The allure of couture

Little is known about the couture scene in Singapore.

We highlight three designers with more than 70 years of experience between them.

FRANCIS CHEONG

He has charmed and won the hearts of fashion watchers and fans, collection after collection, for over 30 years.

With inventive designs, exquisite details and meticulous craftsmanship, each of his dresses bears the hallmarks of a haute couture creation.

Not surprising then that his shimmery creations have appeared on red carpets all over the world, from Hong Kong to the Middle East to London.

Every couture dress Cheong designs is a personal tribute to a beautiful woman.

FREDERICK LEE

His couture fashion-as-performance art theatricality has made him a much sought after designer.

His designs often act as windows into the future. His innovative use of non-traditional materials and extraordinary, often challenging, ideas push the envelope on fashion design as we know it today.

Mr Lee's exuberant couture designs have become synonymous with the relentless pursuit of beauty that makes him the enfant terrible in the industry.

PATRICK CHAN

Patrick Chan has been making fabulous dresses under his bridal label since 1988.

The Wedding Present is one of the most respected labels in Singapore.

Season after season, this effervescent designer creates designs using innovative tailoring techniques and varied hand-sewn embellishments.

A gown from Mr Chan is never static and always beautiful.

PHOTOGRAPHER: JET & SETO; PHOTO ASSISTANT: NICHOLAS FONG STYLIST: KOVIT ANG; STYLING ASSISTANT: JOE RAHIM MEN'S SUITS: ETRO; MEN'S SHOES: TOD'S SILVER HEELS: ROGER VIVER HAIR & MAKE-UP: JOANNE ONG USING COLOURS FROM GUERLAIN AND BURBERRY BEAUTY MODELS: EGLE K & WARREN G (DIVA) & RAYNER L (NOW)

Special thanks to National Gallery Singapore for its kind assistance and the use of location.

Don't miss Reframing Modernism, the National Gallery Singapore's first international special exhibition co-curated with Centre Pompidou, Paris. From March 31 to July 17. Get your tickets at tickets.nationalgallery.sg