Despite the challenges that the pandemic has placed on the fashion industry as a whole, the Singapore Stories Fashion Design Competition is back. Organised by the Textile and Fashion Federation (TaFF), this year’s instalment will culminate in a digital fashion show, showcasing capsule collections by five local designers.
After an eight-month mentoring process, five Singaporean designers were selected to create a capsule collection inspired by this year’s Met Gala theme, ‘About Time’. The brief for the collections is to embody and pay homage to Singaporean fashion from the past, while also interpreting its future direction.
The winner will be awarded the Singapore Fashion Award 2020, have their designs shown in a fashion exhibition at the Asian Civilisations Museum, earn a runway debut at Paris Fashion Week with Fashion Division, and a retail opportunity with locally-based omnichannel platform, SocietyA. Finalists this year include Adelyn Putri from Nude Femme, Carol Chen from Carol Chen, Cara Chiang from CYC, Mette Hartman from Martha Who and Nida Tahir Shaheryar from Nida Shay.
With the theme of time in mind, Nida Shay’s collection is focused on interpreting the myriad of diverse cultures in Singapore. Cara Chiang, on the other hand, painted a vivid story of her great-grandparents’ migration from Shanghai to Singapore in search of a better life. Meanwhile, Martha Who’s botanical looks feature a range of textile techniques within Asia.
Carol Chen’s collection is focused on merging classics elements with the modern-day Lion City. Lastly, Adelyn Putri of Nude Femme’s designs drew inspiration from the strengths and values of a group of iconic female activists. Speaking about the collection in a teaser video, “I’m paying tribute to the group of women from yesteryears, in terms of their early development as women in society.”
The competition made its debut in 2018 with a mission to catapult homegrown brands into the international limelight. Digital attendees can expect a one-of-a-kind, virtually engaging fashion show experience. Come this Thursday, Singapore Stories will be displayed through a docu-style video showcase that pieces together the five-month-long journey in the competition. At the end of the interactive virtual showcase, the winner of Singapore Stories 2020 will be announced.
Tune in to the Singapore Stories Digital Fashion Show on 29 October, 8pm.
