By Imran Jalal ,
The curtain has just fallen at Fashion Week – which brings to an end the street style scrum that had descended on the show circuit once again in these post-pandemic times. Now that the dressed-for-the-Gram influencer pack and the celebrities decked out in head-to-toe runway looks are gone, we have decided to document a more authentic version of fashion, as worn by everyday folks on the streets.
Armed with a camera and video crew, the FEMALE team captures individualistic style – whether seen on the experimental dresser or the thrift shop fiend – in a more spontaneous manner for this bi-monthly web series. To kick things off, here are the cool individuals we snapped along Orchard Road.
Who: Amber Zhu, engineering undergraduate
What she is wearing: Sweet Chilling bolero; cropped top, pants, jewellery and shoes from Taobao; and JW Pei bag
Her inspiration behind her outfit: "I wear black a lot – perhaps it is a style I've cultivated from being a Broadway jazz dancer, which requires me to be in black outfits for practice. I chose this getup because I wanted something that would match and highlight my red hair well."
Who: Rachel Lee a.k.a. Racheezels, dancer and choreographer
What she is wearing: Vintage vest; Uniqlo top; pants from Actually; Mango belt; Adidas x Ivy Park bag; and Charles & Keith shoes
Best buy: "Silver suspenders from Comme des Garcons."
Who: Bryan Tan, full-time national serviceman
What he is wearing: British India shirt; thrifted Levi's jeans; sunglasses and shoes from Prada; Bottega Veneta bag; Cartier bracelet; and Rolex watch
One fashion item he misses the most while in camp: "Honestly, I miss wearing shades. They're the best thing that have happened to me."
Who: OG Bobby, rapper
What he is wearing: Nino "Trap House City" band T-shirt; H&M sweatpants; Carnival beanie; CIA Customice necklace; Tommy Hilfiger watch; and Nike sneakers
One item he won't leave the house without: "I bring this customised chain necklace that I'm wearing with me everywhere I go; it comes with a detachable name pendant. I don't necessarily wear it on me all the time, but I like to have it readily with me."
Who: Nada Sorour, senior brand manager
What she is wearing: Zara co-ordinated top and pants; Aritzia tank top; Bottega Veneta bag; and Dior sandals
Most cherised possession in her wardrobe: "My bags. I have a lot – let's leave it at that."
Who: Dhivyaa Shree, banking and finance student
What she is wearing: Tank top and tote bag from Shein; pants from a store in Plaza Singapura; and Converse sneakers
One trend she digs right now: "I'm very into fashion from the 2000s, such as mini skirts and cute small tank tops. These items allow me to embrace my body and curves."
Who: Zachary Siek, architecture student
What he is wearing: Vintage Tundra sweater; Uniqlo pants; a mix of thrifted jewellery and ring from Curbside Crafters; bag charm gifted by his sister; and Vans sneakers
Fun fact about his outfit: "I got this pair of Vans in Japan six years ago and have been wearing them ever since – even though they are very busted and have a lot of holes. I just like their feel and look and how the frayed parts go well with my overall outfit. The most common reaction I get when people see my shoes are: 'Get new shoes, man!'."
Who: Kanokwan Soonthronpuk, housewife
What she is wearing: Top from @stayslaybkk; skirt from @racoonclub; a bag from a Bangkok store; and Dr Martens boots
Her fashion obsession: "A sexy top in any nude tones – it makes me feel confident."
Photography Phyllicia Wang Videography Alicia Chong