For our July/August issue, we take a deep dive right into the crux of home. What does home mean to you? On a seemingly humble scale, it could be the comfort of a warm dinner with your family after a long day—served on the same dishware that’s been passed down for years, with intricate details and every sign of being well-loved. On a larger scale, home could mean community—especially within Southeast Asia. Travelling to neighbouring countries and still finding slices of your own culture a few hundred miles away: in the food, the language, and even in the way people dress.
And what better way to pay tribute to the idea of home than by spotlighting regional designers who’ve made it their mission to honour heritage while rethinking it for today. Across custom pieces, archival finds and modern reinterpretations, these five designers shaped the looks for our shoot—each one carrying a distinct piece of tradition. Together, these pieces come together to craft a vibrant visual feast of heritage, seen through a dynamic Southeast Asian lens.
Below, we spotlight and delve deeper into the five visionaries and their designs, each bringing their own distinct take on melding heritage with the pulse of today.
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Adeline Esther
Adeline Esther is an Indonesian fashion designer celebrated for her couture creations that blend traditional craftsmanship with fresh, avant-garde aesthetics. A graduate of ESMOD Jakarta, she founded her eponymous label in 2016, quickly gaining attention for her intricate designs and attention to detail. Her work often features structural silhouettes, elaborate embellishments, and a keen sense of experiment. In 2024, she debuted at Plaza Indonesia Fashion Week with the “Mercurial” collection, showcasing 15 sequin-heavy gowns that shimmered like molten mercury.
For the cover shoot, Esther presents two custom creations: a bridal-inspired ensemble embroidered with delicate gold threads and a coordinating headpiece, alongside a voluminous floral skirt paired with a sharply tailored black jacket—a subtle nod to the enduring East-meets-West silhouette.
Shop Ester.
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Behati
Behati is a Malaysian fashion brand founded by designer Kel Wen in 2018, aiming to redefine traditional Malaysian attire for the modern era. The name Behati meaning “heart” or “blessing” in Malay, reflects the brand’s philosophy of infusing cultural heritage with contemporary design. Kel Wen’s background in fashion design and his diverse upbringing in Melaka, Malaysia, influenced his appreciation for the country’s multiracial society. Behati’s collections often feature reinterpretations of traditional garments like the Baju Melayu and sarees, incorporating modern fabrics and silhouettes to appeal to a younger, fashion-forward audience. The brand has gained recognition for its innovative approach to cultural wear, blending elements from various Malaysian ethnic groups to create a cohesive and inclusive fashion narrative. Behati’s designs have been showcased at Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week and have attracted a growing following among millennials and Gen Z consumers.
The cover shoot sees the Malaysian designer once again pushing boundaries with bold designs that play with proportion, plus a daring, translucent peekaboo peony piece that reimagines the floral emblem with fresh, edgy flair.
Shop Behati.
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Laichan
Local designer Laichan Goh—often hailed as the “godfather of modern cheongsam”—was instrumental in reshaping traditional Chinese attire in Singapore with his figure-flattering cuts and a seamless blend of classic and contemporary styles. Since launching The Dress Shop in the ’80s and later establishing a presence at Raffles Hotel Arcade in 1991, Laichan’s elegant qipaos became synonymous with vintage glamour. After his recent passing, his visionary legacy lives on as his brother, Eddie Goh, now helms the label, carrying forward the delicate balance of heritage and modernity that defined Laichan’s work.
The spread features the local visionary’s makings in the form of a striking red qipao worn by Zoe Tay, channelling the perfect dose of retro sophistication.
Shop Laichan.
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Toton
Also from Indonesia, Toton Januar is a designer renowned for his ability to merge familiar Indonesian textiles with modish silhouettes. Born in Makassar and raised by his seamstress mother, Toton developed a passion for design early on. Initially pursuing civil engineering, he later switched to Media Broadcasting and eventually studied Fashion at Parsons New School of Design in New York. In 2012, he co-founded the brand Toton with Haryo Balitar, aiming to reinterpret Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage through contemporary fashion. His designs often incorporate traditional fabrics like Batik and Ikat, reimagined in modern cuts and styles. Toton’s work has been showcased at international platforms such as Paris Fashion Week and Tokyo Fashion Week. His commitment to sustainability and ethical practices has also garnered attention, with collections that emphasise artistry and cultural preservation.
For our ‘Home’ issue, Toton reinterprets the kebaya with intricate lacework and modern cuts, offering a softer, romantic take on heritage dressing.
Shop Toton the Label.
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Raymond Wong
Raymond Wong is a Singaporean fashion designer and founder of Rumah Kim Choo, known for his expertise in traditional Peranakan attire. Wong’s passion for preserving Peranakan heritage has led him to acquire and restore these garments, ensuring that the intricate beadwork, embroidery, and craftsmanship are maintained for future generations. His work serves as a bridge between the past and present, highlighting the rich cultural history of the Peranakan community in Singapore. Through his collections and exhibitions, Raymond Wong has contributed significantly to the appreciation and understanding of Peranakan fashion and its importance in our local multicultural tapestry.
Anchoring the cover shoot is a vibrant piece of living history—a rare 1965 koon, a traditional Peranakan wedding garment from the local designer.
Shop Rumah Kim Choo.
Vogue Singapore’s July/August ‘Home’ issue will be out on newsstands from 13 July and available to preorder online.
