW10; Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello silk bow; Dior cotton shirt and earring; 3.1 Phillip Lim cotton Bermuda shorts; Burberry leather heels; Georg Jensen bangles
2 / 9
Lum May Yee
“There’s so much excess and wastage these days that I think it’s definitely a good idea to relook at the things we already own and add perspective to them.”
May Yee wears tweed jacket with vest, Dolce & Gabbana AW05; Sacai tulle skirt; Dior wool trousers; Chanel 19 in lambskin; Louis Vuitton leather lace-up boots
3 / 9
Kaigin Yong
“The common thread between what makes fashion and real icons timeless is authenticity. A valuable piece of vintage clothing can stand the test of time because it has honest, original designs that are rooted in excellent tailoring and craftsmanship as opposed to following trends. The same message holds when it comes to the makings of a true iconic model. My conversations with Celia, May Yee and Serena have been nothing short of inspiring and empowering as they remain true to themselves and where they come from regardless of the pressures and spotlight that comes with the job—an important reminder that I will keep to heart as I navigate through my journey as a Singaporean model.”
Kaigin wears duchesse satin jacket, Christian Lacroix Couture SS07; 3.1 Phillip Lim crochet top; Calvin Klein underwear from Mr Porter; Gucci denim jeans
4 / 9
Serena Adsit
“Wearing these preloved items from a yesteryear makes you appreciate the workmanship and quality of clothing from that bygone era—something which is more often than not lacking today. I feel really lucky to have been able to model these pieces which have been lovingly kept in such a pristine condition all these years.”
Serena wears embroidered jacket, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche by Tom Ford AW04; Versace Virtus leather quilted bag; Georg Jensen earrings
5 / 9
Celia Teh
Celia wears wool jacket, Balenciaga SS13; Tod’s cotton blouse; Pushbutton wool trousers from Net-a-Porter; Salvatore Ferragamo leather boots; Louis Vuitton Petite Boite Chapeau in crocodile leather; Dior earring; Georg Jensen ring
6 / 9
Kaigin Yong
Kaigin wears silk jacket, Celine resort 2012; Celine by Hedi Slimane silk blouse; Mihara Yasuhiro sequinned vest; JW Anderson denim jeans from Club 21; Tod’s leather sneakers
7 / 9
Kaigin Yong
Kaigin wears tweed jacket, Marc Jacobs AW15; Gucci lace blouse; The Row cotton Bermuda shorts from Club 21; Christian Louboutin leather boots
8 / 9
Serena Adsit
Serena wears leather studded trench coat, Burberry Prorsum AW07; Burberry grey turtle neck from Matchesfashion; Celine by Hedi Slimane wool Bermuda shorts; Miu Miu leather lace-up boots
9 / 9
Lum May Yee
May Yee wears New Look jacket, Christian Dior AW13; Salvatore Ferragamo denim Bermuda shorts; Versace patent leather boots
