F ZINE People Cam: Singapore Art Book Fair 2024 Edition

For a glimpse of how the Singapore Art Book Fair has built its devoted following among local art book and zine lovers in the past decade, you only needed to step into the opening day on October 25. Set at the Singapore Art Museum’s home in Tanjong Pagar Distripark, the space pulsed with a vibrant mix of subcultures, creatives, art enthusiasts, and students. They gathered to explore selections from 104 local and international exhibitors, with plenty of food stalls, pop-ups, and even Shrub’s one-of-a-kind zine truck adding indie flair to the scene. Meanwhile, our F ZINE People Cam was on the prowl for stylish attendees – scroll on to spot some of the best-dressed.

Name: Jeralyn Goh a.k.a. Qowomo

Age: 23

Occupation: Tattoo artist

Her fit: "The leopard print dress is a thrifted find from Vietnam, and the bermuda shorts are thrifted Wrangler. My boots are Dr. Martens, and I picked up these earrings from a little family-owned shop in Chinatown. The snake ring is by Art of Life Jewelry, which I found at the Rural Music Festival in Japan."

The most fascinating aspect of being a tattoo artist: "It’s definitely not just a single aspect – fascination permeates this entire field. Firstly, there's a tremendous amount of trust placed in me, and each time, I’m in awe of how much I've been given. As I give back, I get to meet incredible individuals and enjoy some of the most fun and interesting energy exchanges in my studio, CREVICE, all while adorning their skin with my art.

Creating art and the tattooing process itself also brings its own blend of joy and challenge, balancing precision and freedom in an engaging way. I’ve even had clients and friends tell me that, after a session, they feel more attractive, powerful, or like they can finally see their 'insides' brought to the surface. How revelatory is that?

It’s deeply rewarding to witness this kind of reaction, knowing I played a role in creating it. When the energy is right and the impact is felt, the level of satisfaction is incredible."

What she got at the Art Book Fair: "Some zines and books, because I’ve been doomscrolling way too much lately and needed some offline, non-URL, non-Instagram, non-Pinterest, non-internet anything—just pure IRL inspiration. Something to touch and feel."

Name: Suhaily Atiqah

Age: 23

Occupation: Client adviser

Her fit: "The top is from Los Angeles-based label Brain Dead, paired with a skirt from the Uniqlo and Marni collaboration. The earrings are from H&M and give me Bottega Veneta’s sculptural vibe. My bag is the Le Chiquito Long by Jacquemus, and I’m wearing my everyday Chopova Lowena flats with Uniqlo socks. The rings are a mix of pieces I found at a flea market beside i12 Katong and some I got online. The tote bag is from Ikea."

Her favourite colour combos: "I love pairing beige or khaki with rich jewel tones like emerald green, deep purple, or vibrant orange. Right now, I’m especially into mixing neutrals with bright colours – the contrast creates such a balanced, eye-catching look. And if you’re unsure what works, just check the colour wheel – it’s a lifesaver."

Her style advice: "Don’t underestimate the power of accessories. Adding statement jewellery – like bold earrings, necklaces, or stacked rings – instantly elevates any outfit and highlights your best features. I also love using colourful bags, caps, or socks to add interest effortlessly. Personally, I stack my jewellery to keep my accessorising intentional and cohesive."

What she's currently reading: "I'm reading Atomic Habits by James Clear, and it’s been a game-changer. I sometimes struggle with procrastination, and this book explores how habits, surroundings, and the people around us influence productivity – without simply labelling us as 'lazy.' It’s one of my top recommendations for anyone looking to find focus and calm in a fast-paced world, thanks to its practical, actionable advice."

Name: Nurul Khairiyah

Age: 23

Occupation: Housewife

Her fit: "The sweater and pants are from Uniqlo, and I’m wearing Nike P-6000 sneakers. My bag is a vintage Guess, and my watch is thrifted. The gold bracelets were all gifts from my husband, and the rings are a mix of pieces from him and my late grandmother."

