Since its establishment in 1938, the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) has long nurtured some of Singapore’s youngest fashion talent with its diplomas in fashion design and fashion merchandising and marketing. Located in the heart of Bencoolen, the school’s fashion campus sits just a stone’s throw away from the National Design Centre, the National Museum of Singapore, the National Library and the buzzy district of Bras Basah.
Catching up with current fashion students of NAFA, local photographer Ethan Lai takes to the streets to capture their off-campus looks. Speaking to Vogue Singapore, 13 students share their go-to shopping haunts, favourite designers and what they would change about the Singaporean fashion scene.
1 / 13
Sonali, 22, Diploma in Fashion Design
Describe your look.
I was going for a hippie look with a sophisticated twist. My top is from Pomelo, my jeans are from Vintagewknd, my shoes are from Rubi, my belt is from Cotton On and my jewellery is from Lovisa.
Where do you like to shop?
Pomelo, because they have really colourful pieces. I also love thrifting.
Who is your favourite designer at the moment?
Minju Kim—I love the way she plays with colour and volume.
If you could, what is one thing you would change about Singapore fashion?
I’d like to see more colour in our local fashion scene.
2 / 13
Meredith, 24, Diploma in Fashion Design
Describe your look.
My Fendi blazer is from my mum—I don’t think she wears it much anymore. My dress is from H&M and my shoes are from Superga.
Where do you like to shop?
Zara, online and Vintagewknd—they do lots of cool upcycled pieces.
Who is your favourite designer at the moment?
Simone Rocha.
If you could, what is one thing you would change about Singapore fashion?
To not be bound to gender stereotypes.
3 / 13
Joe, 23, Diploma in Fashion Design
Describe your look.
I was inspired by Louis Vuitton’s autumn/winter 2021 menswear collection. My blazer and trousers are from Uniqlo, my shirt is +J and my pleated skirt is from Taobao.
Where do you like to shop?
Dover Street Market. Uniqlo is good for basics.
Who is your favourite designer at the moment?
Rei Kawakubo.
If you could, what is one thing you would change about Singapore fashion?
I would love to see people be more accepting of different styles.
4 / 13
Sherinn, 22, Diploma in Fashion Design
Describe your look.
I got the blazer off Carousell, my dress is from I.Am.Gia., my jewellery is from Instagram, and my shoes are Converse.
Where do you like to shop?
Uniqlo, The Editor’s Market and online because of the range and variety.
Who is your favourite designer at the moment?
Jacquemus, and the creative director of Mugler, Casey Cadwallader.
If you could, what is one thing you would change about Singapore fashion?
I would like for more eccentricity and inclusivity. I would like to look at a storefront and not feel like I have to shed 20 pounds to look gorgeous.
5 / 13
Megan, 21, Diploma in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing
Describe your look.
My top is thrifted from Haji Lane, my dress and shoes are from Taobao, my shorts are Uniqlo and my jewellery is Cartier. I was going for a modern gothic style.
Where do you like to shop?
I tend to gravitate towards darker clothing. I shop mostly on Taobao.
Who is your favourite designer at the moment?
Vivienne Westwood.
If you could, what is one thing you would change about Singapore fashion?
I would like for people to be more expressive and not be afraid to show their personal style.
6 / 13
Natasha, 22, Diploma in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing
Describe your look.
I was going for a laidback look, as if I were going on a picnic. My dress and boots are both from Shopee and my jewellery is from my grandma.
Where do you like to shop?
Price is a concern for me, so mostly online.
Who is your favourite designer at the moment?
This local designer, Camira Asrori. She really represents her culture and she’s very bold and vibrant in her styling. I also love that she empowers women through her designs.
If you could, what is one thing you would change about Singapore fashion?
There’s nothing much I would change—I don’t feel a need to judge what others wear. Fashion reflects your comfort and to each their own.
7 / 13
Shafiqah, 24, Diploma in Fashion Design
Describe your look.
My top is from Uniqlo, my shoes are Keen, my jewellery is from Pandora and I made my pants myself.
Where do you like to shop?
Uniqlo, as I work part-time there. I also love and miss thrifting in Malaysia.
Who is your favourite designer at the moment?
Simone Rocha—I love how she combines feminine and quirky ideas.
If you could, what is one thing you would change about Singapore fashion?
I want people to be less influenced by trends, and focus more on personality and expressing themselves.
8 / 13
Joel, 21, Diploma in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing
Describe your look.
My vest is thrifted, my shirt is from Korea, my trousers are A For Arcade, my shoes are Dr. Martens, my beanie is from Shopee and my necklace is secondhand from Carousell.
Where do you like to shop?
Anywhere, really—mostly online.
Who is your favourite designer at the moment?
Hyein Seo.
If you could, what is one thing you would change about Singapore fashion?
For it to be more gender-neutral. Men should be able to wear womenswear too.
9 / 13
Yuna, 21, Diploma in Fashion Design
Describe your look.
My corset is from Bugis, my skirt is from Taobao, my shoes are Guess and my necklace is from an Instagram shop.
Where do you like to shop?
Instagram shops.
Who is your favourite designer at the moment?
Vivienne Westwood.
If you could, what is one thing you would change about Singapore fashion?
I’m from Malaysia—and I think fashion is more progressive here, you can dress however you want, but there’s still room to grow.
10 / 13
Jing Wen, 21, Diploma in Fashion Design
Describe your look.
My blazer is thrifted, my necklace is a hand-me-down from my mum, and my boots and skirt are from Shein.
Where do you like to shop?
I love thrifting, mostly online or on Instagram shops.
Who is your favourite designer at the moment?
Hyein Seo.
If you could, what is one thing you would change about Singapore fashion?
I think sustainability should be practised more.
11 / 13
Jia Wei, 20, Diploma in Fashion Design
Describe your look.
My blazer and pants are from Yohji Yamamoto, my shirt is from Uniqlo and my shoes are Guidi.
Where do you like to shop?
Dover Street Market, Club 21 and L’armoire.
Who is your favourite designer at the moment?
Yohji Yamamoto.
If you could, what is one thing you would change about Singapore fashion?
I would like it to be more gender-neutral. Men can wear dresses too!
12 / 13
Athirah, 21, Diploma in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing
Describe your look.
My dress is from Pomelo, my belt is from Shopee, my bag is from Charles & Keith and my shoes are from Bugis Junction.
Where do you like to shop?
Pomelo, as it has nice oversized silhouettes.
Who is your favourite designer at the moment?
Olivier Rousteing of Balmain.
If you could, what is one thing you would change about Singapore fashion?
More diversity and more body-positive clothing.
13 / 13
Suhaily, 20, Diploma in Fashion Design
Describe your look.
My style is quite minimal and comfortable. My top is a 3D knit from Uniqlo, my pants are from Esprit and my shoes are Dr. Martens.
Where do you like to shop?
Uniqlo—they have really good basics that can be mixed and matched.
Who is your favourite designer at the moment?
Sacai, I really admire Chitose Abe’s construction and tailoring.
If you could, what is one thing you would change about Singapore fashion?
I would love to see Singapore fashion try and reach out to an international audience. Youths in Balaclava does a great job at that—I think youths are a really great driving force of fashion in Singapore.
