The Inspiration

The fashion designer embraces art in all its forms for a beautiful, creative month. By Sharmita Summugam.

. . . GET INSPIRED? Take inspiration from a work of art or a place you’ve visited. Open a dialogue with people around you about the tangible and beautiful; let creativity come together organically.

. . . GO FULL CIRCLE? I recently returned to Singapore to show my Autumn/Winter ’14 collection at the Audi Fashion Festival. It felt like a homecoming. I was born in Singapore and my journey has taken me to many places around the world: Australia, London, New York. But Singapore is where I started out. It was truly humbling and an extremely exciting experience.

. . . EMBODY THE NOTION “FEMININITY WITH A BITE” ? Be a woman who exudes intelligent strength, elegance, and grace – the Prabal Gurung woman.

. . . DREAM BIG, THINK BIG? Dream the impossible and make it happen. If I weren’t a fashion designer, I’d be president of the United States!

. . . DIP INTO THE ARTS? Both personally, and as a designer, I am very interested in art. My latest collection was inspired by the work of artist Cecily Brown. I look to embody the freedom of expression so well captured in her work. . . . CELEBRATE HERITAGE? It is important to constantly reflect on your cultural journey. My latest collection was largely inspired by the various colours and textures of the Himalayas and the Mustang region in Nepal. . . . STRIP IT ALL OFF? Become a blank canvas and focus on expressing yourself through a paintbrush, words or pictures. . . . EVOLVE WITH THE SEASONS? Welcome every day as a great new challenge and believe that the constant need to improve and develop is a fundamental part of being a designer, a person. . . . MERGE FASHION AND ART? The interaction between fashion and art has definite cultural significance. When the two come together, it allows for a more diverse and exciting creative direction. . . . MEDITATE IN THE BIG APPLE? In New York, it’s easy to lose focus. The city is constantly bustling, evolving, and creating. Quiet, meditative moments allow me to reflect. I draw from my surroundings, from this incredible city.