Her maternity style: "Before this, I took inspiration from my husband’s street and gorpcore looks, which I’d mix into my own style. Now that I’m expecting (currently seven months along), I’m inspired by maternity style icons like Hailey Bieber and Rihanna. I always promised myself I’d never settle for the usual, boring maternity clothes."

Best thing about being a mum: "This is my first pregnancy, and if I’m honest, I’m quite nervous about becoming a mum. The best part, though, is the experience itself. Going through the entire pregnancy has been incredible. It’s definitely exhausting with all the backaches, but I absolutely love feeling the baby moving in my tummy. I’m really appreciating these last few moments before she arrives."

Her fashion weakness: "Since being pregnant, I’ve leaned into monochrome outfits – they’re easy to style and super flattering. But my real weakness? Anything pink. Pink shoes, pink bags, pink socks… if it’s pink, I’m all in. I just love the colour – baby pink, hot pink, you name it!"

Name: Rheinata Kirana

Age: 21

Occupation: Freelance graphic designer

Her fit: "I’m wearing a T-shirt from Cotton On, layered with a corset from Anteiku Studios. The apron is from Taobao, and the skirt is thrifted. I completed the look with New Rock boots and my graffiti-ed Neo Cagole XS bag by Balenciaga."

Her style influences: "I’m inspired by Japanese designers like Yohji Yamamoto and Kei Ninomiya for their bold, cutting-edge looks. I’ve also always been drawn to visual kei – it celebrates androgyny with its elaborate hairstyles and makeup, which I find fascinating."

The biggest fashion risk she’s taken: "Probably choosing to style myself however I want – shaving my eyebrows, getting facial piercings – just fully embracing that some might find it a bit wild."

How fashion influences her creatively: "Fashion inspires me to experiment with daring materials and bold silhouettes, pushing me to embrace adventurous styles. It’s also a way to explore identity and transformation, blending elements of fashion and storytelling to create something uniquely personal."

Name: Anthea Yeo

Age: 22

Occupation: English undergraduate

Her fit: "My shirt is by Olive Ankara, and I believe the bandeau belongs to my mum. The jeans are from Uniqlo, while the beanie comes from Den Souvenir, an independent book and souvenir store in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The necklace is by Vivienne Westwood, and my shoes are from Onitsuka Tiger. My bracelets include an amulet from a Hmong village in Sapa, Vietnam, and another I bought in Chinatown. The ring is a souvenir from a cruise."

Her style: "I would describe it as pretty vibrant and definitely more feminine. Even when I’m not wearing a dress, I still exude femme energy. My friends and colleagues often call me a doll when I dress up. I love prints, so I have a few batik pieces, and the African print I was wearing is technically also batik. Over the past few years, I’ve curated a capsule wardrobe because I’m a minimalist; I prefer having fewer statement pieces, which I organise by colour. It’s like a pride logo in there! I also love to raid my mum’s closet, which adds a vintage touch to my style."

The most unexpected compliment she received about her style: "When I was in Tokyo, I met a couple of girls at a rave who kept calling me gyaru gyaru, which means 'gal.' I’ve always leaned towards bolder Japanese makeup – something similar to XG's style now – so I took it as a compliment, especially coming from a place where the subculture originated. After that, I couldn't stop saying 'gyaru peace' and making the gyaru sign in pictures."

What she got at the Art Book Fair: "When I visited last April, I focused on art books for a research paper, but this time I wanted to pick up things I liked from friends. I bought prints from their booths – I'm a huge fan of @bugdo11’s art – as well as a magnet necklace book from @zac_zacao, especially since there were more Chinese vendors this year, which is great. I also got a local comic about Mama Jane, known as RJ Paper, who is a very sweet lady. I used to do life modelling sessions for her drawing circle."

