A CLASS ABOVE

An embodiment of individuality and self-expression, Roshan Valiram reminds us that style is something that can’t be bought, only finessed with time

- Elizabeth Soong

We are inside Roshan Valiram’s walk-in wardrobe in her residence at the St Regis, selecting clothes for her Asia’s Most Stylish photo shoot. “Sorry, my wardrobe here is sparse—it’s just occasion wear. My main wardrobe is [in Singapore],” she explains apologetically. She pulls out several outfits to show them off—a pink Brian Khoo jumpsuit with sequinned cut-outs on the side, a cropped Patty Ang top with a wide, encompassing bow edged with pearls—but stops as she excitedly unzips a garment bag to reveal a gorgeous black and white creation decorated with an elaborate three-dimensional rose fold. “I wore this gown for a friend’s anniversary party in Oman; it’s by a Filipino designer named Mark Bumgarner. I have to wear this!”

While her vibe is a mixture of interesting statement pieces that can be paired with fast-fashion items, there’s nothing basic about Valiram’s aesthetic leanings. Her focus is always on the detail and effort that go into the garment, with emphasis on being “unique”—a word that she brings up several times throughout our conversation. Always impeccably chic whether she’s on the go or out on the town gracing brand events or glittering soirées, she says that while “I dress according to my mood, there are certain aspects that remain constant such as a uniqueness in the pieces I wear.”