Meet the region's leading fashion designers
Francis Cheong Seng Fai entered the fashion industry at the high-end of haute couture, creating evening dresses. Despite having no formal training, the Singaporean won the island state's Young Designer Award in 1978 and has picked up a series of other awards since. His clientele includes the Thai royal family.
How did you get started? I launched the Francis Cheong label in 1984 in Singapore when I opened my first boutique in Lucky Plaza. I have ready-to-wear samples in one size only. I alter each piece according to the individual customer. This way, I can be creative and have more personalised designs. Today, I have a 3,000sqft shop at the Orchard Hotel Shopping Centre where we have a collection of about 30 pieces. It's also a lifestyle store with a cafe and florist.
How did you learn fashion design? I taught myself design after I took a course in tailoring when I was in my teens. I think that designing is a gift - either you have it or you don't. However, learning proper techniques such as cutting and drafting is an added advantage.
Have you always wanted to be a designer? I wrote that I wanted to be a designer in my year book in 1976. I once juggled law and fashion design, and nearly went to university to study the former. But in the end, I realised fashion design is my calling.
How is your company set up? I'm the designer, business manager, fabric researcher and public relations person. I have a team of about 15 who produce my designs.
