The world of fashion is never singular. Its sphere of influence is constantly intertwined with fellow creative forms, from architecture and art to music and film. Enter fashion’s new habitat: the home.
In Vogue Singapore’s newest editorial chapter Vogue Living, the codes of fashion extend beyond dress and bleed into the spaces we inhabit, the objects we choose and the culture around us. The inaugural edition was launched in the October ‘Artisanal’ Issue, in tandem with our sixth anniversary.
To celebrate, Vogue Singapore partnered with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of Italy in Singapore and Italian design studio Palomba Serafini Associati for the global premiere of the ABITO exhibition at National Gallery Singapore. The exhibition made its debut at Salone del Mobile in Milan earlier this year, tracing decades of women’s lived experiences through the lens of fashion and furniture.
In tandem with the exhibition, Vogue Living Conversations gathered leading industry voices across interiors, design, architecture, fashion and culture. Editor-in-chief Desmond Lim and Vogue Living contributing editor Kissa Castañeda delved into the making of the issue, while voices from around the region came together for meaningful discourse about Southeast Asia’s design identity—led by Indonesian designer Budiman Ong, Grafunkt founder and designer Nathan Yong and Stephanie Er, creative director of Cream Pie Studio. Molteni&C shone the spotlight on the home, with the brand’s managing director Alessandro Ficco, HBA Residential design director Minako Tanaka, Monocot Studio founder Mikael Teh and Sol Luminaire’s lead strategist Edmund Ho providing deep insight on how thoughtful design harnesses reconnection and balance.
Beyond the panels, the alluring world of interiors was waiting to be explored: avant-garde systems from Koncept Kreation, immersive audio experiences by Audio-Technica and Molteni & C’s cosy lounge, to name a few. The day ended at Sophia at the St. Regis Singapore, where esteemed guests connected over a tantalising Italian feast.
Find all the highlights and details of Vogue Living Conversations that you may have missed below.
1 / 48
Design, interiors and living converge in a heritage icon
The inaugural Vogue Living Conversations were held in the city’s civic district at National Gallery Singapore, whose walls hide stories of history, heritage and design from its days as the city hall and Supreme Court to its current hub of Southeast Asian art.
2 / 48
Checking in
The registration counter was the first stop of the day as guests scanned their tickets for access to the exciting day ahead.
3 / 48
A bright blue welcome
VIP ticket holders and the first 200 lucky guests received a limited-edition Vogue Singapore tote bag, arriving in a deep Yves Klein blue. Inside was a complimentary copy of our inaugural Vogue Living edition, held within the pages of October’s ‘The Artisanal Issue’. VIPs were also treated to a special fabric pouch, courtesy of curtain atelier Coesa.
4 / 48
Picture-perfect crowd
Guests struck a pose at the Vogue Living Conversations photo wall, matching with our tote bags in a striking blue.
5 / 48
Morning boost from Common Man Coffee Roasters
A good day begins with a freshly brewed cup of coffee from Common Man Coffee Roasters. Guests could drop by the all-day coffee stand for a selection of warm cuppas and cold brews.
6 / 48
A quality cup
Behind the counter sat a sleek set up of La Marzocco’s Linea Mini machines. Hailing from Florence, its steel lines, sculpted silhouette and dual boilers kept each espresso and pour velvety and precise.
7 / 48
Glam squad
Poised, polished and panel-ready. The Viva Group team ensured our Vogue Living Conversations speakers were prepped to take on the big stage.
8 / 48
On the bright side with Sol Luminaire
Sol Luminaire set the mood with their Boba light series, basking the stage in a warm, radiant glow.
9 / 48
An opening speech from the Publisher
Vogue Singapore’s Publisher Natasha Damodaran kicked things off with a few words on the Vogue Living launch and the prominence of fashion in the spaces we inhabit.
10 / 48
Setting the stage with Flexform
Panel speakers effortlessly eased into their conversation as they sank into Flexform’s plush Soft Dream sofa that anchored the stage. Designed by Italian architect Antonio Citterio, the sofa is upholstered in soft cowhide and padded with cushions filled with goose down.
11 / 48
Seeing clearly with LG
The event was experienced in high-definition with an array of LG screen displays by its side, presenting the programme line-up with clarity.
12 / 48
Spritely bouquets
Botanical touches from Bucket Full of Roses were sprinkled across the room. From the all-day coffee stand to the glam room, the florals enlivened the space with vivid hues.
13 / 48
Big leagues
Vogue Living Conversations gathered a starry panel of industry voices—seen here with Palomba Serafini founder Roberto Palomba, Ambassador of Italy Dante Brandi, heritage educator Yong Min Ho and Nanyang Technological University professor Laura Miotto.
