Singapore Street Style Is Thriving And Fabulous
Who says that Singaporeans don’t have style? We catch up with 12 fashion gems who turn the streets into their personal runways.
Over the three years that we’ve been running our TikTok-first street interview column People Cam, we’ve met, snapped and chatted with hundreds of colourful, culturally curious young individuals in Singapore. For this inaugural edition of F ZINE, we caught up with 12 of them to find out more about what they stand for beyond their fashion-forward fits.
RHEINATA KIRANA, 22, DIGITAL MARKETER
Digital marketer Rheinata Kirana first caught our eye at the 2024 edition of the Singapore Art Book Fair (below). Clearly, she’s still got a thing for corsets, Balenciaga bags and the colour black (above).
SOMETHING IMPORTANT TO HER: “Reconnecting with my Javanese roots is vital to me. I realised that so much of my aesthetic has been shaped by Western culture, so I started digging into Indonesian media – music, film, art – and was surprised by how much I had overlooked. Reconnecting with my own culture has been about unlearning the mindset that Western culture is cooler than Asian culture and seeing the beauty in what has always been around me. With how fast trends come and go these days, a lot of us youths are searching for something deeper and that feels more personal and grounded … When I take inspiration from my own culture, it gives me a sense of identity that doesn’t feel borrowed.”
HER TOP CONCERNS: “Mental health – it can be intense managing pressure and expectations; staying connected to one’s roots in a fast‑paced, globalised world; and finding a balance between working hard and living life instead of simply chasing goals non‑stop.”
Rheinata at the 2024 edition of the Singapore Art Book Fair.
THE FIRST THING SHE’D DO IF GIVEN AN UNLIMITED BUDGET: “I’d pay my parents back for funding my entire education because I owe everything to them – it’s the least I can do.”
WHO’S INSPIRING HER: “A few months ago, I would have said Iris van Herpen, H.R. Giger or some obscure artist I found on Instagram, but lately, it’s my dad. He’s not arty at all – total corporate girlie who works in telecommunications and has the longest LinkedIn resume you’ve ever seen. He’s full of wild creative ideas though and when he doesn’t know how to execute them, he’ll rope me in to help. It can be a bit annoying, but honestly, it has largely been fun – and it has kept me motivated to keep creating.”
HER FAVOURITE WORD STARTING WITH “F”: “‘Feelings’ – I have a lot of them!”
FADHILAH YACOB, 29, FREELANCE FASHION STYLIST & MODEL
We first spotted Fadhilah Yacob on the streets of Orchard Road last March (below). Describing her Muslim faith as what defines her most as a person, the freelance fashion stylist is regularly experimenting with modest dressing (see her look above), making – as she puts it – “fashion fun and interesting while still practicing my faith.”
WHAT SPARKED HER INTEREST IN FASHION: “I credit my mother for that – she has always loved making things with her hands … I vividly remember sitting beside her when I was three as she crocheted a bag with a Mickey Mouse motif for me. She taught me the basics of crocheting and I’ve been obsessed ever since. She has always encouraged me to be creative. She knew that it was my way of expressing my feelings, since I was painfully shy as a child … When I decided to study fashion design, she was supportive but also realistic. She reminded me that fashion is a cut‑throat industry, so while it’s important to chase one’s dreams, it doesn’t hurt to have a plan B.”
A COMMON MISCONCEPTION ABOUT BEING A STYLIST: “People think it’s all glitz and glam. Trust me, there are weeks – even months – where I have no projects at all. Yes, it’s exciting to work with celebrities or magazines, but the number of rejections? Not for the faint‑hearted. Being in this industry takes more than creativity – you’ve got to liaise with clients, stay within budget, prepare back‑up looks, and sometimes even step in as the hair and makeup artist.”
Fadhilah when we first met her on the streets of Orchard Road last March
HER TOP CONCERNS: “I’m focused on my career, happiness and health. I find that all three are connected. When you achieve success in your career, especially if it involves something you love, you’ll automatically be happy. And once you’ve achieved that, you’ll have a healthy mind.”
