Since its conception in 1938, the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) has been a treasure trove of unbridled creativity and self-expression. Located in the heart of Bencoolen, the school boasts four campus buildings which house its popular fashion design and business management courses. It is also stone’s throw away from the National Design Centre, the National Museum of Singapore, the National Library Building and the bustling district of Bras Basah.
Catching up with the current students of NAFA, local photographer Zilhanz Bin Affendi takes to the streets to capture their best off-campus looks. Speaking to Vogue Singapore, the 12 students share insights on their personal style, go-to shopping haunts and what they wish to see more of from the local fashion scene.
1 / 12
Leticia, 21, BA (Hons) Design Practice (Fashion)
Describe your look.
The top is from Uniqlo Kids and the skirt is my mother’s. My shoes are Onitsuka Tigers and the bag is made by me.
Where do you usually shop?
I mostly shop retail, such as thrift stores or Uniqlo for basics. I also peruse Carousell occasionally.
If there’s one thing you’ve learnt about personal style, what would it be?
Comfort plays a huge part in how I dress, and I wear whatever makes me feel most like myself.
What would you like to see from the fashion industry moving forward?
I wish to see more recognition for independent designers.
2 / 12
Nanda, 20, BA (Hons) Design Practice (Fashion)
Describe your look.
My necklaces I got from my friends and at a flea market, the T-shirt I thrifted from Peace Centre and the sarong skirt is from my father. The leather jacket and boots are both from Carousell.
Where do you usually shop?
Most of my clothes are hand-me-downs from friends and family, or purchased on Carousell.
If there’s one thing you’ve learnt about personal style, what would it be?
I think it’s important to balance cultural elements with contemporary styles.
What would you like to see from the fashion industry moving forward?
I wish for the locals here to do what they want instead of appeasing to a Western audience.
3 / 12
Luther, 26, BA (Hons) Design Practice (Fashion)
Describe your look.
My shirt is from Juun J, and my necklace, rings, bracelet and pants are all from Taobao.
Where do you usually shop?
I prefer to shop online, on Taobao and END for shoes. If I were to shop retail, it would be when I am overseas.
If there’s one thing you’ve learnt about personal style, what would it be?
I learnt that it is important to wear the clothes and not let the clothes wear you.
What would you like to see from the fashion industry moving forward?
I would love to see more collaborations between creative disciplines (music or art with fashion for example).
4 / 12
Regina, 22, BA (Hons) Design Practice (Fashion)
Describe your look.
My top is from Taobao, and the skirt and pants are from Bugis Street.
Where do you usually shop?
I tend to go to Johor Bahru to thrift, or online stores like Taobao and Ohvola.
If there’s one thing you’ve learnt about personal style, what would it be?
That it is okay to have a different aesthetic from everyone else.
What would you like to see from the fashion industry moving forward?
I would like to see people be bolder and more creative with everything they do.
5 / 12
Stefani, 19, BA (Hons) Design Practice (Fashion)
Describe your look.
My hat is from Chinatown and glasses are from Givenchy. The shirt and corset were gifted to me, and the skirt and boots are from Indonesia. My necklace is from Shopee and my ring is from my parents.
Where do you usually shop?
I frequent local thrift stores and shop online on Instagram.
If there’s one thing you’ve learnt about personal style, what would it be?
That my mood for the day is the biggest deciding factor in what I wear.
What would you like to see from the fashion industry moving forward?
I would love to see more collaborations between the industry and students.
6 / 12
Zoyee, 22, BA (Hons) Design Practice (Communication)
Describe your look.
My necklace is from affirmation.club, the top and shoes were bought in Japan and my pants are from a store in Bugis.
Where do you usually shop?
I frequent local thrift stores and shop overseas in Japan.
If there’s one thing you’ve learnt about personal style, what would it be?
How to effectively play with colour palettes to balance out an outfit.
What would you like to see from the fashion industry moving forward?
I want to see more individuality amongst creatives.
7 / 12
Tyler, 24, BA (Hons) Design Practice (Communication)
Describe your look.
My turtleneck is from Uniqlo and the shirt is from Bershka. The pants are from Korea, the shoes I thrifted in London, the ring is from ezbuy and sunglasses are from Bugis Street.
Where do you usually shop?
I like supporting local independent boutiques, and definitely do more physical shopping than online.
If there’s one thing you’ve learnt about personal style, what would it be?
Personal style tells a story, and communicates who you are as a person.
What would you like to see from the fashion industry moving forward?
I would likes to see more frameworks in place to help more emerging talent break out of their comfort zone.
8 / 12
Hiba, 23, BA (Hons) Design Practice (Communication)
Describe your look.
My top is from a vintage store in London, the jacket is from the Salvation Army and skirt is Guess. My bag is from a local Pakistani brand, the loafers and necklace are from my mum and the earrings are gifted.
Where do you usually shop?
I shop online on Carousell for good quality vintage clothes.
If there’s one thing you’ve learnt about personal style, what would it be?
It would be learning not to give in to trends, and instead finding pieces that are timeless and would last for a long time.
What would you like to see from the fashion industry moving forward?
I would like to see more people upcycle clothes.
9 / 12
Reinard, 20, BA (Hons) Design Practice (Communication)
Describe your look.
My glasses are from Gentle Monster, my shirt is from Marcel Everette and the T-shirt is from Youths in Balaclava. My shorts are from Dickies and boots are from Indonesia.
Where do you usually shop?
I like to look at independent brands and vintage stores.
If there’s one thing you’ve learnt about personal style, what would it be?
I gravitate towards uniform dressing that is also monochromatic.
What would you like to see from the fashion industry moving forward?
More creatives being expressive through their personal styles and work.
10 / 12
Kayna, 19, BA (Hons) Design Practice (Communication)
Describe your look.
The necktie and chokers are all gifted, the shirt was thrifted from Saint Bernadette and the skirt is from Lucky Plaza. My shoes were gifted to me by a friend.
Where do you usually shop?
I frequent thrift stores at Lucky Plaza, as well as Uniqlo for basics.
If there’s one thing you’ve learnt about personal style, what would it be?
I have learnt to embrace fluidity with my style, not adhering to one particular genre or category.
What would you like to see from the fashion industry moving forward?
I would like to see more authenticity.
11 / 12
Ling Xin, 23, BA (Hons) Design Practice (Communication)
Describe your look.
My blazer is from a local boutique called Yours, the top and skirt are from Taobao, and the shoes are from a Chinese brand called Littlegood. My necklace is from Cough in Vein, the rings are KVK jewelry design and the bag is Calvin Luo.
Where do you usually shop?
I mostly shop online, and occasionally at Zara and COS.
If there’s one thing you’ve learnt about personal style, what would it be?
That I like to be experimental and dabble in many different kinds of styles.
What would you like to see from the fashion industry moving forward?
I would like to see more niche design elements be incorporated into creative works.
12 / 12
Madhushah, 24, BA (Hons) Design Practice (Fashion)
Describe your look.
My hat if from H&M, the top is Princess Polly, jacket is from Taobao and pants are styledxco. The boots are Princess Polly, earrings are Lovisa and bag is from Monki.
Where do you usually shop?
I usually shop online from Australian brands such as Princess Polly, Meshki & Tigermist.
If there’s one thing you’ve learnt about personal style, what would it be?
Personal style constantly changes; it’s an ever-evolving discipline.
What would you like to see from the fashion industry moving forward?
I would like to see more opportunities for emerging designers, as well as fashion students.
