Francis Cheong: Localising Glamour

Interjecting feminine grace with a dash of flamboyance, Francis Cheong, one of Singapore’s top designers, has always been proud of his native roots. The dresser to the stars such as Zoe Tay and Fann Wong feels honored and flattered in showcasing his works on the bodies of Singapore’s who’s who. A tough job, considering how those who are rich enough, can afford the couture lines of other major movers. But the prolific brand’s ability to please his clientele speaks volumes of the star power of his creations, and the beautiful mind behind it.

Believing firmly on the concept of individuality, Francis anchors himself to the notion that staying true to one’s dream is the most important thing in realizing a brand name of such stature in the far eastern market. His designs from the haute couture line usually glorify the feminine curves while remaining a silhouette that is sleeker than your Mont Blancs. Not afraid to express this sense of individuality he holds so dearly, Francis accentuates his pieces with meticulous designs. Presentations, however, are not strictly limited to the common notions one has moulded of your “I-am-going-to-a-ball” gown.

Hints of rebellion will occur in a Francis Cheong show with the marriage of denim, along with other clashing fabrics, and delicate materials. But before you make any judgements, it’s obvious that careful consideration has been made to ensure that these looks look good enough to walk off the runway, instead of straight backstage and never to resurface again. Always playing off with whatever that inspires him, his collections awe with unique shapes, colours and patterns that have been known to push the fashion boundaries.

While prices are always kept competitive to keep up with the market, like every true designer, the brand comes up with a ready-to-wear line to play off against the haute couture line. Still maintaining that touch of glamour, the rebel yell goes louder in this range. The options are paired with more daring embellishments to make them more classy rock and roll glam than diva flamboyance. Peek-a-boo cuts with dangling ornaments are some of the aspects you can expect to find for this more ‘relaxed’ entrée. As the man himself said, “ The line between fashion forward and fashion victim is drawn at just trying too hard and giving just the right amount of drama.” So fashionistas , the next time you’re in need of the outfit to make that statement, you know where to head. It’s the difference between being outstanding and outlandish.

On the other hand, for those who really want to put some style into the traditional wedding gowns, the famed dressmaker is also known for his bridal collection. With the ability to draw out the personality of a blushing bride in an otherwise-template based- wedding- gown, the passion he puts into ensuring your special gown is remarkable. With his accuracy and his eye for spotting what’s not there, your gown will be uniquely ‘you’ as opposed to being just another label.

When someone is a true cultivator for the principles of glamour, beauty and fashion, it’s really hard not to get sucked into the pit falls of fashion. However, the line’s ability to always portray a sense of magnetism, with or without his rebellious touches, is a testament to his grounded roots. While he does foray into the fickle grounds of trends and trend-setting, he always gets back to bringing to life his dreams and beliefs.

Francis Cheong Boutique
Tel: 6734 9898