A GOAL SHE’S CHASING: “I dream of becoming one of Singapore’s internationally known hijabi models. I’ve always felt I’m too old, and not unique or tall enough – spurred by self‑doubt and low self‑esteem, but I’m working through it … I’m currently getting my comp cards (a model’s business card that lists her measurements and showcases her work) ready. Wish me luck!”
HER FAVOURITE WORD STARTING WITH “F”: “Call me narcissistic, but it’d have to be my name, Fadhilah, which means virtuous, excellent and refined in Arabic. My parents chose it so I’d grow up to be a woman who does good in life and I’m still trying to live up to that.”
MUHAMAD DZAKIR, 24, NATIONAL SERVICEMAN & FOUNDER OF STREETWEAR LABEL PROJECT SLACKSSS
National serviceman Muhamad Dzakir (above) got our attention at the Singapore Art Book Fair last October with his nifty cap‑and‑headscarf pairing (see below) that was inspired by GKT, the vocalist of Japanese hardcore band Unholy11. It makes sense, considering how Dzakir is himself a musician, singing for the local hardcore band Chaosphere. He’s also the founder of the two‑year‑old fashion label Project Slacksss, which melds his passion for streetwear and the hardcore scene.
HIS PASSION: “I’ve been into hardcore (a louder and faster sub-genre of punk) since secondary school. My childhood friend’s older brother played in a band called Fader and the first show I ever went to was its EP launch. To me, hardcore is about unity. I’ve met so many people around the world through this scene. Everyone might come from a different background, but when you’re at a hardcore gig, you always feel like you belong.”
HIS CREATIVE OUTLET: “I’m in a hardcore band called Chaosphere – shout‑out to my bandmates Zaki, Dann, Hilmi and Eddy! We’re currently writing songs for our debut EP. We don’t really focus on heavy stuff – we’re more into groovy tunes that people can dance to. You don’t have to mosh to every song. You can just nod your head and jump.”
Dzakir at the Singapore Art Book Fair last October
HIS TOP CONCERNS: “I worry about the cost of living, housing and artificial intelligence (AI) taking over our creative industries. I try to avoid supporting the use of AI whenever I can – especially when it relates to my line of work. Let’s keep things original.”
A GOAL HE’S CHASING: “I started my clothing brand, Project Slacksss, two years ago and my goal is to take it global – or see my favourite artiste wearing one of my pieces. I’ve been into fashion since I was a kid and it was my brother‑in‑law who inspired me to start my own brand. We’d sit and talk about fashion. Now, I’m influenced by brands such as Stray Rats, a New York‑based streetwear label whose founder Julian Consuegra is a big hardcore fan … I take bits and pieces of inspiration from these brands, and collaborating with them is another thing I hope to cross off my bucket list.”
HIS FAVOURITE WORD STARTING WITH “F”: “It’s got to be ‘fun’. Why bother with boring things? Go out and do fun, stupid things while you still can.”
VEVINA VIMALATHITHAN, 23, MOTION & GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Chennai-born, Singapore-based motion and graphic designer Vevina Vimalathithan (above) is always on the lookout for interesting art and creative events in Singapore. It would explain where we first met her: at the 2024 edition of the Singapore Art Book Fair held last October (see below).
HER LIFE AS A PIE CHART: “Work takes up at least 40 per cent; gaming, 20 per cent; thrifting, 15 per cent; dancing embarrassingly at clubs, 15 per cent; and the remaining split between watching movies with my friends and crying with them – because everyone needs a good crying session or two.”
HOW SHE DISCOVERED HER PASSION FOR GRAPHIC DESIGN: “I was always the ‘different’ kid growing up. In secondary school, I used to draw out choose‑your‑own‑adventure games in a notebook. There were 40 kids in my class, and I’d narrate the stories and guide them through the games using the drawings … I suppose it stuck. I’ve been designing and storytelling since.”
HOW SHE RESETS: “By taking a walk in the rain and lying down on the wet grass”
Vevina when we first spotted her at the 2024 edition of the Singapore Art Book Fair last October.
