Did You Know These Outfits Were Designed By A Singaporean?

Singaporean fashion designer Andrew Gn is no stranger to Hollywood and to the world. Lily Collins donned one of his designs on Emily in Paris. Lady Gaga was photographed in of his LBDs while strolling around Manhattan. Even Her Majesty Queen Rania Al-Abdullah of Jordan has worn one of his gowns. Maybe it’s time for Singaporeans – at least the everyday ones like you and me – to get to know him as well.

You can start by scrolling through his Instagram account, or better yet, you can check out his work at Andrew Gn: Fashioning Singapore and the World, an exhibition celebrating his career, at the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM).

IMAGE COURTESY OF ASIAN CIVILISATIONS MUSEUM

Mr. Kennie Ting, Director of the Asian Civilisations Museum and the Peranakan Museum, said that this is the first time the museum is showcasing a Singaporean fashion designer “at the top of his game.” 

“We believe it is important to champion our own, and to tell young Singaporeans that we can succeed internationally in the creative fields. Andrew’s design philosophy blends east and west, beauty and comfort, innovation and tradition; and speaks directly to ACM’s curatorial focus on the heritage of cosmopolitan, cross-cultural, port cities in Asia.”

Andrew Gn has generously made 160 pieces available for viewing, and boy, are they a feast for the eyes. Here are some of our favourites: 

IMAGE COURTESY OF ASIAN CIVILISATIONS MUSEUM, PHOTOGRAPHED BY LENNE CHAI

Gown with butterflies

This gown's design came from a Chinese porcelain bowl made during the Qing dynasty, which Andrew Gn inherited from his father. Fun fact: Kareena Kapoor wore this dress at the Times of India Awards in Dubai in 2016.

IMAGE COURTESY OF ASIAN CIVILISATIONS MUSEUM, PHOTOGRAPHED BY LENNE CHAI

Sleeveless mini dress, jacket with "pagoda shoulders" 

You might recognise this outfit from Emily in Paris, but what you might not know is that Andrew Gn paid tribute to his mother and Peranakan grandmother by inserting jewelled brooches called kerosang in the jacket.

IMAGE COURTESY OF ASIAN CIVILISATIONS MUSEUM, PHOTOGRAPHED BY LENNE CHAI

Coat with butterflies, dragonflies, and lotus pond

This coat references 20th-century batiks from the north coast of Java, as well as costumes from Khon, a Thai traditional dance. 

IMAGE COURTESY OF ASIAN CIVILISATIONS MUSEUM, PHOTOGRAPHED BY LENNE CHAI

Cheongsam with amaryllis flowers

This tropical take on the traditional Chinese dress we all know and love pays tribute to the 1960s-style cheongsams that Maggie Cheung wore in In the Mood for Love.

IMAGE COURTESY OF ASIAN CIVILISATIONS MUSEUM, PHOTOGRAPHED BY LENNE CHAI

Gown with landscapes and figures

A Coromandel lacquer screen that you can wear. What's not to love?

IMAGE COURTESY OF ASIAN CIVILISATIONS MUSEUM, PHOTOGRAPHED BY LENNE CHAI

Bustier gown with landscape and maple leaves

With its European silhouette, its Japanese-inspired print, and its French craftsmanship (this gown was woven in Lyon), this piece by Andrew Gn transcends cultures indeed.

IMAGE COURTESY OF ASIAN CIVILISATIONS MUSEUM, PHOTOGRAPHED BY LENNE CHAI

Kaftan with sun and stars

Another cross-cultural piece, this Asian tunic references Western medieval iconography and Byzantine art. 

IMAGE COURTESY OF ASIAN CIVILISATIONS MUSEUM, PHOTOGRAPHED BY LENNE CHAI

Shift dress with waterlilies

You've seen impressionist paintings. How about an impressionist mini dress? This shimmery piece, made of silk-polyester, embroidered glass beads, and sequins, pays homage to Claude Monet's Water Lilies. 

IMAGE COURTESY OF ASIAN CIVILISATIONS MUSEUM, PHOTOGRAPHED BY LENNE CHAI

Bustier gown with flowers

This French-inspired gown, also made in Lyon, is a subtle tribute to the 18th-century Rococo aesthetic

IMAGE COURTESY OF ASIAN CIVILISATIONS MUSEUM, PHOTOGRAPHED BY LENNE CHAI

See these gowns and more at Andrew Gn: Fashioning Singapore and the World, which runs from 27 May 2023 to 17 September 2023 at the ACM. For more information, visit ACM's website. 

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