From Yves Saint Laurent launching ready-to-wear in the golden age of haute couture to Marc Jacobs showing a grunge collection when sleek, glossy luxury ruled the day, fashion history has always been made by the young and the hopeful who are unafraid to march to their own beat. They are the ones who felt an itchy change in the air and reacted decisively to help shape the zeitgeist. Now, a world away from the fashion capitals of Paris, Milan, London, and New York, a new wave of Singaporean designers are showing a similar fearlessness. Youths In Balaclava exploded onto the scene with its anarchic streetwear when so much around them was safe and sanitised. Why Not? was birthed as a response to the repressiveness they felt from the establishment. Though at different career stages, what both collectives share are a commitment to finding their tribe and doing things their way.
WHY NOT?
Frustrated by the rigidity they saw in the fashion school system here, designer Manfred Lu teamed up with Creative Director Izwan Abdullah last year to put on their own showcase. They enlisted like-minded design students to join them, as well as editor-curator-PR practitioner Racy Lim. The result was part guerilla fashion show, part performance art, and a pure manifestation of youthful energy—with each designer conceptualising every last detail of his or her segment. In a year, the collective has grown from nine to over 20 members, encompassing not just designers but also creatives with backgrounds in writing, fine arts, theatre, and graphic design.
How did the collective come about?
This story is from the June 2020 edition of Harper's BAZAAR Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2020 edition of Harper's BAZAAR Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Lights, Camera, Passion
Korean actor and heartthrob Lee Min Ho talks about the difference between Hollywood and Korean productions, taking on as many roles as possible, and why he's saving the Northern Lights for later.
Follow The Sun
HELENA LEE savours an epicurean adventure in Portugal, come rain or shine.
Crafting The Future
Luxury brands are carving out pathways for the next generation of makers to keep artisanal traditions alive and thriving.
An Oasis For Healing
Creative consultant Tracy Phillips' home is a perfect representation of her dynamic and multifaceted personality.
FINE & DANDY
Move over, hype-beast. Designers and celebrities alike are embracing big dandy energy this season.
HOROSCOPE
Time for self-love and patience. Following the solar eclipse on the 8th, this will be a defining month for you. Look beyond the results of personality quizzes and get real about who you are.
THE HOUSE THAT FRED BUILT
FRED, the jewellery Maison that Fred Samuel created, pays tribute to his philosophy of life, light, and an unmistakable bold aesthetic in the art and pioneering craft of precious gems.
PHYSICAL 100
KENNETH GOH looks into the development, mastery and skill that go into Cartier's Trinity 100 collection as he savours the best of the best at the Maison's headquarters in Paris.
DREAM CATCHER
Encased in monogram and gleaming with pride and joy, the legendary LOUIS VUITTON trunk makes its way Down Under to crown the best in the world of tennis. KENNETH GOH reports from the Australian Open.
Colour Me Happy
Spark joy and confidence in your life with a little colour.