FashionCONNECTS Brings Together Singaporean and Asian Creatives in a Two-Week Long Celebration of Conscious and Inclusive Asian Fashion

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Engage in meaningful conversations and join the series of exciting and socially conscious fashion showcases that promote eco-conscious and cruelty-free fashion.

Singapore’s first fully digital fashion festival, TheFrontRowSG, finally launched FashionCONNECTS 2022 – a two-week-long event that seeks to establish a platform for young designers and creatives with a wide array of viewpoints. Running from November 12 to 27 at various locations across the island city-state, a set of activities is geared towards bringing together Singaporeans and Asian creatives for collaborative activations that are focused on sustainability, eco-consciousness, and inclusivity.

Supported by the Singapore Tourism Board and fronted by the distinguished creative director, Daniel Boey, FashionCONNECTS hopes to democratize fashion and promote cruelty-free fashion that is accessible to everyone. As per Boey, “I’m so excited to introduce the first edition of FashionCONNECTS. Aside from being a celebration of Singapore’s fashion scene past, present, and future, we also hope to use FashionCONNECTS as a platform to talk about several important issues that also happen to be close to my heart. The various programs seek to support and promote local creatives, push for inclusivity and diversity in the fashion industry, and to advocate for rescue dogs. I hope that FashionCONNECTS can help to further these important conversations, while also providing an exciting series of fun events for all.”

As Ms. Guo Teyi, Director, Retail, and Dining, Singapore Tourism Board, puts it, “Events such as FashionCONNECTS 2022 are important platforms for local designers to showcase their creations and explore emerging trends such as sustainability, the metaverse, and inclusive wear. Apart from profiling Singapore and our brands to the world, FashionConnects 2022 also enriches our stable of authentic, differentiated, and meaningful experiences for both locals and tourists to enjoy.”

Here’s What to Expect in the Two-Week Long Program of FashionCONNECTS

Surely, this year’s FashionCONNECTS is something that you should not miss. Here are some of the highlights of the two-week event:

1. Retail Pop-Up (November 16)

Featuring some of Singapore and Asia’s best designers, the retail pop-up at Design Orchard showcases their creations that are sustainable and cruelty-free. Brands on display include JUDE, the namesake fashion label of Melbourne-based Singapore designer Jude Ng, who primarily focuses on relaxed, gender-neutral tailoring using natural fibers and traditional techniques. There’s also Coterie by Celest Thoi, a casual-chic line by the eponymous designer that reimagines luxurious white cotton into gorgeous, multi-functional everyday wear. IKV also graces the pop-up with their one-of-a-kind streetwear pieces out of repurposed and upcycled materials.

2. Furry Tales by Leia and Rescue Dog Runway Show (November 19)

Dog lover? Well, this one’s for you! Furry Tales by Leia is a series of children’s stories inspired by rescue dogs, written by Daniel Boey himself for his beloved adopted rescue dogs. Taking on the spotlight for the day is a rescue dog runway show, where rescue dogs from various animal welfare groups, alongside children and their dog-loving families, get a chance to head down a runway as they model the selected pieces from The Animal Project.

After the show, there will be a fireside chat and book reading from the eponymous book itself. Dog owners can also look forward to a styling workshop—featuring the adorable doggie-and-owner twin sets—and special pop-ups from a creative design agency, Black Mongrels, and a custom small-batch crafts store, The Eccentric Elephant. For this special occasion, Design Orchard will welcome into the store all dogs that are carried in a dog bag or a pram.

3. Silver Generation Runway Show (November 19)

Inching forward the idea that fashion is not just the realm of the younger generation, this gorgeous showcase hosted by the beloved veteran, DJ Brian Richmond, will feature iconic Singaporean models from the 1970s and 80s, like Paris-based model, Pat Kraal. Set against the backdrop of the classic hits from the era, the show is FashionCONNECTS way of promoting inclusivity in the field.

4. FashionCOMMUNE Bespoke Experience (November 17)

Another event to look forward to is the salient conversations about career opportunities and fine dressing among men in Singapore. Timely with career strategists Career Agility International and bespoke tailor, Q Menswear, fashionCOMMUNE promises an insightful evening of conversation and a sartorial menswear trunk show, which is led by veteran tailors from Q Menswear, held in the comfortable grounds of a luxury homegrown furniture store, Commune.

5. FashionCONNECTS Museum*Takeover (November 23)

To culminate all these activities, on the evening of November 23, the iconic National Museum of Singapore will undergo a dramatic transformation and will be converted into a live runway. This event will duly highlight the incredibly inclusive slate of designers and models, including plus-sized and gender-fluid models. Along with them, the next generation of Singapore fashion talents—co-curated with MIRL, a decentralized fashion brand for the Metaverse—will also present some of their best work, together with interactive installations and panel discussions on the future of fashion in the Metaverse.

Totally interesting, right? Don’t miss this opportunity and take part in FashionCONNECTS 2022 here!