Clothes You Can't Label

Justin Chua's vision of fashion's future manifests in his debut collection, which retails in Design Orchard this month.

- Shermin Ng

WHEN FASHION MEETS FUNCTION

Layer and style each piece with confidence and ease. Play around with the two‑way zippers for a cheeky flash of skin while keeping things modern, chic and ultimately comfy

Justin Chua has had little time to bask in the glory of clinching the top prize at Harper’s BAZAAR Asia NewGen Fashion Award last November. Shortly after his win, Chua got busy developing his graduation project, POLYMORPHISM, into a full collection and worked towards launching his own label, CONCEPT: 20559—all while juggling the demands of a full‑time job as a fashion design assistant at a local label.

It was the 26‑year‑old’s clear vision, aesthetic sensibility and commitment to craft that ultimately won the competition’s judges over. He impressed with a two‑piece nylon and taffeta ensemble with transformative aspects: A zippered dress that can be converted into a top and a skirt, and a cropped jacket that can be turned into a bag. The LASALLE College of the Arts alum took home a $10,000 cash prize and a scholarship for a masters degree at Istituto Marangoni.

Here, the budding designer discusses this new way of dressing and his debut collection, priced from $260 to $490, that will be exclusively retailed in Design Orchard and on Oneorchard.store from 8 June.

How did your label name, CONCEPT: 20559, come about?