Name: Alda Soh

Age: 23

Occupation: Communication design undergraduate

Her fit: "My top is from Ive Tong, and the skirt is from El Rodeo, which I bought in Kyoto. The bag and cuff are from Bunzaburo, and my shoes are a collaboration between Noir Kei Ninomiya and Reebok. My jewellery includes pieces from Parts of Four, Detaj, and Uma Wang, along with some thrifted items, creations by local artists, and a few pieces made by my partner and me."

Some fascinating facts about her Bunzaburo pieces: "The Japanese brand employs the traditional technique of shibori, which involves binding, folding, twisting, or compressing fabric to create intricate patterns. This technique is believed to connect generations, cultures, and the past with the future. I love the concept of wearable art like this; it continually breaks moulds and pushes boundaries."

The importance of fashion in her life: "Fashion and design have always been essential to my self-expression. They inspire me in my studies and give me the confidence to present myself in ways I might struggle to do otherwise. Often, it’s the excitement of dressing up that motivates me to leave the house."

One item in her wardrobe she can't live without: "Right now, it would be my bag. I can fit over 10 items in it, including all the usual necessities like tissues and my portable charger."

Name: Muhamad Dzakir

Age: 23

Occupation: Founder of clothing label, Projectslacksss

His fit: "I thrifted my shirt in Kuala Lumpur, while the T-shirt is a Hanes Beefy-T I bought in Japan. The chinos are from Uniqlo, and my shoes are Clarks Wallabees, which I received as a gift from my wife. The cap is merch from the Japanese hardcore band Unholy11, and I picked up the scarf at a Japanese booth at the Art Book Fair."

The inspiration behind his fit: "The scarf and hat combination was influenced by GKT, the vocalist of Unholy11. When I saw him wearing a scarf and hat, I thought it looked really cool, so I decided to try it out myself."

His style icon: "My style icon has always been Pharrell Williams. He's timeless and still has the cleanest swag. He manages to keep his looks fresh and stylish while maintaining that effortless vibe, which I find really impressive."

A little something about Projectslacksss: "It's a brand that allows you to look stylish without having to spend $200. More than just a clothing line, it’s a platform for me to unleash my creativity and explore all my ideas. The brand is heavily influenced by the hardcore scene and all the cool elements that come with it."

Name: Vevina Vimal

Age: 23

Occupation: Graphic Designer

Her fit: "My top is from Cider, and the dress is a thrifted gift. The belt is from a shop in Bugis Street. I'm wearing shoes by Charles & Keith and carrying a bag from H&M."

The inspiration behind the look: "I love experimenting with silhouettes and textures. For this outfit, I aimed to elevate a simple black dress by adding a whimsical touch inspired by Monsters Inc. If you're going to wear fur, why not make it mythical?"

Her fashion ick: "I really dislike the trend of people tearing down others' looks. Sure, some outfits might be considered boring, but everyone is on their own journey, and that journey is often reflected in their style. You are what you wear."

The last book she enjoyed: "I recently reread The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud, a book from my middle school days. It helped me embrace the idea that being an oddball isn't necessarily a bad thing."

Name: Dane

Age: Full-time national serviceman firefighter

Occupation: 21

His fit: "My shirt is from Muji, and the vest is from Prada. The jeans are by MasonPrince, and the shoes are by Hare. I'm carrying a Pandora bag by Givenchy. The bracelet is from Funan, and the necklace is from the Maison Margiela collaboration with H&M."

A fashion brand that's getting it right at the moment: "There's an up-and-coming brand from Malaysia called Behati that I've been following for a while. I love its modern interpretations of traditional wear, which honour our local cultural roots while pushing the envelope. Personally, I’m a fan of its Ramlee pants from the Merdeka collection; they will definitely be a staple in my wardrobe."

The next bag on his shopping list: "I love high-capacity, voluminous, and slouchy bags. They’re both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Recently, I've been drawn to Boston bag styles in classic brown leather, such as the Coach Empire 48, the Miu Miu Aventure bag, and the Porter Boston bag, which is a menswear classic."