WHAT SHE MISSES ABOUT HER HOME TOWN OF CHENNAI IN INDIA: “I miss the vast and beautiful art and heritage in India. I remember visiting the Cholamandal Artists’ Village, where artists hosted makeshift exhibitions in their homes. I really connected with the rawness and honesty through which they presented their works … I also once experienced a moving exhibition where a crew trailed visitors on a walking tour, carrying along projectors and speakers to showcase video works in everyday locations. That really stuck with me. I’m still exploring the art scene in Singapore, where I now work, and I’d love to see more exhibitions in unconventional spaces such as alleyways or even a bus.”
HOW SHE FINDS A SENSE OF COMMUNITY IN SINGAPORE: “I learn about a lot of events from the bulletin board at Pearl’s Hill Terrace, where my office is, and I feel really safe about turning up at one of them and seeing what could happen … Now and then, you strike gold and experience something unforgettable. People are generally friendly and open to conversation – and I love that so many people contribute to and host events driven by passion.”
SOMETHING SHE HAS ALWAYS WANTED TO TRY: “I’d love to try speed dating – but none of my friends want to join me and the idea of going alone is quite daunting. Does anyone want to join me?”
HER FAVOURITE WORD STARTING WITH “F”: “‘Fight’ – for yourself and for the ones you love.”
BATRISHIA ANAQAH, 26, FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER & PART‑TIME CAT CARETAKER
Freelance photographer and cosplay enthusiast Batrishia Anaqah was serving Billie Eilish vibes with her headscarf and glasses when we first photographed her near Haji Lane earlier this year (see below). Her look for this shoot (above) is a complete 180‑degree turn – inspired by the personal styles of artist Jean‑Michel Basquiat and content creator Hodan Yousuf.
WHAT INSPIRES HER WORK: “I draw inspiration from identity … Whether it’s culture, ethnicity, sexuality, gender or beliefs, everyone has a unique way of existing. Through my photography, I hope to tell these stories.”
HER ROLE MODEL: “I’ve always had the confidence to explore my interests thanks to my aunts, whom I’ve always seen as successful artists in their own right. One is an amazing tailor who has made beautiful clothes for me since I was a child, and the other is a skilled makeup artist who lets me play with her expensive makeup … Growing up, I saw their resilience – they taught me that there’s no easy route to achieving one’s goals. If you really want something, you have to put in the work to get it.”
Batrishia when we first met her near Haji Lane earlier this January
HER INTERESTS: “I discovered cosplay during the Covid‑19 pandemic when I was bored on TikTok. One would style one’s outfit, makeup and wig – or hijab – differently for each character, and I love the challenge of seeing how I can improve my styling as well as hair and makeup skills with every look that I create.”
A MISCONCEPTION ABOUT COSPLAY: “A lot of people think of stinky, weird nerds when they hear the word ‘cosplay’. While there is a certain demographic that tends to be associated with it, there’s also a huge amount of talent. Cosplay is an art form. I wish more people would put aside their prejudices and approach it with an open mind. When you care enough to see it as a creative practice, it opens up a whole new world filled with incredible wig artistry, makeup artists, designers, prop makers, costume creators and more.”
HER TOP CONCERNS: “They’re all money‑related: Can I live comfortably in the future with the career path I’ve chosen? Can I get a job with the current bad state of the economy? And how am I going to pay for my bills, groceries, home expenses – or just anything?”
BEING YOUNG IS… “…a time for experimentation and exploring one’s identity.”
HER FAVOURITE WORD STARTING WITH “F”: “‘Flight’ – I just want to be able to get on a flight any time I wish.”
XARA CYNARA-LEE, 27, CO-FOUNDER OF REWORK IN PROGRESS (RIP) THRIFTSTORE
Even the flashiness of Bugis is no fight for the exuberant Xara Cynara‑Lee. The co‑founder of Rework In Progress, or RIP, Thriftstore says it’s not uncommon for her to get stopped by strangers to talk about her style, which was exactly what we did when we first met her at the 2024 edition of the Illustration Arts Festival (see below).