14 / 48
ABITO in Singapore
On the other side of the museum in the Imagination Gallery sits ABITO, an ongoing exhibition held in collaboration with the Italian embassy. Making its first global debut after premiering at Salone del Mobile in Milan, the exhibition was curated by design studio Palomba Serafini and traces the lifetimes of fashion and furniture through the lens of a woman.
15 / 48
On womanhood and the past, present and future of fashion and design
The first conversation of the day was fittingly hosted by Bettina von Schlippe, Publisher-at-Large of Vogue Singapore. Accompanying her were Roberto Palomba, Architect, Designer and Founder of Palomba Serafini Associati; Laura Miotto, Associate Professor at the School of Art, Design & Media, Nanyang Technological University; His Excellency Dante Brandi, Ambassador of Italy to Singapore; and Shaoyuan Han-Montillet, Luxury Executive and Independent Advisor, and former Managing Director of Fendi, Southeast Asia and Australia.The discussion centred on the global premiere of ABITO, with panellists exploring different facets of the exhibition’s relevance with modern day audiences.
16 / 48
Turn it up with Audio-Technica
Audio Technica brought their limited-edition Hotaru Turntable, immersing guests in a playful soundscape as the ambient lighting moves in sync to the beat of the tunes.
17 / 48
October's 'The Artisanal Issue' on display
The Vogue kiosk made for a fashionable pit stop, as guests could pore over our newest October ‘Artisanal’ issue and snap a picture or two while they’re at it.
18 / 48
Good density and limitless possibility in a city of the future
Led by Elaine Tan, Director of Research at the Centre for Liveable Cities, together with panellists Yong Min Ho, Heritage Educator and Founder, The Urbanist; Lynn Khoo, Deputy Executive Director of DesignSingapore Council; and Seah Chee Huang, Architect and CEO, DP Architects, the attendees seated in the Ngee Ann Kongsi Auditorium at National Gallery Singapore learned how our small island nation continues to navigate the waters of city planning and infrastructure policy.
19 / 48
Koncept Kreation's illuminating interiors
In need of some home inspiration? Look no further than Koncept Kreation’s contemporary living atmosphere. Its Illume Glass Cabinet and Wardrobe Island, Halo Display Tower and Vellum Jewellery Organiser comes with customisable controls that lets you set the ambience at your own pace, transforming into a striking interior centrepiece.
20 / 48
Home adornments from Fendi Casa
For a refined finishing touch, Fendi Casa’s fittings do the trick. Illustrious industrial designer Toan Nguyen is the mastermind behind the sleek Soho side table, while the Roma Vase makes for a grand accent.
21 / 48
Fashion's new habitat
Not a panel talk so much as it was an intimate fireside chat between friends, this conversation between Desmond Lim, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Singapore, and Kissa Castañeda, Contributing Editor of Vogue Living, provided a full rundown on all things Vogue Living. The two editors kickstarted their dialogue by focusing on a growing trend in the fashion industry: the embrace of the experiential.
22 / 48
ABITO
In between panels, attendees entered the world of ABITO at the Imagination Gallery to explore Italian furniture and fashion through the decades.
23 / 48
Social network
Throughout the day, guests gathered over meaningful conversations, design discourse and a laugh or two at the lounge.
24 / 48
A centrepiece from Molteni&C
It’s the details that matter. Something Italian luxury furniture brand Molteni&C understands to a tee—seen in the stately side table set on stage for Vogue Living Conversations.
25 / 48
What it means to find sanctuary in a busy world
Presented by Molteni&C and moderated by Andrea Savage, Co-Founder, CEO and Creative Director of A Life By Design, this panel talk explored different sides to the concept of sanctuary—and the home’s role as such. Insights came courtesy of Alessandro Ficco, Managing Director, Molteni Group, APAC; Minako Tanaka, Design Director at HBA Residential; Mikael Teh, Founder, Monocot Studio; and Edmund Ho, Lead Strategist of Sol Luminaire.
26 / 48
An eager audience
Connection and conversation strikes in between panels, inspired by insight gleaned from the speakers and fellow surrounding guests.
27 / 48
In the Sol Luminaire spotlight
Sol Luminaire’s Perforated Boba Floor Light sits amongst the chairs, quietly adding warm ambience to every on-stage moment.
28 / 48
Next level listening with Audio-Technica
At the Audio-Technica listening booth, its signature Sound Burger portable turntable was on display, blending a retro aesthetic with contemporary technology.
