Object size: 158.5 x 155.0 cm
This kaftan is richly embroidered with beads and pearls at the laced-up neckline. It features vermillion motifs of coral branches printed against white silk. The rich surface textures reflect Andrew Gn’s attention to intricate detailing and exquisite craftsmanship. As a passionate collector of antiques and modern decorative arts, his interest in corals as ornamental art and a traded luxury commodity since the 16th century, is seen in his fashion. This is one of his earliest iterations of the coral motif which he often revisits in his collections for the subsequent 17 years. Andrew Gn is one of Singapore’s most prolific fashion designers in history, achieving high levels of critical acclaim and industry success. He is the only Singaporean to be a constant feature of Paris Fashion Week since 1995. His creations are known for their elegant, feminine, maximalist aesthetics and are finely crafted, cross-cultural, and reflective of innovation in tradition in fashion. This work is part of his major gift back to Singapore.
