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JEREMY TAN, 40, FASHION STYLIST
He is one of the busiest fashion mavens in town. Pick up any fashion magazine like Her World and Citta Bella, and you'll see one of many spreads styled by this 15-year fashion veteran - including the infamous Imedeen advertisement that had actress Zoe Tay saying "I swallow".
What impresses you about his pictures: They're striking in a quiet, unflashy way, but always poignant and in-the-moment.
Voted Best Fashion Stylist of the Year in the 2003 Singapore Fashion Awards, Tan started out as an understudy to fashion designer Thomas Wee.
Tan says it's the beauty, culture, and people behind the garments and accessories that inspire him.
"Fashion is always evolving - that's what I love about it. It's never the same each season," he says.
For anyone thinking of joining the business, his advice is: Get ready for a lot of hard work, long hours and hob-knobbing with the right crowd.
He says: "You musn't be afraid to ask questions even if it may not be directly related to the field because you never know where you might get a new source of inspiration. "Read more and travel, with open eyes and an open heart."
How have you contributed to the Singapore fashion scene?
When I started in the early 1990s, no one knew what a fashion stylist was. When you tell them you're a stylist, they assume you're a hair stylist. Now most people understand, and there are more commercial jobs that require stylists.
It's become a respected profession, with an almost celeb status, and more people are inspired to join the industry.
What struggles did you face along the way?
The bitchiness and the undercutting. To get a headstart, some newbies cut their rates to secure a job. There's also the irregular hours which can screw up your time management.
What is the Singapore look?
It's boring. Singaporeans are too casual. They're so into no-fuss dressing to the point of being sloppy. Guys walk around in T-shirt and jeans, while girls just prance around in camisole tops and mini skirts.
Which aspect of the Singapore style would you change?
Everyone should make the effort to dress up every day. I'd like to see more individuality in dressing.
Walk down Orchard Road and everyone looks the same - aren't you bored? And using the climate as an excuse is unacceptable. The Japanese aren't less stylish during the hotter summer days.
>> Singapore style
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