During the 1930s, Singapore was home to a burgeoning community of Shanghainese tailors who specialised in bespoke suits and cheongsams. This section pays homage to the enduring quality and elegance of tailoring.

Each garment is made-to-measure, demonstrating the precise nature of the craft. We feature some of the most established Singaporean designers who have made their mark on the global fashion stage, such as Benny Ong, Andrew Gn, and Ashley Isham.

Today, the craftsmanship of Singapore fashion continues to reflect the intricacy of dressmaking with labels such as Thomas Wee, LAICHAN, and Time Taken to Make a Dress.

This section includes designers that draw inspiration from traditional techniques and silhouettes to innovate contemporary design.

We also present designers who participated in the Singapore Stories competition organised by the Singapore Fashion Council from 2020 to 2022. The pieces in this section feature the use of both traditional textiles, such as batik by Putri Adif, and innovative technologies, such the 3D-printed designs of Baëlf Design.

A testament to the combination of tradition and Innovation in fashion, this section celebrates Singapore’s identity as a technological hub rich with heritage and culture.

With the increased popularity of streetwear in global fashion, streetwear in Singapore has similarly entered the mainstream over the last decade, reflected in the rise of multi-label boutiques and brands inspired by the urban lifestyles and landscapes of Singapore.

Featuring brands such as Youths in Balaclava and The Salvages, this section explores Singapore’s identity as a dynamic global city. In addition to streetwear, it also highlights labels that appeal to the fast-paced lifestyles of people in cities, such as Stolen, LINAOTH, and Reckless Ericka.

From utilitarian details to experimental textiles, this section demonstrates the variety and vibrancy of styles inspired by urban environments.