Jon Max Goh was named the winner of Singapore Stories 2021 during a ceremony held by the Textile and Fashion Federation (TaFF) at the Innovation Studio in Design Orchard on October 29, 2021.
In addition to the coveted title and a cash prize of S$2,000, Jon Max Goh will represent Singapore at Paris Fashion Week 2022 where he will earn a spotlight in the global fashion scene.
He will also have the opportunity to showcase his work in the contemporary gallery of Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) alongside renowned designers as well as a retail collaboration with Design Orchard and OneOrchard.Store.
Jon Max Goh’s namesake label, JONMAXGOH, straddles the realms of visual art and fashion design. His collection, State of Becoming, converges technology and the Singapore identity with the use of soft textures and fluid fabrics.
The annual fashion design competition invites designers to challenge their artistry by creating a Singapore-inspired thematic capsule collection and is supported by Sing Lun and MTM Labo.
Upon accepting the title, Jon was elated and exclaimed: “I am immensely thankful and really proud of the collection that I was able to present.” When reflecting on his work, Jon stated, “When I first saw the six looks on the models, it was really overwhelming. It blew my mind and surpassed my own expectations of how I envisioned this collection to be.”
Nikasha Khemka’s namesake label, Nika, revels in handcrafted ornamentation, and her collection, Wanderlust, beautifully captures traditional Indian techniques.
With Senior Minister of State Ms Sim Ann as the guest-of-honour, the event showcased capsule collections from the five finalists in a digital runway and featured exclusive behind-the-scenes footage as well as interviews with the designers.
This year’s theme “Fashion and Technology: A New Era” encouraged designers to express their creativity in a collection that leveraged innovation and technology.
The runner up prizes of S$2,000 and a retail opportunity with Design Orchard and OneOrchard.Store were awarded to Nikasha Khemka and Yan Ng.
Co-founder of Lily & Lou, Yan Ng’s eclectic, colourful and contemporary collection, The Picnic, is inspired by color trends of the 70s and brings together a vibrant melange of prints.
Mr Wilson Teo, President of TaFF, said: “Singapore Stories is one of Singapore’s premier fashion design competitions. TaFF has taken a lead in shaping the fashion design landscape in Singapore. The objective is that in time to come, there is an evolution of Singapore’s fashion identity and that through this platform, we can further embrace and understand Asian culture and craft.”
Mr Kennie Ting, Director of the Asian Civilisation Museum and Peranakan Museum, said: “2021 saw us partnering TaFF for the second time on Singapore Stories. It has been a delightful journey – ACM is overjoyed to be part of all the finalists’ design and creative process, and we heartily congratulate the winner! Hurrah!”
Founder of A.Oei Studio, Angeline Oei’s collection, Deep Sea Diving, reflects original patterns and prints inspired from the coral motifs encrusted on Tang dynasty artefacts at the Asian Civilisations Museum.
The designers featured in the finale are from a diverse range of brands, each with their own individualistic expression:
The panel of judges making the tough decisions were Circe Henestrosa (Head, School of Fashion, LASALLE College of the Arts), Kennie Ting (Director, Asian Civilisations Museum), Karishma Tulsidas (Editor in Chief, Tatler Asia), Khaled Khoualfi (Fashion Divison Asia.Europe) and Semun Ho (CEO, Textile and Fashion Federation).
With this competition, TaFF has shown once again its commitment and mission to support designers and upcoming talents in their efforts to continue to grow the vibrant fashion industry in Singapore and position themselves on a regional scale.
“When we first submitted our designs, it was representative of what our brand is today,” said Yan Ng. “Since then, my designs have developed and become more mature and interesting. The Singapore Stories collection represents what Lily & Lou will become. The competition has helped me grow as a designer.”
Nantana Boonchuayseng, founder of YNG3, draws inspiration from the movement of flora and fauna, and her collection, Sunset in Sungei Buloh, exhibits intricate craftsmanship.
Singapore Stories is a platform that shines a spotlight on locally-based designers, elevating, and challenging them, while encouraging larger communities to celebrate and support them as the next wave of fashion talents.
Kelly Keak, Managing Director of MTM Labo, said: “As a partner of Singapore Stories, we are thrilled to support an initiative that celebrates local emerging talent. These designers represent a very exciting future for the fashion industry in Singapore and we look forward to seeing what they do next.”
