Singaporean high fashion designers would probably have it alot harder than if they were starting out in a fashion capital (such as new york, milan, paris...). the mindset of the society just isn't very keen on high fashion for one, much less venture into the experimentalism of it all (spending copious amounts on ugly expensive handbangs that scream the label is common - as a status symbol).
in a way, s'pore's local fashion scene is very much like that of other asian regions - even japan where alot of the major fashion cities draw their inspirations from - the general fashion stance is that of street cred or fashion as a status symbol.
with the exchange rate, geographical location and weather conditions, i guess the people there just don't find it a necessity to buy quality clothes over quantity.
and yes, andrew gn is singaporean. isn't he also an alumnus of parsons new york?
a few other designers i know of:
- baylene
- the man behind 'white line' and 'a line'. i think his name is andrew something. occasional design hits but mostly produces for the general public for functional wear. mass market's where the money's at.
- and our dear mrs christina ong owns most of the giorgio armani empire.
isn't FTV being launched in singapore?... once that kicks off, interest will definitely rise as the public will be receiving exposure. so fingers quadrupled cross for the birth of more fashion whores.
btw, bazaar singapore is an absolute joke if anyone thought vogue us was bad.
just my 2cents