THE STORY BEHIND HER BUSINESS: “Thrifting is my favourite thing in the world, so when I met my current partner and found out he had his own, now‑defunct thrift store called GroundWorks, it felt like a match made in heaven. We co‑founded RIP and it stands for everything we believe in: accessibility, affordability and sustainability. My partner, my best friend and I run it together, and we’ve been aligned in our values since day one. We’re very focused on supporting underserved communities, and use our platform to raise awareness and make monthly donations to causes we care about. Most recently, we donated to Doctors Without Borders and Mercy Relief in response to the earthquake in Myanmar and its effects on both it and its neighbouring country Thailand.”
HER UNFILTERED TAKE ON THRIFTING CULTURE: “I feel like the definition of thrift is a bit muddled in Singapore, with the terms ‘thrift’, ‘second‑hand’ and ‘vintage’ being used interchangeably even though they don’t mean the same thing. The scene would improve if businesses started defining themselves properly and were more transparent about where their wares are from.”
Xara when we first met her at the 2024 edition of the Illustration Arts Festival
HER STYLE ICON: “It’s Hannah Montana for me. She stayed true to her unique style even as she evolved, which is something I try to emulate. I wear whatever I want and don’t care about what others think. When I was younger, I had no choice but to conform – it was necessary to survive socially. Eventually, I reached a point where I felt comfortable expressing myself freely, and that started showing in both my style and personality.”
HER TOP CONCERNS: “Money, war, climate change.”
WHO’S INSPIRING HER: “My partner keeps me going in life.”
BEING YOUNG IS… “…liberating.”
HER FAVOURITE WORD STARTING WITH “F”: “‘Flower’, because that’s what my name means in Arabic.”
TENGKU RAPHAEL, 23, NATIONAL SERVICEMAN
National serviceman Tengku Raphael is set to move to London next year to study fashion creative direction. A fashion fanatic, the 23‑year‑old hopes to eventually become a stylist. “Helping people who have yet to find their fashionable side is something I can see myself doing,” he says. “Plus, we need more local representatives in the industry.” He certainly walks the talk: He first made us turn heads with his casual yet hyper‑cool fit (see below) when we were walking around the Bugis area last year, while the dapper‑meets‑street look he turned up in for this shoot (above) commanded a double take.
HIS TOP CONCERNS: “Artificial intelligence, global warming, the cost of living.”
HOW HE’S ADDRESSING THEM: “I fact‑check everything. I also try my best to purchase things that are needs, not wants, though I have to admit: Often, it’s been the inverse.”
HIS FIRST LUXURY ITEM: “A Louis Vuitton wallet – it’s special to me because it’s limited‑edition and was a gift from my family to commemorate my graduation.”
HIS MOST OUTRAGEOUS SPLURGE: “A pair of Gucci Ace sneakers with the bee motif – spending more than $1,000 on shoes is diabolical, but everyone knows the design and it’s simple enough to style with everything, so no regrets.”
HIS MOST PRECIOUS FASHION POSSESSION: “A pair of Air Jordan 1 OG Dior sneakers.”
HOW HE AFFORDS HIS WARDROBE: “Most items are gifts from my family.”
WHAT FASHION MEANS TO HIM: “I was shocked when you approached me last year because I thought you were going to try to sell me insurance. When I learnt that it was for a feature in your magazine, I was thrilled because fashion is central to my lifestyle and how I express myself.”
Tengku when we first spotted him on the streets of Bugis in 2023
HIS STYLE INSPIRATION: “The late Virgil Abloh – his debut Spring Summer 2019 collection for Louis Vuitton is particularly memorable for me because I love how he revamped Louis Vuitton with his street sensibilities”
HIS HACK FOR SCORING EXCLUSIVE DESIGNER PIECES: “Make connections with the people working at the different brands – or make friends who are into the same things as you.”
BEING YOUNG IS… “…navigating change, embracing uncertainty and stepping into independence.”
HIS FAVOURITE WORD STARTING WITH “F”: “That would be ‘fight’. The world we’re living in teaches us to survive before we can live. Fight not out of anger but hope for a different kind of world.”
