The NEOTERICA collection Botanica Set by Carol Chen

With a mission to promote, support, and develop the local fashion industry, Singapore Stories 2020 is a fashion design competition that invites designers to explore what it means to create a Singapore-inspired capsule collection in their design field. Inspired by the 2020 Met Gala theme ‘About Time’, this year’s Singapore Stories event invited designers to examine the timeline of Singapore fashion — celebrating the past and interpreting the future.

NEOTERICA by Carol Chen

Encompassing four stages, the event began as competition, where shortlisted applicants will create one look for the first round of semi-final judging. Each participant was then granted 8 weeks to develop a complete capsule collection of 5 looks for final judging. Entitled to consultation and mentorships by leading experts in the fields of design, retail, commerce, and media, each designer was also given the opportunity to visit the Asian Civilisations Museum’s (ACM) vault at the Heritage Conservation Centre (HCC) for inspiration.

• READ MORE: Inspiring Greatness: In Carol Chen one finds shared Qualities with Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge

Reflections Set from NEOTERICA by Carol Chen

Showcasing their work at Design Orchard, a retail space dedicated to the cultivation of local brands on the heart of Orchard Road, all finalists gained international media exposure, alongside the invitation to display their designs at a highly publicized digital runway presentation, to a crowd of decorated and celebrated fashion insiders, influencers, and celebrities online.

Singapore Fashion Award Winner, Carol Chen

Organized by the Textile and Fashion Federation (TaFF), the show premiered at 8:00 SGT and ended with the announcement of the competition winner, and recipient of this year’s Singapore Fashion Award: Carol Chen. Honoured not only with a glittering trophy and title, Carol Chen also received a place in next year’s fashion exhibition of Singapore Designers at the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM), a retail opportunity with Singapore-based omni-channel platform, SocietyA, and the opportunity for a runway debut at Paris Fashion Week 2021 with Fashion Division.

Crystal Clouds Gown from NEOTERICA by Carol Chen

As the Founder and CEO of Covetella, a convenient and sustainable one-stop-shop for fashionistas from all walks of life to access thousands of designer dresses and accessories at a fraction of the price, Carol Chen’s journey with Singapore Stories 2020 has since allowed her to explore creativity and fashion beyond her comfort zone. No longer a mere curator or champion for emerging designers, Carol Chen is now the brains behind some of the best designs Singapore has ever seen.

• READ MORE: LVMH Doubles Down on Menswear Market in Asia

NEOTERICA Display at Design Orchard, Singapore.

Effortlessly stealing the show, Carol Chen’s work is unanimously celebrated as one that “embodies the richness of Asian craft, making a strong visual impact, while updating it with the modern day woman’s need for flexibility and versatility in her wardrobe,” in the eyes of the Singapore Stories 2020 panel. Through drawing inspiration from the modern day Singapore landscape and nature, Carol Chen’s winning NEOTERICA collection from her all-new namesake brand pays tribute to a country which she feels immense gratitude for.

For more fashion reads, click here.