A Safe Space

In recent years, some of the local fashion labels that have found the most popularity and commercial success might seem to share some things in common: designs that are minimalist and practical, and an emphasis on versatility and comfort. In fact, so consistently do these terms pop up across interviews with their founders that we can’t help but think: is this the emergence of a definitive singapore style? Rebecca Rachel Wong finds out from four names putting their own spin on the genre.

BESSIE YE, FOUNDER AND HEAD DESIGNER OF R Y E – Prior to starting the brand that just hit its fifth year in the business, the fashion design graduate from Temasek Polytechnic honed her craft at a string of successful local labels and retailers, as well as the Sydney-based Japanese designer Akira Isogawa. Her cool and modern eye, and expertise with cut and fabric choices have earned her a following among some of Singapore’s most trendsetting creatives.

ON HER AESTHETIC “Composed, simple, understated, timelessly elegant. I’ve always been attracted to Japanese and Scandinavian simplicity where less is more and one should buy less, but better. This philosophy is very rooted not just in r y e (she prefers to spell the brand’s name in lower case), but also in the way I think, live, eat and design... Often, people think that simple-looking pieces are easy to make, but they’re usually the most challenging.”

HER SIGNATURE ITEM “There are a few styles that have sustained demand over the years: our Modal muscle tee, flared Cupro pants, and ribbed knit tanks (she’s wearing the last two in the picture here). They’re what people can rely on whenever they face what I call ‘wardrobe decision fatigue’.”

ON WHAT SINGAPORE CONSUMERS WANT “Fuss-free pieces that have mileage and friendly price tags.”