SADIQ SHAH, 27, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Account executive Sadiq Shah joined the workforce this year and he’s fighting to not base his self‑worth around what he does at his job. Beyond work, the fashion media and industries graduate loves minimalist designs with a twist, often sourced from smaller or independent designers. Just peep his outfit when we first shot him at Lasalle College of the Arts’ graduate show last May (see below), consisting of pieces designed by his friends, as well as what he turned up in after work for this shoot (above) – the mules are from Stefan Cooke while the bag is from Ann Demeulemeester.
HIS TOP CONCERN: “Being stuck in a corporate routine – knowing that this might be how life will look like for a long time can seem bleak.”
HOW HE’S ADDRESSING THIS: “By not basing my self‑worth on what I do at work, and knowing that there is life to live once you clock out.”
WHAT HE WISHES SCHOOL HAD TAUGHT HIM: “That it’s more about who you know and not necessarily how well you do in school”
ON SCORING HIS FIRST FULL‑TIME JOB RECENTLY: “I recently got my own insurance and that was the most adult thing I’ve ever done.”
ON WRITING ABOUT FASHION AS A SIDE HUSTLE: “I read and watched a lot of fashion critic Tim Blanks’s reviews growing up because I consumed so much of the now‑defunct Style.com. He speaks so eloquently and always manages to string words together in a way that captures the essence of the collections he’s writing about – and he’s still kicking it even now at the Business of Fashion. Goals! In hindsight, he was probably my first fashion lecturer.”
A FASHION OPINION HE’LL DIE ON: “No one really cares about how you look, so wear whatever you want.”
HIS INTERESTS BEYOND FASHION: “I feel like I got my affinity for words from my grandfather, who was an author, so if I can cook up some sort of book, that’d be cool.”
Sadiq when we first spotted him at the Lasalle Graduate Show in 2024
A GOAL HE’S CHASING: “Saving money so I can travel and then, hopefully, skydive.”
THE FIRST THING HE’D DO IF GIVEN AN UNLIMITED BUDGET: “I’d spend on my own house. If you know me, you know how particular I am with clothes, so imagine me designing my own home. It’d take a long time to complete, but I’d make sure every piece of furniture in it is thoughtfully curated and that it’s filled with items that remind me of lovely memories from throughout my life.”
BEING YOUNG IS… “…overrated. One can be youthful at any age.”
HIS FAVOURITE WORD STARTING WITH “F”: “‘Fashion’, for obvious reasons”
KAREN YU, 27, ART DIRECTOR & HOBBYIST YOUTUBER
Art director Karen Yu swapped the bohemian aesthetic she sported when we first met her at the Alex Blake Charlie Sessions music festival last December (see below) for a more polished look for this story (above). “I don’t like to stick to one style,” says the 27‑year‑old. “I like to play around with different colours, textures and silhouettes … I believe we all have alter egos and personally, I’d like to embrace every one of them.”
HER YOUTUBER JOURNEY: “As the youngest child and also the weird kid who didn’t have many friends, YouTube became my sounding board – a space where I could express myself when no one seemed to take me seriously … Over time, I found myself growing more comfortable in my own skin through YouTube, especially after seeing other creators in the same niche being so open and vulnerable on camera. It made me feel less alone and gave me the confidence to keep showing up as myself.”
HER LIFE AS A PIE CHART: “Fifty per cent of it is dedicated to work, 30 per cent to hobbies/me time, 10 per cent to exercise and 10 per cent to my social life. My work as a junior art director at a fashion company takes up the most time, as it involves a lot of creative labour. I’m constantly balancing abstract ideas with real‑world constraints to shape the brand’s visual identity. It’s not just a job. It challenges me to be both imaginative and practical, and I get to sharpen my skills daily.”
THE FLAVOUR OF HER LIFE PIE: “It’ll be Earl Grey lemon meringue – a balance of gentle and sharp flavours. Plus, it’s my dream combo.”
HER TOP CONCERNS: “Saving up for a home, carving out time for passion projects while building career stability, and dealing with the political and environmental baggage our generation has inherited.”
Karen when we first spotted her at the Alex Blake Charlie Sessions music festival in 2024
HOW SHE’S ADDRESSING THEM: “I’m dealing with my concerns with a mix of acceptance and agency. I accept what I can’t change, but I’m also educating myself and others on how we can be healthier as a society.”
