The stories of humankind lie in the things we make. From naked apes, we walk upright in our fine threads; our modesty upheld. Progress can be charted by the technologies that entered our lives. From the humble fastener to the alchemy of basted fit to the virtual fabric in the Web3 space, chapters of our endeavours in fashion fill this seemingly never-ending tome.
As part of an exclusive men’s fashion pop-up within the National Museum’s special OFF / ON exhibition, a+ presents a glimpse of some of the donated fashion items, which have been collected as part of the museum’s ongoing documentation of contemporary styles and perspectives in Singapore. What men wear, how technology plays a role in their style, and where they think fashion will be headed in the future — these pieces reflect part of the current men’s fashion scene in Singapore.
LIONNEL LIM
(obtained from a now-defunct JPG boutique at The Promenade)
“I love the idea of this scuba-inspired jacket and have worn it countless times over the years, and it never fails to garner compliments. [For the pouch,] I always love a little leather and roughness but I didn’t enjoy the full leatherman look.”
When Lim was younger, he was drawn to the popular brands. But when he got into his 30s, he was driven more by brands that reflected his lifestyle and sensibilities. “I’d like to see people embracing more unusual materials, shapes and silhouettes.” Lim says. “But most consumers don’t know that more tech and recycled fabrics are being used within the industry.”
MERVIN WEE
(obtained from Club21)
“I usually wear this on flights as it is very comfortable yet stylish. The neutral colour allows me to match it with almost any pants in my wardrobe.”
Named Tatler’s Most Stylish Man in 2019, Wee’s wardrobe reflects his preference for loose, organic silhouettes that are comfortable yet avant-garde. Rather than buying a complete outfit from a brand, he pairs different labels rather, embodying the philosophy of finding the perfect in the imperfect.
DAVID TAN
(obtained from Club21)
“The jacket subverts the austerity of the tailoring codes for formal menswear — it’s a sombre single-breasted black jacket. In the reverse, it adopts iconic elements of women’s fashion: floral prints, brocade and corsetry.
“Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s tale, The Emperor’s New Clothes, the gilet may be worn over the naked skin or a white shirt, paired with a transparent PVC trench coat.”
Known for his collection of over 200 jackets, Tan leans toward pieces that define an iconic fashion moment at the time. Seeing fashion as an expression of personal identity and the zeitgeist of contemporary culture, Tan avers that brands are delving into a form of “casualisation” — logos look as cheap and as ugly as possible. As someone who values good craftsmanship and tailoring, he bemoans the trend.
THESEUS CHAN
(obtained as a co-creator of the project)
“[I see this piece as] the importance of counter-culture in our society.”
As the godfather of graphic design in Singapore, Chan’s work is a continual evolution from the deconstruction of uniformity and the status quo. He envisions customisation and personalisation to be the next steps in the expression of individuality.
TERENCE SIEW
(obtained from an Alexander McQueen boutique in Paris)
“It was one of my favourite rings from my collection that exudes a youthful vibe when I wear it. I wore it to pair with suits to give that “not so serious” look.”
Rock chic was a style that Siew favoured in his 30s but as time passes, he began opting for classic and smart suiting. “The evergreen style suits me better.” He’d still go for elaborate and loud hues and prints but that depends on the occasion and his mood. He sees fashion as cyclical, where previous styles would return after a while.
LEONARD LIM
(obtained from the Christian Louboutin boutique previously in Ngee Ann City)
“I thought that the spikes were loud and playful. The shoes could have been used as a weapon in the event I needed to defend myself, haha.”
It takes a pandemic to alter one’s outlook. For Lim, he tended to dress more attention-seeking but since the pandemic, his style has become more muted, choosing discretion over flash. He does, however, hope that more vibrant pigments will return: “It’d be beautiful to see people decked out in bright coloured clothes.”
OFF / ON: Everyday Technology that Changed our Lives will run until 30 October, 2022 at the Exhibition Gallery at the National Museum of Singapore, with the Men’s Fashion in a Digital Age showcase happening on 21 October 2022 at an invite-only event.
