Mira Sianipar for Lisa Seah

Mira wears a Lisa Seah polyester jacket and matching skirt. Hat and boots, her own

Who’s Mira: Independent fashion publicist, consultant, stylist, and designer in her own right – she has her own eponymous millinery that’s an insider favourite for its sculptural hats, such as the one she sports here. The 26-year-old is also a producer and is currently working on a runway show for the Singapore Week of Innovation & Technology – a first-time event by the National Research Foundation happening next month.

What you need to know about Seah: One of our best-kept secrets, the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts alumnus has been dreaming up pretty, occasion-worthy origami-esque dresses and separates for private customers since graduating in 2015 (e-mail syxlisa@gmail.com for enquiries). Plans are underway to launch her eponymous label officially early next year.

Mira on Seah: “She effortlessly mixes elegance and experimentation, and likes to think of concepts that look simple, yet take a lot of time to plan and execute. Her clothes always look exciting, but are still wearable.”

Number of Seah’s designs that she owns:
“I have 10, including a top from her graduate collection that has exaggerated folds and was created using a beautiful traditional Canadian smocking technique.”

You’ll love Seah too…

“If you want to look like a lady with an edge.”

Hair & Makeup  Sha Shamsi, using Keune & Burberry

Charina Widjaja for Max Tan 

Widjaja wears a Max.Tan silk and linen-blend trench dress. Boots, stylist’s own

Who’s Widjaja: The managing director of Digital Fashion Week Creative, which promotes independent labels through runway shows, presentations and pop-up events throughout the region. (Read: If there’s anyone who knows and can spot Asia’s next fashion stars, it’s her.)

What you need to know about Max Tan: Eight years into the game and he remains one of our most well-loved with his experimental take on classic tailoring, contrasted with his unassuming demeanour. His latest collection is inspired by the clothes of ancient Egyptian idols.

Widjaja on Tan: “He plays with layers and fabrics in a smart and modern way. The result is never fussy or overwhelming. His silhouettes are edgy and not typically feminine, without looking severe.”

Number of Tan’s designs that she owns: “Over 20 – mostly jumpsuits, dresses and coats that I wear a lot to evening events.”

You’ll love Tan too…

“If you’re looking for something that would make people go ‘Who are you wearing?’.”

Hair & Makeup Benedict Choo, using Kevin.Murphy & Chanel

Belinda Salim for Wai Yang

Salim wears a Wai Yang cotton trenchcoat and matching pants, tulle hoodie and polyester turtleneck top. Leather boots, Chloe

Who’s Salim: Possibly one of the coolest petrochemical research analysts around with her penchant for discovering cult designers and independent labels. Wai is her latest find.

What you need to know about Yang: Before starting her namesake label a year ago, the Myanmar-born, Singapore-based designer interned for Giles Deacon and Faustine Steinmetz in London, then worked for DC Comics here. The experience shows in her elegant designs that combine spare, gender-neutral silhouettes with street influences and fun, clever twists like detachable plackets.

Salim on Yang: “She’s an innovator with a knack for androgynous cuts. I love her experimental take on fabrics, which are often unconventional.”

Number of Yang’s designs that she owns: “Twenty. My first was a cropped jumper with buttoned sleeves from F/ W ’17. I’ve also gotten her to customise plain tees for me.”

You’ll love Yang too… “If you like edgy clothes with little surprises.”

Photography Vee Chin Text & Styling Imran Jalal, assisted by Christabel Teo

Hair & Makeup Manisa Tan/Paletteinc, using Kevin.Murphy & Laneige

This story first appeared in Female’s August 2018 print issue.