THE FIRST THING SHE’D DO IF GIVEN AN UNLIMITED BUDGET: “I’d make donations towards anything I care about: victims of war crimes, women who are victims of abuse and discrimination, and marginalised communities. Injustice has made the world so corrupted and fairness is seldom guaranteed. If I could personally provide a sense of security and safety to vulnerable communities, I’d push for it.”
HER FAVOURITE WORD STARTING WITH “F”: “‘Fairy’ – if I could reincarnate as one, I would.”
NUR AIN AZIZ, 27, FREELANCE ILLUSTRATOR
Photographed at last year’s Illustration Arts Festival for the August 2024 edition of our People Cam (see opposite page), freelance illustrator Nur Ain Aziz (above) is inspired by old‑school anime as well as fashion‑forward Asian pop stars such as the Japanese girl group XG. Says Ain: “I think XG was the gateway for me to get outside of my comfort zone in terms of fashion because the members’ styling is so whimsical and fun, and is so satisfying to recreate in art. I don’t usually dress as loudly, but I do take bits of inspiration from them, such as from the way they layer their clothes.”
WHAT INSPIRES HER ART: “I find a lot of comfort in media from past eras, especially the 1980s and ’90s, when colours were often warm and nostalgic. I used to draw only in black and white because I was afraid of using colour, until I decided to overcome that irrational fear and just go for it. Now, I can’t do anything without cranking the saturation to the maximum. I want my art to give others the same kind of comfort that old‑school anime gives me!”
THE DREAM WORLD SHE WOULD CREATE AS AN ILLUSTRATOR: “Maybe one without the humidity of Singapore? Somewhere soft with lush grass – a warm and tranquil place. I think I just described The Shire from The Hobbit.”
GOALS SHE’S CHASING: “I’m working on getting my driver’s licence – please pray for me! I’m also looking for a career that’s aligned with my purpose and values, whether it’s in the arts or another industry altogether … Work may not always be joyful, but it’s necessary, so I haven’t quite figured it out yet.”
Nur Ain Aziz when we first spotted her at the Illustration Arts Festival 2024
HER TOP CONCERNS: “Without hesitation, those would be the cost of living, housing and my future. I wish there’s a straightforward solution to these matters, but there isn’t, so I’m taking things step by step, and reminding myself of my purpose and goals in life.”
THE FIRST THING SHE’D DO IF GIVEN AN UNLIMITED BUDGET: “I’d spend on my family, whether it’s paying off any debts, funding their healthcare or supporting them in pursuing their dreams. Besides my friends, my family has been my support system through all my struggles … I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”
BEING YOUNG IS… “…to make mistakes.”
HER FAVOURITE WORD STARTING WITH “F”: “‘Freedom’”
MARISSA TAI, 19, INTERN AT A LOCAL PUBLISHING HOUSE
We first came across Marissa Tai at Pink Dot last year (below), digged her grungy fit (she’s wearing a dress from her mother’s closet), and invited her back for this shoot. The literature enthusiast is of the opinion that the local lit scene is well, lit. “I think we need more artful marketing, unconventional graphic design, and out-of-the-box programming. We should be hosting events in more alternative spaces. Literature is cool,” says Tai. “People often assume there’s an intellectual barrier when approaching it, but there really isn’t. Everyone can relate to themes about the human condition — love, loss, and everything in between.”
A BOOK EVERYONE SHOULD READ IN SCHOOL: “That’s got to be Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. It’s important at that age to make the connection between our reality and the evils portrayed in dystopian society. There’s this part in the book that goes, ‘Digest‑digests, digest‑digest‑digests. Politics? One column, two sentences, a headline! Then, in mid‑air, all vanishes!’ The author is trying to highlight the dangers of oversimplification in media: As attention spans get shorter, media gets more fast‑paced – more bite‑sized, to keep people consuming. In the age of brainrot, where even our thoughts can be generated by artificial intelligence, it’s more important than ever to teach students how rare – and radical even – it is to think for themselves as well as consume long‑form media … When students are just starting to form their own ideas, it’s vital that they realise how easily those ideas can be oversimplified, abbreviated or packaged to appeal to the masses.”
