The Philippines-born, Singapore-based fashion designer and artist Josh Tirados made a real splash when he staged the debut show for his label Tirados in a Geylang shophouse in May 2023. The event struck a chord with showgoers and industry insiders not only because of what went down the runway - a concise, well-made collection of gender-neutral workwear staples with an organic edge - but also for its polish. Much of this would not have been possible if not for An Asylum, the independent fashion and art label started by Singapore multidisciplinary artist Becky Ng, 28, and product designer-slash-creative director Jaren Neo, 33, which sunk a cool five-figure sum to fund it. Yep, you read right.
Launched in 2019, An Asylum has garnered a cult following for its shamanistic-like clothes and accessories that are entirely handmade and allude to traditional Japanese crafts such as boro the art of patchwork despite keeping a low profile. Its first collection, Sage, was revealed only at the 2021 edition of Singapore Art Week through an installation-like showcase at the Stamford Arts Centre. That same year, Neo and Ng established An Asylum's in-house residency programme out of an altruistic desire to support others in the local creative community, having experienced first-hand the challenges emerging designers and businesses face.
This story is from the August 2024 edition of Female Singapore.
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This story is from the August 2024 edition of Female Singapore.
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