Homegrown fashion label Youths In Balaclava (YIB) has been putting its idiosyncratic stamp on product design through its collaborations as early as 2018. Through the years, it has teamed up with the likes of filmmaker Royston Tan (for a streetwear capsule) and Dover Street Market Singapore (they produced a photo documentary book). Its latest co-branded project sees the label bringing that distinctive subversive spirit to watch brand G-Shock – in particular, the DW-5600 digital model, which is available now at all Casio outlets for $179 a pop.
The equally non-conformist guests who attended the launch party – held at art and fashion space Lithium a few weeks ago – got a first-hand look at the design which features a black rubber strap emblazoned with YIB’s signature floral motif and a dial surrounded by a turquoise-coloured floral motif that is inspired by the gemstone synonymous with traditional Navajo jewellery. Ahead, we show you more snaps from the night.
Who: Pearlsi Tan, student
What she is wearing: Thrifted top, bandana, bag and cowboy boots; cargo pants from @summershit_; The Polska Traveller necklace; and Diesel belt
Why she thrifts: “I believe in a second life for clothes. In Singapore, I think Lucky Plaza is not bad for thrift shopping – I’ve found leather jackets for $5.”
Who: Diyana Kadir, freelance writer
What she is wearing: HeiHei jacket; I.Am.Gia corset; dress from Depop; Ralph Lauren skirt; & Other Stories headband; necklaces from Etsy and First Arrows; a mix of jewellery that she handmade, gifted by her mum or bought from Blackup Korea or Hysteric Glamour; thrifted Coach tote bag from Carousell; and Unif shoes
Whose closet she would steal: “Lady Gaga’s. She and I are the exact same height and proportions.”
Who: Erwinshah Hastings, photographer, graphic designer and model
What he is wearing: Cardigan and belt bought in Paris; top gifted by his friend; thrifted Pomelo pants; hat borrowed from his brother; jewellery from Taobao; vintage Gucci bag; and Charles & Keith boots
If he were to start his own brand one day, he would name it… “Hastings. I don’t think I’ll be selling anything related to fashion. Still trying to figure out what I’m going to sell.”
Who: Lisa van Duren, model
What she is wearing: Thrifted Diesel jumpsuit; thrifted shoulder bag and jewellery; and Mango shoes
How long it usually takes her to get ready: “10 minutes – because I don’t usually wear makeup. This is the first time I’ve worn makeup in months.”
Who: Myo Thet Hnin, sales specialist
What she is wearing: Jaded London knit top; thrifted jeans from Shibuigarm; bag and shoes from Asos; Blackmeans necklace; and The Polska Traveller ring
What she would never wear: “Dresses and skirts. I wore them up until I was 12 years old. My mum used to dress me up in super feminine clothes, so I think I just went to the opposite end (of the spectrum).”
Who: Kasyfil Khaliq, perfumery and cosmetic sciences student
What he is wearing: Knit top from Taobao that he DIY-ed; thrifted jeans; belt from his dad; gifted Vivienne Westwood necklace; jewellery that is handed down from his parents or gifted; and Doc Martens boots from Carousell
His thoughts on his style: “I’m always changing up my style because I don’t believe I fit into one single binary.”
Who: Juana Ku, student
What she is wearing: Denim jacket and top borrowed from her mum; tube top from Not Your XXX; Mulberry pants; Acne Studios bag; and thrifted vintage boots
Where she gets her clothes from: “I take a lot of my mum’s and my sister’s clothes because we have similar styles. My favourite item from my mum’s closet is a velvet slip dress with lace details.”