The last thing he read that left a lasting impression: "One book that truly resonated with me is Flesh Love Returns by Tokyo artist Photographerhal. It’s a photo compilation featuring couples captured in domestic spaces while vacuum-packed, symbolising the fundamental desire to 'become one.' The art direction and concept left a significant impression on me. Hal’s recent collaboration with stylist Lotta Volkova, whose work I admire, added a fashion-forward approach to the project, which further inspired me."

Name: Rachel Wong

Age: 21

Occupation: Freelance assistant producer and production assistant

Her fit: "The vest is from a random store in Seoul, while both the T-shirt and pants are by Uniqlo. The shoes are from Taobao, and I'm wearing a Samsung Galaxy Watch6."

Her most prized item in her wardrobe: "A knitted beanie that my mum made for my recent trip to Korea. I wore it while hiking my first proper mountain in Seoul."

Most stylish film in her opinion: "Cruella (2021). When I first saw the newspaper garbage truck dress, I was floored."

One fascinating fact about her: "While it might not be particularly fascinating or surprising, I have an irrational fear of a potential zombie apocalypse occurring when I leave the house. Because of this, I always carry a backpack with everything I might need, even if it doesn't match my outfit."

Name: Annie Hung

Age: 26

Occupation: Art technician

Her fit: "The armour and sword are from Amazon and Taobao, respectively. My top is from Uniqlo, while the belt and skirt are also from Taobao. The shoes are by Muji, and the earrings are from Closet Children."

The inspiration behind the look: "I was attending a company dinner and dance with a theme of traditional outfits, so I drew inspiration from the recent trend of medieval knights... and Chappell Roan."

How far would she go in the name of fashion?: "These pieces of armour were incredibly expensive, and they're so heavy to wear. My neck and shoulders are really hurting."

An interesting fact about herself (shared after the interview): "I won the lucky draw later that night. I think the armour brought me some good luck."

Name: Nur Marghfirah

Age: 22

Occupation: Maritime business student

Her fit: "My jersey is by Supraw, and the baggy jeans are Levi's Silvertab. The shoes are from Timberland, and the bag is thrifted. The watch is from Coach, and my ear studs are from By Invite Only."

Her fashion ick: "Skinny jeans and theThe Dunk High “Panda" sneakers by Nike. Skinny jeans just aren’t it anymore, and Panda Dunks are way too basic – everyone has them."

On whether she considers herself sporty: "No, and I never will be"

The best style advice she has ever received: "Focus on fit over fashion. Wear what you like as long as you feel comfortable and confident."

Name: Dion Chai

Age: 26

Occupation: Junior art director

His fit: "I can't remember where I got my top, but it's a women's tank top from a Chinese brand. The pants are from Duc Studio, the shoes are Dr. Martens, and the socks are from Uniqlo. I'm carrying a bag from homegrown label StilNook and wearing jewellery I bought from El Rodeo in Kyoto, along with prayer beads from a Buddhist temple in Dalat, Vietnam."

Three words to describe his style: "Comfortable, silhouette, organic"

Complete this sentence: Menswear… "is about mixing comfort and functionality."

His favourite Singapore brand: "Tirados, created by my friend Josh Tirados. I love how organic the forms and materials he uses are."

Name: Diana Kondratova

Age: 23

Occupation: Architecture masters student

Her fit: "The top is by Vivienne Westwood, and the pants are from Prada. The shoes are by Simona Vanth, while the bag is by Thai label Chukri. The double belt comes from the Italian label Malloni."

Her biggest style influences: "Definitely Ann Vendi, whose photography often explores clownesque distortions of proportions and playful, dance-like body positions. Also, Lindsay Vrckovnik, who is all about colour and layering. If I'm ever struggling to make two pieces that absolutely don't match work together, I turn to Lindsay; she always has the answer."

Her favourite designer: "The late Vivienne Westwood, for obvious reasons – dramatic shapes, incredible colour combinations, plaid and gingham everything, and of course, the attitude."