Embrace The Power Of Fashion, Inclusivity And Sustainability With Our August 2021 Issue

I came, I saw, I conquered. Veni, vidi, vici. The power phrase uttered by Julius Caesar around 47 BC is now oft stamped as tattoos on men and women who have accomplished some feat in their lives—perhaps overcoming an illness or attaining a personal milestone. Splashed across our cover, the words personally commemorate the societal strides that I’ve seen a multi-racial Singapore make. Cover girls Noelle Woon, Diya Prabhakar and Nargis Musawwir are three of this nation’s hottest models right now. With a Nigerian-Chinese heritage (Noelle), an African-American and Pakistani background (Nargis), and Indian roots (Diya), the three Singaporeans are a reflection of this country’s diverse smorgasbord of cultures and ethnicities. And in a month when we are celebrating Singapore’s 56th year of independence, my hope is that we continue to strive for a greater sense of inclusivity. Noelle has appeared in countless editorials; Diya has fronted global campaigns for Prabal Gurung and walked for Alexander Wang; and Nargis has done Singapore proud by fronting Singapore Tourism Board campaigns. Each woman has such an interesting story to tell (read our interview with them at harpersbazaar.com.sg) and I’m so proud to be able to feature them in the season’s boldest fashion on page 108.

When we were planning for the Power issue this month, there were a lot of discussions as to what constitutes power today. And with so many climate and environmental issues affecting millions of people globally, we all agreed that the word should encompass the ability to effect change not only on the personal level but also on the national front. Thus, for our annual “The Power List”, we profiled eight amazing women who are more than doing their part to help move the needle forward to a more eco-conscious society. Read what these industry heavyweights and empowered self starters have to say on page 46 before turning to page 118 for some of the best sustainable fashion that doesn’t have to cost the earth.

Then, on a subject that has always been close to my heart, Jeffrey Yan speaks to some of this island’s future fashion talents—the cohorts graduating from Singapore’s top fashion schools—on what their plans
are down the line. Taking the cue from the Harper’s BAZAAR Asia NewGen Fashion Award, which has been the fashion industry’s frontrunner in discovering and nurturing fashion talent from the region, we ask the industry’s top players what they think of young fashion businesses here, and how they can survive and grow to become global brands. Turn to page 30 to read what they have to say and see the students’ work (our website offers a comprehensive selection of students for your viewing pleasure).

And finally, some respite for the much-battled soul and spirit can come in the form of the most pampering spa treatments. Our annual Spa Awards (page 94) presents the best that Singapore has to offer to make you feel and look like a million bucks. Zhuzh up your skin and body, and make this August a month that’s all about good vibes. You certainly deserve it.

—Kenneth Goh, Editor-in-Chief 

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Photographer: Gan Stylist: Windy Aulia Models: Diya Prabhakar/Looque Models; Nargis Musawwir/Mannequin; Noelle Woon/Mannequin Makeup: Manisa Tan Makeup artist’s assistant: Yang Ziwei Hair: Grego using Keune Photographer’s assistant: Samsidi Baderi Assistant stylist: Lauren Alexa Additional assistance: Nadia Lim