“I am deeply honoured to have participated in the competition. I’m grateful for the opportunity to showcase my collection, and I’m glad I won the competition,” reflects Jiang. The entire collection, which consisted of six outfits, combines western tailoring with Japanese pattern-making inspired by traditional Kabuki dyes. The win marked the culmination of six months of sketching, construction, and production.

Though Jiang has been in regular contact with the Men’s Folio team since June 2019, it is this writer’s first meeting with the designer. His impression of Jiang – shy and reserved, but he is fully in his element as he dresses Ng for the photoshoot. His eye for detail is apparent from using fabrics of different textures and weights in his outfits. “I specialise in menswear; I pay attention to the silhouettes, pattern-making and try to incorporate interesting details into my garment designs.”

—

Yong Joon J. Faux fur, wool and denim trenchcoat, polyester and corduroy T-shirt, denim pants.

—
Design Days
Jiang’s journey as a designer began with his enrolment in Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, and he had a stint at the University of East London after. “It was tough for me at the start because I barely knew the basics of sewing,” recalls Jeremy. “It took me years of practice and mentoring. However, I believe that practice is more important than talent. Talent alone is not enough to attain your dreams – you need both practice and hard work to succeed.”

Being a fashion designer in Singapore is no easy feat as the local fashion scene dwarves in comparison to fellow Asian countries such as Korea and Japan. “Singaporeans’ dressing is generally dictated by the weather, and we tend to be more conservative about fashion. However, the scene is changing with greater freedom of expression and acceptance in Singapore. There is a lot more that fashion designers can contribute to the Singapore art scene pertaining to fashion. There are a lot of talented individuals; we need to work hard to create a positive image for Singapore’s fashion scene.”

The start of the new year marks an exciting journey for Jiang as he embarks on new projects. “I’m designing a set of costumes for the performance dancers of the upcoming River Angbao event. My goal is to establish my own label, Yong Joon. J. Currently, I am designing made-to-measure clothes for my long-term customers.”

—

Yong Joon J. Polyester and silk jacket, polyester sleeveless top, denim pants.

—
Love and Travel
As with the creative nature of his job, countless hours are invested in sketching and pattern-making. A lack of inspiration can be frustrating, but everything pays off when Jiang sees his designs walking down the fashion runways. “What I love most about my job is seeing my works come to life. It is worth all the hard work, and it is very heartening to see them at various showcases.”

“I love to travel as a means to pamper myself – it is an enriching and profound experience as I get inspired by other cultures and am able to disconnect at the same time. On a personal note, love has to be selfless and unconditional.”

—
Ng Su Yu — Winner of Men’s Folio Male Search 2019
Anyone who has gone through National Service would know that whatever one is pursuing, it has to be put on hold for at least 22 months. This was also the case for Ng’s modelling career, but an opportunity to be featured in the Men’s Folio Male Model Search 2019 came along. “To participate and win the competition was unexpected; I was very surprised and shocked. Everything had to be on hold because of my obligations to the nation. The opportunity allowed me to reconnect with my passion for modelling,” shares Ng. “It was special because my mum, sister, and close friends were in the crowd to witness my crowning moment.”