Since Vogue Singapore’s launch in September 2020, supporting and empowering home-grown talent remains an integral part of the work that we do. A key component of this is the Vogue Singapore Foundation, a fundraising initiative that aims to elevate local fashion and its respective talents to an international stage. Its main goal? Fostering meaningful change through innovation and technology via avenues such as the annual Vogue Singapore x TaFF Innovation Prize and Club Vogue.
The latest addition to this is the Vogue Singapore Foundation’s partnership with American denim giant, Levi’s, which commences this month. Melding Levi’s commitment to sustainability and Vogue Singapore’s championing of Southeast Asian creativity, the joint venture is set to spotlight a local fashion designer—to be unveiled at a later date—who will be working with materials from the brand’s extensive inventory.
The result is expected to be a one-of-a-kind, custom piece that will be revealed come October. Shares Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Singapore, Norman Tan: “As the chosen Singapore designer will have to create a new garment from the up-cycling of used or old denim, this partnership with Levi’s combines two core Vogue values: sustainability in fashion and spotlighting local talent. I’m looking forward to seeing how creativity will be employed to create a beautiful garment with impact.”
As we gear up for the exciting four-month project, here’s everything you need to know so far.
Sustainability and innovation are at the forefront of the partnership
At the core of the project is Levi’s ongoing efforts to implement sustainable production practices and raise awareness on the environmental ramifications of the apparel industry. The brand’s most recent initiative, Buy Better, Wear Longer, further reinforces this by utilising planet-friendly materials such as organic cotton and ‘Water<Less®’ technologies to curb wastage through recycling water. Armed with the task of reimagining the brand’s existing garments, the Vogue in partnership with Levi’s project will see the chosen designer upcycling selected materials, encouraging conscious and inventive modes of design.
Vogue Singapore will document the entire design process
An integral part of championing young talent is understanding the labour that goes into a piece, with the creative process being just as pivotal as the final product. Documenting the process from start to finish, Vogue Singapore will provide an in-depth behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to execute a design—at the hands of an up-and-coming fashion designer, nonetheless. Come September, readers will be taken through the inspiration, ideation and eventual implementation of the garment.
The final garment will be auctioned off
With the final design being auctioned off in October, proceeds will be split between the appointed designer as well as the Vogue Singapore Foundation. The garment will be showcased in a designated space within a selected Levi’s store—to be confirmed at a later date—and will also be a contender for the Vogue Europe x Levi’s upcycling initiative. The design will be specially shot and featured in Vogue Singapore’s October issue.
Learn more about the Vogue Singapore Foundation and subscribe to Club Vogue.
