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Looi En Qi: Bridging Cultures Through Fashion Design

Looi En Qi merges Impressionism with cultural heritage.

Looi En Qi, a talented graduate from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, is part of Singapore’s 2021 graduating class of fashion designers. Her collection, titled Impression, draws inspiration from the Impressionist art movement of the 19th century and the distinctive Nanyang style of Singapore. With a focus on cultural representation, Looi’s designs beautifully blur the lines between East and West, tradition and modernity.

Inspiration Behind the Collection

Looi’s fascination with Impressionism, particularly the works of Claude Monet, has profoundly influenced her design philosophy. She appreciates how this movement revolutionized artists’ perceptions of subject matter and technique. Discovering local artists like Chen Wen Hsi and Tan Choh Tee, who integrated Western techniques while showcasing local themes, further inspired her direction. Her goal with Impression was to highlight elements of Singaporean culture through fashion, creating a dialogue between traditional and contemporary aesthetics.

Translating Multiculturalism into Fashion

A key piece of Looi’s collection is a deconstructed top inspired by the traditional Chinese qipao, reimagined with modern elements. The seams are tied together with ribbons, echoing the flexibility and adaptability of traditional garments. This approach is influenced by the sari, where a single piece of fabric wraps securely around the body, contrasting sharply with the modern garment construction typically involving buttons and zippers. This design choice celebrates Singapore’s rich multicultural background and showcases the diversity of traditional clothing.

Awards and Achievements

Looi En Qi’s dedication to her craft has earned her recognition, including multiple Dean’s List Awards during her studies at NAFA. Her commitment to excellence is evident in her participation in various projects and exhibitions, where she has honed her skills in fashion design and styling.

Notable Achievements:

  • Dean’s List Award: AY2018/19 Semester 1
  • Dean’s List Award: AY2019/20 Semester 1 and 2

Event Participation and Contributions

Looi has actively contributed to the arts scene in Singapore, participating in collaborative events such as the NAFA x LTA initiative, where she served as a stylist and was nominated as one of ten participating students. Her work as an assistant costume designer in notable productions showcases her versatility and talent in the field.

Notable Productions:

  • Tanah Air – by Drama Box, directed by Kok Heng Luen
  • Infinite Island – by Singapore Chinese Orchestra, directed by Goh Boon Teck
  • A Fiend’s Diary – by The Finger Players, directed by Oliver Chong

Conclusion

Looi En Qi is a promising designer who uses fashion as a medium to express cultural narratives and explore the intersection of tradition and modernity. Her collection Impression reflects her artistic vision, making her a notable figure in Singapore’s fashion landscape.

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