Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, a heritage institution managed by the National Heritage Board, collaborated with BA(Hons) Fashion Design and Textiles students for an exhibition titled Modern Women of the Republic: Fashion and Change in China and Singapore.
The design challenge to the students was to respond to the theme of 'hybridity and modernity' based on the narrative of the 'Fashion of Empowerment: Dressing the Modern Career Women in Singapore' section of the exhibition.
Students conducted in-depth research to understand and delve deeper into the changing identity of Chinese women from the late Qing to the Republican era, especially with regards to how modernisation impacted roles and lifestyles. The results of their learning were then translated into fashion illustrations and merchandise that were showcased within the exhibition. Through this collaboration, students had the opportunity to hone their research and design skills as well as analytical thinking.
The winning illustration was awarded to Pratyusha Prasad Borgaonkar, who shared, “Such opportunities are important as it helps us students develop ourselves. Through this project, I’ve learnt more about the history of samsui women and different styles of illustrations.”
