How many ways can you reimagine a white shirt? The variations are practically infinite and this time, the label trained its razor sharp focus on the single item that may be absolutely recession-proof; a classic white shirt.
If that sounds conservative, there is nothing workaday about these shirts. Shirts are toyed with quirk cuttings and blown up proportions, conjuring up silhouettes that conceals the wearer’s form, creating a new shape altogether. Transparencies of pleated organza combined with cotton shirting add a feminine air of lightweightness to the sobriety of an otherwise strict and sharp collection.
Expanding on the idea of pressing a crisp white shirt, streaks of pleating are introduced to the crisp white cotton shirting collection. Normal work trousers are traded for pleated wide legged palazzos with a “collared” waistband, sleeves are also blown out of proportions for cuffed jumpsuits.
The Team
Photography / May Lin Le Goff
Creative and Fashion Direction / Ashburn Eng
Fashion Designer / Max.Tan by Max Tan
Hair & Make-up / Chris Ruth
Model and Text / Luth Seah Zhiqiang
Styling Assistance / Shanna Matthew
Definitely an upcoming designer to look out for, Max Tan speaks out about his label, designs, and his latest collaboration with TSG for his Spring 2010 ad campaign in our exclusive interview.
TEST SHOOT GALLERY (TSG): Tell us more about the inspirations behind max.tan for this season?
MAX TAN (MT): Spring/Summer 2010 is inspired by a single wardrobe staple – a classic white shirt.
TSG: What are the differences between this season than the past few seasons from the techniques and the difficulty faced while working on it?
MT: Instead of taking on a theme or building a story, the difficulty this season will be to create infinite variations on one single item. Transparencies of pleated organza combined with shirting fabrics adds a feminine air of lightweightness to the sobriety of the otherwise strict and sharp collection.
TSG : What would you define as your signature as a designer?
MT: Androgynous meets soft geometry: experimenting with quirky cuts and expanding on simple ideas, I conjure up silhouettes that conceal the wearer’s form, creating a new shape. Maximizing on minimalistic ideas mixing with blown proportions. Much of the label’s lineup might be done in monotones, but the sobriety is usually interrupted by unexpected twists in design.
TSG: If there were to be a person you look up to, or aspire to be, who would it be?
MT: Madeleine Vionnet. Beautifully simple with cuts that were ahead of her time and yet still remains timeless even until today.
TSG: In your opinion, are there any differences in “art” and “fashion”? Which would you relate your work with more?
MT: Art comprises of fashion, but fashion is not art. Ultimately, one will need to sell. I try to strike a balance between both in creativity and commercial viability.
TSG: As most designers design for the moment, but you seem to design a few steps ahead, or off the beaten track. Does that come naturally?
MT: I think, in order to stay current, one needs to be ahead of time. The label is never meant for a conformist, I would rather be forward than to be in the moment.
TSG: Your method is to work against the grain of fashion. Are you an anti-elitist?
MT: Though my method is to work against the grain of fashion, I don’t choose my clients. I don’t exactly design for a real woman in mind, but ultimately, I guess she/he is someone who understands fashion, craves for a little more edge in designs. A minimalist, but yet is not afraid to stand out from the crowd.
TSG: What can we look forward to from max.tan next season?
MT: Fall/Winter 2010-11 is inspired by the strict robes of nuns. One will not understand what is underlying the huge swathes of fabrics. Against what is right, against what is wrong. Taking on this idea, garments are constructed with “wrong” elements. How can a particular detail be made “wrongly” and still look right?
TSG: What made you collaborate with Test Shoot Gallery for your ad campaign this season?
MT: I’ve always been amazed by the images that Test Shoot Gallery that has been producing. The creative input of creative director Ashburn Eng envisions pictures which provokes one’s thoughts.
TSG: How did you get to know about Test Shoot Gallery?
MT: It is hard not to know about Test Shoot Gallery through the web. Its the talking point of the town.
TSG: What is the difference between the collaboration with Test Shoot Gallery this season and your previous two ad campaigns?
MT: This season, I’m collaborating to let Test Shoot Gallery tell my story in pictures. It is exciting to see my collection being told as a story in pictures from a fresh new perspective. It is thought provoking and inspires my next collection.
TSG: Is the idea of creative collaboration important to you?
MT: Yes. Collaborations drives thoughts. The exchange of ideas and seeing how others will interpret my design concept always inspires and opens up new worlds to me.
TSG: Thank you very much for your in-depth view.
MT: Thank you.
Stockists
Max Tan boutique will be available from Parco at Millenia Walk from April 2010.
