The spanking new Creative Design Space at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts holds its inaugural show with a fashion exhibition by designer Frederick Lee.
Contributed By Zarah Chua
Lee is well-regarded as both a fashion and theatrical designer.
In conjunction with the official opening of the Creative Design Space gallery at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts Campus 2, a fashion exhibition was held, titled “Frederick Lee: Current & Retrospective,” featuring works by renowned fashion and costume designer Frederick Lee.
Launched on March 11, the two-week long exhibition showcased 53 pieces of Lee’s work from 1995 to 2011. Upon entering the space, one was greeted with a dramatic Lee creation: an ivory-coloured ball gown layered with ruffles, jewels and fur. Such glamor, creativity and extravagance echoed throughout the rest of the collection: one dress was made entirely of petal-shaped wooden table mats.
With many awards under his belt including “Designer Of The Year” at the 2004 Singapore Fashion Awards, “Designer of the Year” at the 2006 CLEO Fashion Awards and “Best Costume Designer” at the fourth and 10th Straits Times Life! Awards, Lee has long established a place in the local design industry as the designer of many a woman’s dream bridal gown.
Lee (center) shows off his luxurious creations. CN PHOTOS: Daniel Poh
The evening of the launch ended with models walking amongst the guests, showcasing Lee’s latest designs which strongly evoked old Hollywood glamor. Asked where he drew his inspiration from, the fashion and costume designer quoted Paul Smith, “You can find inspiration in everything; and if you can’t, look again!”
Beyond bridal gowns, Lee has lent his talent to theatre productions as well as large-scale parades and performances. He designed the costumes for the National Day Parade in 2008 and 2009, and was also the director of costume for the Youth Olympic Games last year. His works have been showcased internationally, from London to Shanghai’s World Expo.
This year, Lee will again be designing the costumes for this year’s National Day Parade.
