NANYANG ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS

1. COURTNEY LEE, 21

Inspired by the tragic “last girl standing”-type characters in classic ’70s and ’80s horror flicks, Lee has scattered this symbolism throughout her collection. That red hand-knit detail at the back of the quilted jacket? That represents disembowelment when Freddy Krueger catches up with you.

2. YAN QIANQIAN, 23

Yan is interested in how people have a tendency to “cover their untold story, while showing the most presentable side to others”, which is why her collection builds on utility, with reversible bomber jackets, hidden pockets and detachable panels. These multifunctional threads make it easy to transform into another persona.

3. BENZ TAN, 44,

Tan takes an unconventional approach to design – he drapes and drafts from inverted jackets and pants, resulting in asymmetrical, deconstructed styles. Nor does his ingenuity stop there: A dress gets added texture with the simple yet unexpected addition of an industrial material like duct tape.

4. LIM YURONG, 21

Lim is fascinated by traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, and it definitely shows in her designs. There’s a certain pared-down spareness to her neutral-toned collection that focuses on draping, elevating easy-to-wear dresses and separates with unexpected silhouettes and proportions.