Vivienne Tam teams up with UOB for limited edition SG50 tote bag
SINGAPORE — Vivienne Tam is a name that needs no introduction. Famous for her East-meets-West sensibilities, Tam is one of the most successful designers to come out of Asia.
SINGAPORE — Vivienne Tam is a name that needs no introduction. Famous for her East-meets-West sensibilities, Tam is one of the most successful designers to come out of Asia.
Since the launch of her eponymous line more than 20 years ago, Tam has gone on to launch her collections in boutiques and department stores all over the world, including Australia, Japan and Brazil.
To celebrate Singapore’s 50th birthday, Tam has teamed up with UOB to design an exclusive Singapore-only limited edition tote bag, inspired by the lotus flower, for UOB card members. This is her first collaboration with a Singapore company.
“I chose the lotus design because its roots grow in muddy water, but the flower rises about the mud to bloom,” the Guangzhou-born, New York-based designer said in an e-mail interview with TODAY. “It represents our life experiences and how we break free in order to excel. A gold lotus signifies enlightenment and purity.”
Q: This is the first time you are working with a Singapore company. Have you been paying attention to the fashion scene here? What are you most excited about?
A: I am excited about the innovation and sophistication of the fashion and retail scene in Singapore. There are so many options and selections.
Q: What advice do you have for budding designers in Singapore? What is your secret to success?
A: Be yourself. Be confident. Never give up. When there’s a will there’s a way.
Q: You are known for being the bridge between East and West in the fashion world. How has globalisation influenced your style and designs?
A: Globalisation complements and gives me more perspectives to my design philosophy. It enriches my design concept for the modern woman who travels internationally and wears stylish and comfortable clothing very confidently, at the same time very culturally.
Q: What other ambitions do you have for your brand?
A: My brand is a lifestyle brand. Everything I’m doing is to promote modern Chinese lifestyle and bridging the East and the West. I also love to promote arts and crafts of the minority with social responsibility.
Q: You’ve talked about being your own individual. Can you tell us what being your own individual means to you?
A: Be yourself, do what you love to do and what you like to express. I’m very lucky, my whole life I (have known) exactly what I’m doing.
Q: This tote bag celebrates SG50. What do you hope people will think of Vivienne Tam when the brand hits its 50th anniversary?
A: Creative, innovative and always striving for improvement.
For more information on how to redeem the limited edition tote bag, please visit http://www.uob.com.sg/xmas/.