Arts Thread

The detachment between fashion and sustainability is a bridge our future is in the process of building. ZER0 is a piece to that puzzle — to re-angle our take on sustainability as something distant and unachievable, by starting with things we care for and love the most. ZER0 is my piece to re-enforce timeless and sustainable fashion, to mark my hope for my passion here — fashion that is reimagined, deconstructed and patched. Even from the ZER0 of fashion — a singular naked piece of fabric.

Singapore’s HDB buildings serve as the inspiration for my collection, representing both progress and unity. Once clusters and squatters, they have evolved into foundational spaces where dreams and aspirations take root. Yet, despite modernization, the *kampong* spirit remains—woven into shared corridors, communal spaces, and the relationships we build with our multi-racial neighbors. HDBs have not only provided essential housing but have become a pillar of national identity, fostering understanding and communication across ethnic groups. This project explores how these spaces shape our collective experience, reflecting the harmony and interconnectivity that define Singapore.

My exploration with zero-waste draping focuses on creating forms that emerge organically from the fabric itself, without excessive cutting or waste. By working with a single piece of material, I manipulate and shape it through gathering, pleating, and folding to create structure and fluidity. The process emphasizes a seamless connection between fabric and form, where each fold and curve is a deliberate response to the material's natural behavior. This approach challenges traditional design methods and celebrates the beauty of simplicity, encouraging a more sustainable and intuitive way of creating garments.

One Seam Gown explores volume and structure through minimal construction. The gown features a bustier and a seamlessly draped skirt, achieved using the pillowcase technique. A central slit determines the fabric’s flow and fullness, allowing for organic shaping. Herringbone stitching provides a refined finish, keeping visible stitches to a minimum. This project challenges traditional gown-making by embracing simplicity, fluidity, and waste-conscious design.

Metamorphosis is a collection inspired by the fragile and inevitable transformation of change, drawing parallels to the stages of a butterfly's evolution. Designed for the unique experience of working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, the collection reflects the uncertainty, vulnerability, and adaptability we faced during this time. It captures the journey of survival, struggle, and personal growth while navigating a new reality. Inspired by the evolving forms of nature, the collection symbolizes the resilience, unpredictability, and beauty that emerged from this period of transformation, offering a wearable expression of change and renewal in an ever-shifting world.

The "52-Hertz" collection draws inspiration from the world’s loneliest whale, whose call is unheard and misunderstood by others. His story reflects the deep isolation felt when surrounded by people but still profoundly alone. The deep blue of the dress evokes the sadness and calm of the ocean, capturing this quiet loneliness. "Nobody wants to die alone; that is our biggest fear." This truth lies at the heart of the collection, embodying humanity's fear of isolation in a world where true connection can feel distant and unfulfilled—an exploration of our most vulnerable emotions.