29 / 48
A spacious lounge
Outside, guests could rest, connect and take a moment to breathe at the Molteni & C lounge, where the plush white sofa welcomed them with open arms.
30 / 48
Southeast Asia’s design future
For this conversation, three industry veterans accompanied moderator Maya Menon, Deputy Editor of Vogue Singapore: Budiman Ong, Founder and Creative Director of Ong Cen Kuang and Co-Founder of Jia Curated; Stephanie Er, Founder and Creative Director of Cream Pie Studio; and Nathan Yong, Co-Founder of Grafunkt, Founder of Nathan Yong Design and NathanHome, and Programme Leader (BA) of Lasalle College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore.
Undoubtedly the most energetic panel of the day, helped in no small part by Yong’s rousing, unfiltered input, the messaging was a mix of concrete advice—Er recommended prospective designers to “go out into the world and embrace the analogue”—and words of encouragement—Yong called on the next generation to embrace their emotions: “Anger is important. That means you have the conviction to turn your ideas into something.”
31 / 48
A stately seat from Flexform
The Flexform Guscio armchair blends sculptural silhouettes with a warm, understated elegance. A versatile addition to any interior, especially on the Vogue Living stage.
32 / 48
Light up with Koncept Kreation
Customisable LED backlit panels in the Illume Glass Cabinet add a touch of sparkle to your home, tuned just the way you like it.
33 / 48
Lay it out with Fendi Casa
A refined match made in heaven? The Fendi Casa Stitch side table paired with the FF O’Lock square box, of course.
34 / 48
Molteni&C's subtle statement
Panel speakers could delight themselves in Molteni&C’s Porta Volta armchair, where deep wood is paired with luscious mohair velvet to provide exceptional comfort and longevity.
35 / 48
How today's hospitality industry is being transformed by the soft side of design
The last panel talk of the day, hosted by Kissa Castañeda, involved a seasoned array of hoteliers: Clint Nagata, Founder and Creative Partner of Blink Design Group; Mark Wong, Senior Vice President of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, APAC; Samuel Ding, Senior Vice President of Design & Technical Services at Capella Hotel Group; and Aik Wee Ong, Senior Director of Design Hotels, APAC. Within the first few minutes, the takeaway was clear: today, the success of any given hotel is less determined by sheer aesthetics as it is by a more vague, nebulous sense of ‘place’.
36 / 48
A grand evening affair at Sophia
As dusk fell, industry voices gathered for a splendid evening at Sophia at St. Regis, where guests explored fine flavours from 11 regions of Italy.
37 / 48
Pre-dinner dialogue
Our esteemed speakers and guests slowly made their way to Sophia, engaging lighthearted conversation over champagne before celebrations commenced.
38 / 48
Table full of sunshine
Bucket Full of Roses rose to the occasion as it spruced up the dinner tables with bright florals that were sure to put a smile on the attendees’ faces.
39 / 48
To the nines
The stylish attendees brought their sartorial flair to Sophia, with some dressed perfectly in tandem with October’s ‘Artisanal’ issue colour theme.
40 / 48
Antipasti
The course menu opened with Prosciutto Di Ricciola, where gently cured amberjack crudo was paired with blood orange and dressed in lemon zest for a bright beginning.
41 / 48
An opening speech by Bettina von Schlippe
Vogue Singapore’s Publisher-at-Large sang praises for the launch of Vogue Living. The in-book edition charges full speed ahead for its debut with 58 pages of living colour, avant-garde trends and heartfelt stories.
42 / 48
Gather around
Newfound friends and close ones gathered around for a striking snapshot against the backdrop of Molteni&C’s plush armchair and side table.
43 / 48
Secondi
Indulgence arrived in the form of the main course—ravioli, butternut squash, wild mushroom and topped with truffle.
44 / 48
All smiles
The dinner table was the ultimate platform for meaningful exchanges and fruitful conversation amongst our eminent guests.
45 / 48
Dolce
The sweetest ending took the shape of a decadent Cioccolato Pistacchio e Ciliege made with whipped chocolate mousse, a delicate pistachio crumble and a glistening cherry compote.
46 / 48
Vogue Singapore turns six
A happy birthday to us, indeed. There’s no better way to celebrate our sixth anniversary than blowing out the candles with the cherished company of the Vogue Living community.
47 / 48
A gift to take home
Feeling inspired after Vogue Living? Guests got to bring home a complimentary copy of the October ‘Artisanal’ issue and Molteni&C’s in-house catalogue, along with limited-edition fabric pouch from curtain atelier Coesa.
48 / 48
Raise a toast
It was a night to remember as the room was filled with exuberant energy and cheer.
