100 PER CENT ASIAN
There was a strange sense of pride seeing homegrown model Layla Ong stride past on the catwalk at Gucci’s Cruise 2019 show in May. There we were in Arles in the South of France – in an ancient necropolis that was transformed into a flame-lit set so surreal and spectacular, it was like being in a Terry Gilliam movie – for the brand’s gothic-freaks-gone-rock-and-roll of a Resort collection.
“I think there were only two models from Asia and I was one of them,” Ong tells me, slightly bashfully, post-show. And there, I knew I had found our cover girl (pg 54) for an issue set to celebrate the creativity and fashion that’s been steadily – and increasingly – rising from the region, including Singapore.
Everywhere else in here, you’ll find more names who are helping to establish this part of the world as a progressive new cultural epicentre, many of whom are featured for the first time. Young designers who are sweeping global awards and attention for their unique blend of streetwear, intellectual dressing and technological savvy (pg 68). Women, like stylist Jamie Wu and former luxury retail specialist Manika Kwan, who are livening up our scene with their highly personal sense of style (pg 62). Even singer Narelle Kheng (pg 82), who’s coming into her own as a fashion plate after joining us at Paris Fashion Week in March.
This issue commemorates Asian style and creativity not because it’s National Day or that Crazy Rich Asians is hitting the big screens this month. It does so simply because the region is brimming with talent – and it won’t stop here. We hope you’ll enjoy this (nearly) 100 per cent Asian-centric Issue, created by the only – and proudly – 100-per-cent-originated-in-Singapore women’s fashion and beauty magazine.