Singapore Biz-journalSingapore Biz-journal
Notification Show More
Aa
  • Home
  • Lifestyle
  • F&B
  • Health & Fitness
  • Technology
  • Education
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
Reading: THIS SINGAPOREAN FASHION BRAND IS PUTTING AN EMPOWERED TWIST ON THE VICTORIAN-CORE AESTHETIC
Share
Singapore Biz-journalSingapore Biz-journal
Aa
  • Home
  • Lifestyle
  • F&B
  • Health & Fitness
  • Technology
  • Education
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • My Bookmarks
Search
  • Home
  • Lifestyle
  • F&B
  • Health & Fitness
  • Technology
  • Education
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • My Bookmarks
Follow US
© Copyright 2023 Singaporebizjournal | Powered by Inflex Media
Singapore Biz-journal > Blog > THIS SINGAPOREAN FASHION BRAND IS PUTTING AN EMPOWERED TWIST ON THE VICTORIAN-CORE AESTHETIC

THIS SINGAPOREAN FASHION BRAND IS PUTTING AN EMPOWERED TWIST ON THE VICTORIAN-CORE AESTHETIC

Editor
Last updated: 2023/08/23 at 3:06 PM
By Editor 5 Min Read
Share
SHARE

An interest in fashion was sparked early for 23-year-old Kristel Ong. Born and bred in Singapore, she had many creative interests and pursuits, which ultimately led her to find middle ground in fashion, and she enrolled to do a diploma in fashion design at Lasalle College of the Arts. During her time there, she became fascinated by Victorian mourning garments and their associated traditions. These influences found their way into Ong’s graduation project in 2020, as she worked on her final year submission. In particular, the designer fully focused on reimagining the corset silhouette as a symbol of empowerment, sexual freedom and control.

With no way to showcase her works due to the ongoing pandemic, Ong took to Instagram where she posted images of her graduation collection. She was subsequently commissioned to craft a custom corset by a follower, and soon, she began receiving more orders. She realised that she could monetise her passion and craft, and it was then that Age of Aquarius (AOA) was born. The name itself was inspired by her own horoscope sign, the free-spirited and highly creative Aquarius.

Post-graduation, Ong continued AOA on the side as a part-time passion project, taking custom orders for corsets to make a side income, even as she continued with her day job — a full-time position at a local fashion company. It soon proved untenable and Ong left to begin her quest to realise the full potential of AOA. “It took three whole years to take this venture seriously and it’s been a tremendously turbulent journey,” she reflects. “But I’m grateful for the lessons I’ve learnt through these experiences.”

With Ong fully focusing on the brand, AOA’s growth, while slow, has been steady and organic. When asked about her biggest obstacle in brand development, Ong’s response is surprising. “I’m a painfully introverted person so [I don’t go out and] seek opportunities,” she says candidly. “I’ve been fortunate enough to have people reach out to me first. Embarrassingly, I think this may be my biggest challenge.”

When looking at AOA’s designs, it is clear that Ong’s creative vision is to craft garments that integrate historical silhouettes, softness and self-expression. She also strives to practise thoughtful and conscious garment construction and techniques in order to produce quality pieces that are enduring and timeless, without getting caught up in the cyclical nature of fashion and its algorithms. “Because I work on a made-to-order basis, sourcing for materials typically consists of fabric shopping in Chinatown, where I’ll buy a small yardage of fabric; which essentially makes each batch ‘limited’ and unique.”

Each garment starts from a memory or a dream, which then materialises into various sketches. From there, Ong draws from her own treasure trove of personal references before working on the pattern. While her designs are often an ode to historical dress codes, the founder also loves to lean into hyper-feminine traits or themes that would stereotypically be defined as “weaknesses”. “Ultimately, I want my clothes to allow women to reclaim our bodies and take control of the narrative.” Ong’s socio-political approach to her creative process is simply an extension of who the founder is. “It makes sense, considering that my designs usually juxtapose sexuality and empowerment.”

While the fashion scene in Singapore has drastically evolved over the past decade, with an increase in independent brands that make references to the local culture and communities, not much has been done to create an incubator-like space that nurtures and supports rising brands like AOA. But that hasn’t deterred Ong from setting big goals for her brand. Some of her dreams include dressing singer-songwriter FKA Twigs (a big source of inspiration for the designer), having AOA stocked at Dover Street Market Singapore and lastly, to simply sustain her brand in the long run.

On her dreams for the future, Ong shares, “I hope to see a fashion landscape where opportunities are abundant and budding designers are not afraid to share their talents. Hopefully as opportunities arise, more young people can develop an interest in fashion despite it being a less conventional career path.”

To read more visit – https://www.instagram.com/ageofaquarius.studios/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=cff5c6f6-c1f5-4fdc-9ea2-9f7100b50095

To read more startup stories – www.singaporebizjournal.com

You Might Also Like

Nailz Studio: One-on-One Nail Services That Reflect Your Unique Style.

A Darsh of Sugar: Inspiring Joyful Celebrations Through Custom Cakes And Delightful Bakes.

LeChic: Affordable Everyday Fashion That Brings Chic Style To Every Woman’s Wardrobe.

Blair Wears: Crafting Timeless Pieces That Celebrate Everyday Beauty.

Crunchie Meltz: Serving Crowd-Favorite Fudgy Brownies from a Home-Based Bakery in Singapore.

Editor August 23, 2023 August 23, 2023
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Email Copy Link Print
Leave a review

Leave a review Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Please select a rating!

More Popular from Singaporebizjournal

Health & Fitness

Sculpt, tone, strengthen: 5 of the newest fitness studios in Singapore to check out

By Editor 9 Min Read

Flash Bakes – Illuminating Singapore’s Delightful Culinary Scene

By Editor
Lifestyle

Corals and Pebbles: Elevating Children’s Fashion in Singapore with Style and Quality

By Editor 5 Min Read
Lifestyle

Micro scooters: Nurturing Outdoor Fun and Healthy Lifestyles

Outdoor activities have always been crucial for children's physical and mental development. Encouraging kids to participate…

By Editor
Lifestyle

Little Bearnie: Redefining Baby Essentials By Blending Innovation

In the bustling landscape of modern parenting, finding the perfect blend of safety, style, and functionality…

By Editor
F&B

ANYA MEALS – A mother’s pursuit for nutritious meals for her child transformed into a meaningful business venture

Back in 2017, Jayina and Aiman, the dynamic duo behind ANYA MEALS, found themselves at a…

By Editor
F&B

McDonald’s: A Legacy of Innovation, Localization, and Community Engagement In Singpaore

McDonald's has become more than just a global fast-food chain in Singapore—it's a cultural institution. From…

By Editor
Lifestyle

Nailz Studio: One-on-One Nail Services That Reflect Your Unique Style.

The nail care industry continues to thrive, with growing demand for quality services that prioritize hygiene,…

By Editor

Startup e-commerce platform Temu expands to Japan

SHANGIA: Ultra low-cost e-commerce platform Temu, owned by PDD Holdings, has started selling to Japan, marking…

By Editor
Singapore Biz-journal

Singapore Business Journal is Singapore’s fastest growing media platform for startup and entrepreneur stories through news, reports and interviews. We bring to you the most inspiring, motivating and informative business stories from successful entrepreneurs.

Follow Us:

Categories

  • Health & Fitness
  • Technology
  • F&B
  • Lifestyle
  • Education
  • Startups

Quick Links

  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Copyright ©2025 Singaporebizjournal | Powered-by InflexMedia

Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Register Lost your password?