Tan Yoong, widely regarded as one of the godfathers of contemporary fashion design in Singapore, leaves a void in society’s hearts with his demise.
Image courtesy of Kelvin Koh/Lightedpixels Photography
As a wedding gown designer, Tan Yoong was known for his bold, statement-making designs and impeccable craftsmanship. His wedding dresses, couture gowns and contemporary cheongsams earned him not only a spot in the wardrobes of Singapore’s fashionistas, including several of Singapore Tatler’s Hall of Fame inductees, but also many accolades. One of the “Magnificent Seven” fashion design pioneers of Singapore who include Thomas Wee and Celia Loe, he has been credited for influencing the birth of the nation’s fashion industry. He was also a judge at the President’s Design Awards.
For the May 2014 issue of Singapore Tatler Weddings, he dispensed invaluable advice to society brides on finding the perfect gown. His creations have also often been photographed on society ladies at glamorous events. Yet for someone who had such a huge presence in the design scene, the designer who ran his eponymous fashion boutique in Lucky Plaza was largely a private man—even in his death.
Few details have emerged on the exact date and time of the 66-year-old’s passing in early January other than the fact that he had died after a blow to his head during a fall at home. Indeed, even in his passing, the designer preferred to let his work shine.
The loss of one of Singapore’s early fashion forces has sent ripples across the design community, with tributes pouring in on social media for this talented man who made a name for himself at a time when our fashion industry was still in its nascent stage.
Here at Singapore Tatler Weddings, we’d like to take a moment to honour this man, a legend whose flame may have gone out but whose legacy lives on in our hearts and Singapore’s design annals.
Bucking the trend of wearing Vera Wang, Susanna Kang walked down the aisle in a Tan Yoong wedding gown in 1997
Susanna Kang: “When almost every other bride’s dream was to wear a Vera Wang creation, I chose Tan Yoong”
“Back in 1997, Tan Yoong was best known for his qipaos and wedding gowns. I wanted to support local talent and chose to wear one of his bespoke creations for my wedding. It was a tough decision as almost every bride dreamt of walking down the aisle in a Vera Wang creation. I wanted something simple with ethereal beauty as both my evening gowns were very elaborate Valentino Couture pieces. Although Tan Yoong was very particular and proud of his creations, he’d never push a bride into a design or budget that did not suit her. I still have that dress—I plan to give it to my future daughter-in-law one day. ”
London-based homegrown fashion designer Ashley Isham counts Tan Yoong among his early influences
Ashley Isham: “He fuelled my aspirations in the world of fashion”
“I met the affable Tan Yoong after my Audi Fashion Festival show a couple of years ago and he struck me as a wonderful genuine man full of heart. Throughout his life, he inspired many designers to live out their dreams. He is a true couturier who, till today, continues to inspire everyone who has ever crossed paths with him. Growing up, I was hugely influenced by iconic designers such as the late Tan Yoong, Thomas Wee, Bobby Chng, Yang Derong and the multi-hyphenate creative genius Dick Lee, who were all very successful and fuelled my aspirations in the world of fashion.”
Jean Yip wore two designs by Tan Yoong—a bridal dress and an evening gown—for her wedding in 1986
Jean Yip: “The two gowns he designed for my wedding are like art pieces”
“Tan Yoong was rather reserved, he didn't talk much but had a keen eye for detail and was extremely dedicated to his craft. He was highly artistic and creative and was excellent with textures, colours and shapes. My wedding was an important milestone in my life and at that time, only a bridal design by Tan Yoong was perfect for me. His designs have always been timeless and intricate. I still keep the two gowns he designed for my wedding—they are like art pieces to me.”
Kelvin Koh of Lightedpixels Photography has shot a number of brides wearing gowns by Tan Yoong and says that all the designer's creations have a distinct look
Kelvin Koh: “His shoots are some of the toughest I’ve done”
“I first got to know Tan Yoong about a decade ago when I was just starting out as a photographer. I shot several brides who wore his gowns as well as a number of his ads. His shoots are some of the toughest I have done, but in a good way because I learned so much from them. He was always very clear about what he envisioned. He later invited me to shoot his fashion show during Singapore Fashion Festival. It was a huge honour for a young photographer. When he spoke backstage during those shows, he had a certain aura, like a master speaking, that made everyone look at him with great respect. Even loud, divaesque make-up artists would suddenly become meek before him, listening to his every word.”
June Rin wore this elegant grey lace number by Tan Yoong at the 2007 Singapore Tatler Ball
June Rin: “He could translate what I wanted immediately as a sketch imbued with his style and sensibilities”
“Even as a young girl, I knew that I wanted a Tan Yoong wedding dress. I worked with him for both my wedding gown and evening dress, a cheongsam. That was more than 20 years ago. Subsequently I went to him for evening gowns too, and I even accompanied a number of my friends to see him in their quest for the perfect wedding dress or gown. He was a quiet and understated gentleman, very easy to work with and able to translate what I wanted immediately as a sketch imbued with his style and sensibilities. I love the lightness and elegance of his designs. They are always flattering and timeless.”
Serene Sorensen, photographed in a Tan Yoong gown and headpiece for her wedding
Serene Sorensen: “He’s one Singapore’s best fashion designers—a true gem”
“When I was looking for a wedding gown in 2000, Tan Yoong was top on my list for his impeccable designs and skilled workmanship. I had heard many wonderful things about him. A man of few words, he was very professional and passionate about his work. While he was famed for dramatic designs and intricate details, I wanted a simple, graceful wedding gown but a dramatic headpiece. He listened carefully to my brief and created an elegant gown with a voluminous headpiece that I really loved and cherish till today. He is one of Singapore’s best fashion designers—a true gem.”
Read more about Tan Yoong:
http://sg.asiatatler.com/weddings/stitched-for-perfection
http://sg.asiatatler.com/society/on-a-grand-scale