Singapore’s most iconic is captured in a capsule collection called Singapore Swing by Hong Kong’s fashion label renowned for modern Oriental sophistication.
Yi-ming, an eponymous fashion label by the former top model in Hong Kong, sets to launch its Singapore- inspired capsule collection exclusively at SocietyA in Ngee Ann City.
Ushering in the Lunar New Year, Yi-ming, an eponymous fashion label by the former top model in Hong Kong, sets to launch its Singapore-inspired capsule collection exclusively at SocietyA in Ngee Ann City.
Designed by its Creative Director and Founder, Grace Choi Yi-ming, the collection aims to include younger customers in Singapore from age 25 onwards, who have a keen interest in the arts, and an eye for quality.
Yi-ming, the collection aims to include younger customers in Singapore from age 25 onwards, who have a keen interest in the arts, and an eye for quality.
Singapore Swing Collection
Named Singapore Swing, the capsule collection of chic cheongsam, and charming mix and match separate stand out with iconic Singapore elements in its prints while keeping its signature East-meets-West style with Oriental details.
Having lived in Singapore for a few years, Choi was inspired by all that she misses in the city-state for this collection, especially during this pandemic when it has been a challenge to travel.
Yi-ming’s philosophy lies in making outfits that incorporate the artistic and cultural identity of the Orient wearable every day, as shown in her signature collection featuring famous prints of mahjong tiles and neon streetlights to showcase Hong Kong. With an even greater amalgamation of cultural influences in Singapore, Choi wants to create something to commemorate her favourite memories here.
“Singapore is a diverse and progressive city. It has a unique infusion of many cultures, even more so than in Hong Kong. It is also a very modern city with a strong East- meets-West feel, which is the foundation of many of our designs here,” says Choi.
All the prints from the Singapore Swing collection are inspired by Singapore’s iconic architecture and food culture. Purpose-designed in-house, Singapore Swing features motifs of landmarks like the Marina Bay Sands, Merlion, Old Hill Street Police Station, Gardens by the Bay, and Singapore hawker food.
The Singapore Swing collection looks to pay homage to the unique designs that define the lion city. Rather than fancy lace or sequins with longer styles, Singapore Swing is tailored to focus more on a smart look for both formal and informal occasions, as well as mix and match separates befitting the local style and tropical climate. The highlight will be on fabrics used (some without linings) and the specially designed motifs inspired by Singapore’s icons.
The collection line was conceived over six months prior to this launch, going through a painstaking process of refinement and tailoring to the sophisticated yet casual chic penchant of Singaporeans.
Beginnings
Choi, who views historical styles from new and different angles, discovered while searching for cheongsams in the market, choices were limited and often geared to a more mature market. The discovery inspired her to add a contemporary feel to the traditional and open the market to a more diverse audience by offering cheongsams that are individualistic and chic.
“My philosophy is simple – you can never win if you never begin. So we should always be brave and put ourselves out there for challenges. I hope Yi-ming will continue to grow in Singapore as we introduce our beautiful Oriental culture to an international audience.”
“We are very excited to launch our first collection for the city-state, Singapore Swing. I believe this is just the beginning for Yi-ming in Singapore!”
Just in time for the Lunar New Year, the capsule collection will also be complemented by a few iconic Yi-ming designs, especially those for mother-child twinning. A collaboration with The Walt Disney Company to create a collection of Mickey cheongsam, which includes both womenswear and kidswear, as well as a polka dot collection inspired by Bambi, will both be available at SocietyA for this period too.
The Singapore Swing Collection is available from now till 28 February 2022 at SocietyA in Ngee Ann City, Yue Hwa Building (Chinatown) and its online store
About Yi-ming
Created in 2011, Yi-ming is a Hong Kong-based fashion brand that focuses on introducing modernised Oriental fashion culture to the new generation. The brand seeks to reintroduce the classic Chinese cheongsam to a modern era.
The brand name, Yi-ming, was derived from the Mandarin name of its founder and creative director, Grace Choi. The choice to name Yi-ming in its Mandarin pinyin expresses the brand’s fascination for Oriental fashion and culture – its vision is to create a modern, chic interpretation of East-meets-West womenswear.
Yi-ming’s debut collection in 2012 met with encouraging response and was warmly received by media and the public. In 2014, Choi represented the brand to receive the “40 under 40” outstanding fashion designer award by Perspective Magazine.
About Grace Choi
Born in Shanghai, and raised in Hong Kong, Grace Choi is the founder and creative director of Yi-ming. An entrepreneur, designer, wife, mother and model, Choi is the engine behind Yi-ming.
Choi discovered her passion for fashion at an early age, going on to study fashion design and business in Hong Kong and Australia. She entered the fashion industry as a model and graced the runway of numerous international brands including Vivienne Westwood, DVF, Vera Wang, Fendi, Hermès, Oscar De Le Renta, Cartier, Peter Som and many more.
Outside of fashion, Choi actively advocates for gender equality. She supports women’s groups, and for different women in the business community to learn from one another, enabling women to juggle career and family. She wants to lead by example as a working wife and mother of two energetic young children. A nature enthusiast, Choi is an avid traveller and keeps fit by hiking in the great outdoors.
Yi-ming Locations
Singapore Swing (From now till 28 February 2022)
SocietyA
Address: SocietyA, 391 Orchard Rd, #03-14A, Ngee Ann City, Singapore 238872
Tel: (65) 6331 4848
Operating hours: Daily. 10.00am – 8.00pm
Online: www.society-a.com
Yue Hwa
Address: Level 2, Yue Hwa Building, 70 Eu Tong Sen Street, Singapore 059805
Tel: (65) 6538 4222
Operating Hours: Sunday to Friday: 11am – 9pm | Saturday: 11am – 10pm
Prices:
Cheongsam/dress: S$420 – S$550
Tops: S$180 – S$290
Bottoms: $240 – $340
Tee: S$100
Kids (sizes 2, 4, and 6): S$130 – S$179
Hong Kong
Address: Yi-ming, 50A, Tung Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Online:www.Yi-ming.asia
Email:info@Yi-ming.asia
Instagram:@yimingoriental
Facebook:YimingOriental
Youtube: www.youtube.com/yimingorientalcheongsam
Weibo: weibo.com/u/3402455504
Wechat:yiming_oriental
Tiktok:yimingoriental