If you’re into fashion and based in Singapore, you would definitely have heard of local wunderkind Max Tan and his eponymous label. His label is one of the most boundary-pushing among local designers, who tend to favour a more minimalist angle. As testament to his stature in the Singapore fashion scene, Max Tan features among the opening shows of the upcoming Singapore Fashion Week (26 – 30 October). Here, we spotlight 5 noteworthy reasons why we can’t wait to see his show:
#1: He’s breaking records left and right
Back in 2010, just three years after launching his label, Max Tan was the first-ever Asia-based label to be invited to showcase at the prestigious Modefabriek in Amsterdam.
#2: His branding is equally as outstanding
It’s not only Tan’s clothes that pushes boundaries – he is also known for his memorable ad campaigns. One of Tan’s biggest breakthrough moments came when highly influential fashion forecasting website Style Sight (now merged with WGSN to become the biggest trend forecaster in the fashion industry) chose his Spring 2010 ad campaign as one of the top 10 for the season.
Just to put this in perspective, Max Tan was up against giants such as Chanel and Gucci. Very remarkable indeed.
#3: He’s stocked all around the world
Aside from Singapore, Max Tan has stockists in 10 other territories such as Dubai, Kuwait, San Francisco, London and Ireland. He is particularly popular in the Scandinavian region – he’s also stocked in Sweden and Norway. His geometric silhouettes apparently resonate well with the Scandinavians.
#4: Tilda Swinton is his ultimate muse
If you thought Kristen Stewart is the poster girl for androgynous cool, think again: Tilda Swinton is our vote for the queen of all things androgyny. Well-known for her love of the achingly cool Haider Ackermann and for wearing little to no make-up to the 2008 Oscars, where Swinton collected her Best Supporting Actress award in a sleek Lanvin number and little else in terms of accoutrements. Another unconventional rule-breaker in a league of her own, it’s small wonder that the lithe Doctor Strange actress is Max Tan’s muse.
#5: His label is set to grow further
Aside from opening Singapore Fashion Week 2016, Tan is also one of only three local designers (the other two being Danelle Woo of Aijek and Elyn Wong of Stolen) selected for 2016’s Fashion Futures 2.0, a business development program dedicated to equipping local talents with business skills necessary on an international scale.
It’s a highly prestigious program, the result of a partnership between Singapore Fashion Week and the pre-eminent Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), which is chaired by the likes of Diane Von Furstenberg and Michael Kors.
The MAX.TAN: Presented by Microsoft Surface show takes place next Wednesday, 26 October, 9.30 pm at the National Gallery. Buy tickets here
Like this? Check out 4 things you need to know about the newly revamped Singapore Fashion Week, why you should buy this book on the history of Singapore fashion by top industry insiders and why the Asian fashion scene is heating up right now.
