Commerciality is an undeniable aspect of any business, especially so when that business is run in a country with sky‑high rents and manpower costs. It’s therefore not surprising that Singaporean fashion designers find themselves in a constant dance that balances wearability and an identifiable aesthetic. Just how far can one push the design boundaries to stand out from the rest of the milieu without alienating the consumer? The creative forces behind Denise Chong, Tirados, Studio Vetyver and Shirt Number White seem to have that footwork down pat.
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Denise Chong
An amalgamation of all things intricate and avant garde, Denise Chong was borne out of its eponymous founder’s simple hobby of beadwork crafts during the Covid‑19 pandemic. Launched in 2021, it offers clothing, jewellery and body adornments to anyone looking to stand out. The beaded garments from her main line, with body‑hugging silhouettes and of a peekaboo nature, are statement pieces characterised by an undercurrent of sexual provocativeness, while her secondary line, Denise Chong Adornments, delivers decidedly more pragmatic fashion and lifestyle accessories that work to elevate everyday outfits.
Tirados
Meanwhile, Tirados, the namesake label of fashion designer and butoh practitioner Josh Tirados, was inspired by the interplay of textures and unorthodox methods of construction. At first
glance, the frayed detailing and muted colours of the garments convey an unassuming, rustic aura—reminiscent of the Japanese ethos of wabi sabi. Peel back the curtain (or panel, in Tirados’ case), and you’ll be enthralled by all the intricate details—brass rivets, layered cutouts, and detachable front flap panels that drastically alter the silhouette. Expect designs that weave the traditional with innovative subversiveness.
Studio Vetyver
Then there is Studio Vetyver, an independent label founded by fashion designer Pit Firdaus Aris that experiments with ideas of uniformity. Injecting fresh perspectives into every garment, asymmetry is a common theme, executed prominently in the label’s minimalistic wrap skirts and draped
dresses. Its eco‑conscious philosophy—the brand abides by a sustainable made‑to‑order business model and a preference for working with local seamstresses—is further proof of its rejection of the status quo.
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Shirt Number White
An unorthodox marriage between menswear and womenswear, independent label Shirt Number White is where designer and founder Shannon Lee applies his shirt‑making expertise to reinvent the classic shirt—giving rise to artisanal tops with unique silhouettes. The Cube, for instance, comprises angled sleeves and a constructed drape that allows it to be worn on its own or as outerwear. And don’t let the brand’s name fool you: There are lots of prints and patterns to be found, with fabric sourced from Liberty London and the label’s own Japanese mill.