HER OPINION OF THE LOCAL LITERATURE SCENE: “I feel that many Singapore youths are affected by cultural cringe – but the belief that any art produced locally is inherently Singapore‑centric couldn’t be further from the truth.”
IF HER LIFE WERE A PIE, ITS FLAVOUR WOULD BE… “… a good apple crumble: solid flavour but fragile if careless.”
Marissa, the first time we met her at Pink Dot 2024
HER TOP CONCERNS: “I think a lot of people my age feel that talking about politics feels like stepping into a conversation where everyone else already knows the backstory. So instead of risking being wrong or sounding misinformed, they opt out altogether. In a country where your safety and privilege seemingly protect you from having to worry about the chances of a world war happening, it’s way too convenient to say, ‘I don’t really talk about politics because it doesn’t concern me.’ I do feel that a solution is to Trojan‑horse our way into this apolitical crowd with simple language that they can understand. Academic jargon is a sure‑fire way to ostracise those who are not as well versed. We need to meet people where they are.”
BEING YOUNG IS… ““…being embarrassed at yourself and then realising you’re too hot to care ... No one’s going to be on their deathbed saying, ‘I wish I spent more time being less cringe.’”
HER FAVOURITE WORD STARTING WITH “F”: “‘Falabella’” – underrated horse.”
ETHAN LEE, 29, TENNIS COACH & FOUNDER OF STREETWEAR LABEL FASSBENDER & MELLON COLLIE
Tennis coach and founder of the six‑year‑old tie‑dye‑focused clothing label Fassbender & Mellon Collie Ethan Lee (above) has always been one of the snazziest dressers around – clock when we photographed him outside a rave two years ago (see below). Now, his business is entering a new era with the opening of its first bricks‑and‑mortar store: a space at Pearl’s Hill Terrace that he shares with Jonathan Tan of the interior design firm No Sense Studio. “I hope that when people walk into the store, they’ll feel like they’ve been transported to a whole different time,” says Lee. “It’s an intimate space that has been filled with a collection of nostalgic knick‑knacks that belong to both Jonathan and me.”
HIS LIFE AS A PIE CHART: “Tennis takes up 70 per cent; Fassbender & Mellon Collie, 20; and friends and family time, the remaining 10 per cent. Coaching tennis takes up the most time, as there’ve been a lot of people who are interested in picking up the sport. I’m very inspired by the kids in the programmes that I coach. The raw energy and intensity that emanate from them during their training sessions and matches inspire me.”
HOW HE’S GROWING HIS SIX‑YEAR‑OLD FASHION BUSINESS: “When it first started, everything, from the way I tie and dye – what the brand is known for – to the way the clothes are portrayed, was based on how I was feeling at that moment. Moving forward, it’s time to fine‑tune our direction. After all, how many ice‑dyed tees can one own? I feel like it’s time to put more effort into targeting overseas customers too … I just opened my first bricks‑and‑mortar store at Pearl’s Hill Terrace and I think the intimate space will allow me to know my customers better. I’ve also been trying to produce more cut‑and‑sew pieces that work with our dyeing techniques.”
Ethan when we first spotted him at a rave two years ago.
HIS TOP CONCERNS: “The cost of living, hustle culture and the dwindling of nightlife culture.”
THE FIRST THING HE’D DO IF GIVEN AN UNLIMITED BUDGET: “I’d probably move to a country where there’s easy access to a good selection of fabrics and clothing manufacturers.”
BEING YOUNG IS… “…to be free.”
HIS FAVOURITE WORD STARTING WITH “F”: “‘Fulfilment’ – it’s a nice feeling being able to achieve what you set out to do after having put in the work … Feeling fulfilled is an important part of the human experience.”
ALL INTERVIEWS HAVE BEEN EDITED FOR BREVITY AND CLARITY.
PHOTOGRAPHY LAWRENCE TEO, ANGELA GUO, ATHIRAH ANNISSA & CLEMENT TEO ART DIRECTION KENG YANG SHUEN