Firstly, why hats?
Just like any artist, I would choose the best platform to showcase my artwork so that my ideas can effectively reach people. Hats are like sculptures. I come from a background of 15 years working in the visual arts world and I am interested in how these wearable sculptures come alive displayed on their owners. Even when taken of the head, they still possess much character, tell their own stories and offer their own aesthetic enjoyment as an art object. To me, hat design is underdeveloped and hence we saw an opportunity to offer much in the way of proposing new concepts. Look at how much clothing and shoes have evolved and compare that to hats. We are still wearing the same few classic shapes of baseball caps, newsboy flatcaps and fedoras. These are hats originating from the late 1800s and popularized in 1920s to 40s and their look has not changed much since then. This gave me an opportunity to enter into the scene and do defining work.
What has been the most challenging part of creating the label?
Keeping each part of the process true to our ethos of seeking sustainability in design. This is not simply about using eco-friendly materials and methods. What I learned from indigenous craftsmen is that they possess so much knowledge and wisdom on how to work with nature to create all kinds of useful and beautiful materials. In my former work for museums, all we hear about is “dying traditions” and “lost crafts”. It is my personal mission to engage in design work that creates new applications of these handcraft traditions. At the same time, what we do on the fashion platform would communicate to the world about sustainable development of marginalized communities and the wisdom we gained from them on how to live in a more enlightened way in our world.
How do you come up with inspiration for new hats?
Nature is a huge source of inspiration for me. I am always trying to create designs that are what I call “nature nurtured”–marvelous objects that result from humans working with an intimate understanding of the characteristics of natural materials. I am inspired by the craftsmen in indigenous tribes–working with materials growing around them, they find ways to create beautiful and useful objects for all their needs. Nature sets a high benchmark for aesthetics that we try to reach. We aim to create designs that have a similar flow.
What are the worst fashion faux-pas that you’ve seen on the streets?
Elegantly dressed ladies out for lunch at mid-day… clutching folded newspapers or a half-opened folding umbrella over their foreheads to shield themselves from the sun. Please wear a gorgeous hat instead and walk tall!
What are your thoughts on Singapore fashion as a whole?
I think the fashion scene is at the forefront of a revolution right now. There is just so much happening in terms of creativity and ingenious events to promote new design. As I am based in an open studio in Keepers: Singapore Designer Collective right now, I work on my designs while people are watching right smack in the middle of Orchard Road. I notice a new confidence and energy in how people dress here.
What advice would you give to other aspiring fashion designers?
Be good to people–they will reach out and lift you up to where you want to go. Inspire people–we don’t want to buy and own new things, we want to hold and live the dream.
