Ong Shunmugam exhibition pens a love letter to Singapore architecture

Which is your favourite building in Singapore?

Singapore designer Priscilla Shunmugam clearly holds many dear - but they're not just the national monuments that you would expect.

In a tribute to historic Singapore architecture, the designer of local label Ong Shunmugam has created an entire collection inspired by landmarks like the Cathay Building, the Former Supreme Court as well as homely heritage gems like a 1950s-style flat in Tiong Bahru and an Indian barber shop in Holland Village.

Now, this designer has brought her Autumn Winter 2013 line to the National Museum of Singapore for a closeup look at the places that inspired the collection.

Held in conjunction with the Singapore Heritagefest, the Whenever I Fall at Your Feet exhibition will showcase 15 looks from the latest Ong Shunmugam collection from now to July 28, 2013 at the National Museum.

It is also the first time that the National Museum has dedicated an exhibition to a singular Singapore designer's collection.

"Whenever I Fall at Your Feet is especially significant as it comes at a time when Singapore's local fashion scene and designers are enjoying great local traction and recognition on the world stage," explains Angelita Teo, director of the National Museum of Singapore.

"The exhibition is truly an effort by a Singaporean, for Singaporeans, and we are happy to support such a dedicated project."

The subject of such "built heritage" is one that Shunmugam continues to celebrate and cherish.

In her own words, the preservation of these historic architecture involves constant clashes between "the old and the new; memory and money".

And it's not just the designer's point of view that you're looking at.

Filmed and photographed for the exhibition by local photographer Clarence Aw and filmmaker Jacky Lee, five Singaporeans have also shared their fond memories of the Singapore locales that were "muses" to the Ong Shunmugam collection. Played on loop at the exhibition, these video interviews provide more personal insights into the inspiration behind selected dresses.

The exhibition has only a short two-week run, so do catch it while you can; you may just find out a thing or two about Singapore architecture too.