What’s in a guilty pleasure? For us, it’s the rush of dopamine when having our favourite dessert, unparalleled comfort when watching a movie and more often that not, a rousing of fond memories while listening to an embarrassingly good track. This year the 24th annual Singapore Writers Festival (SWF) encourages you to own what you love, and out loud at that.
Themed “Guilty Pleasures”, the phygital event is set to take place from 5 to 14 November, and boasts a roster of 140 programmes, spanning local and international names. Largely inspired by notions of joy and indulgence, the festival brings to light a re-reckoning of what can and should reside in a literary sphere, festival director Pooja Nansi explains.
“Last year, we spent most of our time isolated from each other. In that time, it occurred to me that we were finding comfort in things that were familiar to all of us. It got me thinking about what we are watching, reading and consuming that are bringing us lots of comfort—but we may not necessarily feel belong in the literary sphere. It’s no secret that I believe that the literary sphere is for all of us and everyone’s loves belong there,” she shares.
The festival brings with it some heavy-hitting headliners this year, from Bridgerton’s Julia Quinn to T.S Eliot Prize-winning author Ocean Vuong. What’s particularly fun, however, is its line-up of fashion cognoscentes who have gifted us sartorial wisdom in both pen and practice. From Tan France of Queer Eye fame to The Art of Sleeping Alone’s Sophie Fontanel, here’s what style-lovers can look forward to come November—because frankly, what’s indulgence without a little fashion?
Darling, You’re Fabulous! — An Hour with Tan France
The world might know him from the feel-good reboot that is Queer Eye, but prior to joining the Emmy-winning show, France was an in-demand fashion designer killing the game. Now, television’s favourite style expert adds bestselling author to his repertoire with Naturally Tan, a memoir that details his experiences with healing, racism and self-discovery. Look forward to an hour of exploring expression, confidence and using fashion as a means of radical self-love.
Darling, You’re Fabulous! — An Hour with Tan France is on 14 November, timing is to be confirmed.
Ageless on Instagram
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as sneaking in that perfect selfie when no one is looking. In the case of renowned French fashion journalist and author of powerful memoir The Art of Sleeping Alone, Sophie Fontanel, however, selfies can also be a tool for introspection. Stay tuned for a conversation surrounding finding comfort in your own skin and authentically owning your presence—both online and off.
Check back for updates on Ageless on Instagram programme details.
OBIT: The Art of Being
In response to this year’s Keynote Commission, multi-disciplinary artist Rizman Putra has conceptualised a performance around the Malay expression “obit”, a term that is used in reference to style that can be seen as outlandish, bold or gaudy. Join Putra as he explores it as a channel for self-expression and revelation—while also delving into its history and beginnings.
OBIT: The Art of Being is on 5 November from 8.30pm to 9.30pm.
Fashion Statement
The fashion industry is one that is categorised by a finite amount of time. As seasons come and go, who gets to determine the parameters of what is beautiful? Join in on a conversation led by disabilities and mental health advocate Zoe Zora, creative director Daniel Boey and fashion journalist Sophie Fontanel as they discuss fashion’s role in igniting social change.
Fashion Statement is on 14 November from 4.30pm to 5.30pm.
The 24th edition of the Singapore Writers Festival will take place from 5 to 14 November. All information regarding Singapore Writers Festivals tickets can be found on Sistic.
