The training of fashion designers in Singapore : with special reference to the School of Fashion Studies, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts

Theng, G

Abstract

This thesis traces the development of the training of fashion designers in Singapore
from early days to the present.
While the training of fashion designers in the modern sense of the word did not begin
in Singapore until the late nineteen-eighties, its origins must be traced back to the
importance attached to the learning of sewing and embroidery in oriental societies.
This learning began in the home where girls were taught the skill from an early age
with almost religious zeal. This learning continued in the schools where sewing or
needlework lessons were made compulsory for girls. After they left school, they could
further their study in the privately set up sewing schools. In the sewing schools the
girls could learn techniques which enabled them to become seamstresses - a
vocation which was popular before the advent of the garment manufacturing industries
in the sixties.
The Multi-fibre Agreement stimulated the growth of huge garment manufacturing
industries in the developing countries of which Singapore was one. The sewing
schools were no longer able to meet the more exacting skills demanded by these
industries, nor could they cope with the numbers. The government had to step in to
provide the necessary manpower by setting up sewing classes in the Vocational
Training Institutes to support the industry.
By the late nineteen-eighties, a new development took place which was instrumental
in sponsoring the rise of modern fashion schools. This development was the
consequence of: -

1 Singapore reached a stage of socio-economic development when
affluence and life-style changes created a design-conscious and
cosmopolitan people.

2 The return of overseas-trained graduates of fashion departments in
universities in the UK, USA and Europe who were ready to help set up
fashion departments in the existing colleges of art.

Thus, within a short space of a few years, four modern fashion schools were
established.
Typical and representative of these fashion schools is the School of Fashion
Studies of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. The remaining part of this
thesis examines in detail this Case Study, discussing in particular its history,
challenges and responses, the changes in the curriculum, the approach to
teaching and research in the pursuit of excellence, and the overall strategy for
its future development. A comparative analysis of the strengths and
weaknesses of the four fashion schools is also attempted.
The future of Singapore fashion schools appears to be bright, as the
government has belatedly recognised the importance of design in contributing
to Singapore's economic growth. The fashion schools have to train the
necessary manpower to make Singapore a fashion business hub and
eventually a fashion Capital of the East. Research and development have
therefore to be an important focus of the fashion schools to meet the
challenges of the new millennium.

• Thesis Type: Dissertation
• Deposit Date: Jun 17, 2021
• Award Date: Jun 1, 2001