It's not all glamourous photoshoots and chi-chi industry parties for a local fashion designer, especially not in Singapore, where there's a sore lack of support for local talent. This week, self-made designer Belinda Ang, who's made a name for herself with her eponymous label, gives us a glimpse behind the scenes into the hard work and tenacity it takes to set herself apart from the norm.
Choosing the career path of a fashion designer in Singapore like what Belinda Ang has done is never easy. We also spoke to noted local designer Frederick Lee, who talked to us about the difficulties of carving a mark in the local fashion scene when he first started out.
8am: Rise & shine! Breakfast is brisk when I think of the many things I need to accomplish on this day, which includes a photoshoot for the press campaign of my collection.
8:45 am: I make some last minute adjustments to the dresses to get them ready for the shoot. Lace appliques are quickly sewn onto the gowns and then I check that I’ve got all my styling accessories packed.
9am: Out of the house and headed to my client’s place for the shoot -- many thanks to her for the use of her lovely home as the backdrop of this shoot! On other days, I normally visit my seamstress to hand her new materials and collect finished pieces around this time.
9:45 am: Our model Sophia gets ready for the photoshoot as the make-up artist works her magic and our photographer tests his camera and other photography hardware. In the meantime, I busy myself steam-ironing the dresses and gowns.
10:15 am: Sophia gets into the mood and the camera starts its furious clicking. I think Sophia modeled my dresses, jumpsuits and gowns beautifully!
12.30 pm: Quick packet lunch with the crew before work continues.
4:30 pm: It has been a long day for our model Sofia and the photography crew as we wrap up the photoshoot. But for me, my day is not quite over yet.
6pm: After a quick shower and a short rest, I’m headed out again to make deliveries to my customers. Evening deliveries are preferred as many of them are career ladies, or are busy with their children’s schooling schedule in the day. When no deliveries are scheduled, I’ll try to exercise by jogging around my estate.
8:30 pm: Dinners are usually with friends or the boyfriend as we chat the night away. Some nights are spent back at the drawing board.
12 am: I unwind by visiting my favorite fashion sites and blogs to keep abreast of the latest happenings in the industry before finally hitting the bed!