Singapore Stories 2023
“Kebaya Re-imagined”
For the first time since its inception, Singapore Stories came in the form of a gala, giving guests the opportunity to not only attend a fashion show, but to mingle with foreign dignitaries, business leaders, community and passionate advocates from Singapore’s fashion industry, and enjoy a delightful eight-course dinner. This year, we invited over 30 local designers to celebrate the theme “Kebaya Re-imagined”. In a twofold objective, the theme not only seeks to establish Singapore as a forward-thinking, multicultural fashion centre in Southeast Asia, while honouring the harmony of our diverse and culturally vibrant Asian fashion. In synthesis, it also accentuates Singapore’s identity as a nation that warmly embraces change, technology and innovation.
The timing of this event is significant, coinciding with the reopening of the Peranakan Museum and the National Heritage Board's multinational effort to nominate "Kebaya: Knowledge, Skills, Traditions and Practices" for inclusion on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition highlights the cultural importance of the kebaya and its traditions.
As the sixth sequel to the Singapore Stories, "Kebaya Re-imagined" serves as a platform for merging the worlds of future fashion with a thoughtful reflection on and celebration of this unique cultural heritage. It creates a dynamic space where tradition and innovation intersect, breathing new life into an iconic regional garment - envisioning the future of the kebaya and its place through innovative or sustainable fashion.
To encapsulate, the theme embodies a harmonious blend of heritage, innovation and sustainability. It underlines the vital role of the kebaya as a symbol of cultural identity and the potential for fashion to evolve in ways that respect tradition while embracing the future. This theme is not just about fashion; it's about the preservation of cultural heritage and the promotion of responsible practices in the fashion industry.
To celebrate the dedication and artistry of the designers, guests at the gala had the chance to vote for their favourite looks, with the top five looks earning the designers Special Recognition Awards. All the designers have been given the opportunity to display their Singapore Stories 2023 looks at the Design Orchard Retail Showcase, with the best five looks brandished on mannequins. The display will be open to the public throughout November and December 2023.
Recipients of the Special Recognition Award, determined by audience voting.
Kassandra Lim: “Hand-painted scuba one-shoulder dress with polyester organza and chiffon sleeves. Wooden kerosang with HDB heritage motifs.”
Adele Chung (Meiko Tailor): “Printed high-collar bolero tailcoat with handstitched peonies and matching trousers. Taffeta bustier with 3D -embroidered foliage.”
Kavita Thulasidas: “Beaded jacket with peplum and hand-embroidered orchid motifs. Draped skirt in ombré silk.”
Anseina Eliza (ANS.EIN): “Jacket of modular puzzle pieces cut from scrap fabric. Circle skirt in Seigaiha batik with white modular pieces.”
Madhushah: “Batik tie-back cropped blouse with draped fringe slit skirt and lace bodysuit.”
Singapore Fashion Council would like to thank all the designers who participated in Singapore Stories 2023. In order of runway: Madhushah, SABRINAGOH, Adelyn Putri (NUDE FEMME), Mette Hartman (Martha Who), Adele Chung (Meiko Tailor), Raymond Wong (Rumah Kim Choo), Evelyn Clarensia, Chee Sau Fen (Heads of State Millinery), Lina Tan (Your Sew Mate), Clara Simanjuntak (Nyana Nyana Eco), Yi Chin (Salient Label), Aurelia Carissa, Farah Sudiro, Joshua Toh, Run Run (PaoPao Label), Anseina Eliza (ANS.EIN), Yeo Xuan Wen, Lim Su Hui, Leonard Cheong (Finix Wear), Verina Lie (Rineva), Anupama Singal (Anna Rainn), Beatrice & Naveen Murugan (Raja Rani), Jamela Law (Baëlf Design), Ang Shi Hui, Kassandra Lim, Alison Oh, GINLEE Studio, AYESHA, Kavita Thulasidas, Josephine Ang, and Khairina Sari.
