Six designers have been chosen to take part in Fashion Futures 1.0, a “mentoring and development programme” aimed at nurturing the best Singaporean talents (see gallery above). Now into its third edition, Fashion Futures has also introduced new categories — menswear and accessory design — so that no stones are left unturned in the search. In line with its continuous efforts to work with new talents and give them a valuable platform to showcase their works, Harper’s BAZAAR Singapore also took part in the selection process. Kenneth Goh, Editor-in-Chief of Harper’s BAZAAR Singapore, will act as mentor to the designers.

“The new components of Fashion Futures 1.0 are a significant step towards providing a more
inclusive and holistic support system for Singapore’s emerging design talent. We hope to
always have in place a relevant and nurturing ecosystem for a diversity of Singapore
designers, and to be the platform where talents can gain easy access to the experience and
skills necessary to take them onto the global stage,” explained Ms Tjin Lee, Chairman of
Singapore Fashion Week.

There’s a lot at stake, too. Besides opening a multi-label show during October’s Singapore Fashion Week, the most promising designer from Fashion Futures 1.0 will be chosen to participate in Fashion Futures 2.0, where he or she will go on a coveted CFDA Immersion trip to New York. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the designer to be exposed to the inner workings of the American fashion industry, from discussions with e-commerce partners to visiting manufacturing facilities.

By Gerald Tan