Whether you’ll admit it or not, the Singaporean wedding experience is pretty unique—from age-old rituals like tea ceremonies to the torturous playful tekan of the groomsmen, we’ve come to shape some truly beautiful customs despite common claims that a Singaporean culture doesn’t exist.
This Apr 13-22, a brand new exhibition at the National Design Centre celebrates all that and more. New Wives’ Tales organized by local jewellery brand Carrie K. will showcase local craftsmanship in a modern reinterpretation of meaningful wedding traditions. A one-day-only event on Apr 14 will give visitors the chance to meet and mingle with the designers involved, plus enjoy complimentary tea appreciation and pastry tasting; but otherwise, here’s what to expect.
Carrie K.
Artisan jeweller Carrie K. leads the exhibition with an extension of her Modern Heirloom Collection, launched in January. Delicate pieces fashioned after the iconic Peranakan tile and inspired by Si Dian Jin—the Chinese ideal of four generations living under one roof—make up the collection, combining something old and something new for a family heirloom you’d be proud to pass down to your own child.
Time Taken To Make A Dress
The artistry (and approximated 680 man hours) in Time Taken To Make A Dress’s designs will help dispel all prejudices against the traditional Chinese wedding kua. Think modern details fused with classic silhouettes, and a pop of metallic.
Eskpade
Finish the look with a handmade wedding headdress by local millinery label Eskpade. Designer Kristine Hakim flaunts her artistic touch with pieces inspired by vintage headgear that certainly don’t look anywhere near out-of-touch.
Qi Pottery
Perhaps the most significant of rites at a Chinese wedding, the tea ceremony gets a subtly modern update thanks to local potter Kim Whye Kee of Qi Pottery. The limited-edition ceramic teapot uses local clay from Tampines, and features a handle fashioned after two gold wedding bands joined together—to symbolize infinity, everlasting love, and all that jazz.
Old Seng Choong
Cookies aren’t always part of the equation at a wedding, but the local flavors from pastry label Old Seng Choong tell the Singapore story in a fun and tasty way. Pick up cookies flavored after bak kut the, laksa, satay, cereal prawn and more; if you can’t find the time to head down to the brand’s brick-and-mortar store in Clarke Quay.
New Wives’ Tales runs from Apr 13-22 at the National Design Centre. More info here.
