Zhen by Tan Yoong off-white skirt with silver details

This Tan Yoong top, from the designer's Zhen by Tan Yoong label, was owned by Leonie Koenitz, who was one of the first fashion models trained in Singapore at Joan Booty and Ruth Warner's Mannequin Training and Charm School, which opened in 1956. Tan Yoong was the first non-Japanese designer to win Japan's Kanebo Grand Award, when he entered the competition at the age of 23. He started working as an artist at an advertising firm, and was involved in Batey Ads (the creator of the SIA's Singapore Girl campaign). In 1978, he won first place in the Her World Young Designers Contest. He started his labels Tze and Zhen in 1979, later running his own atelier and boutique at Lucky Plaza.