Q+A: Sabrina Goh
Our sneaky suspicions led us to believe that Sabrina Goh, designer of Singapore-based label ELOHIM, is Malaysian... and we were smugly right! With the current hype buzzing around the LASALLE-SIA graduate’s latest collection, we at Tongue in Chic could not help but corner the talented designer for a quick and fanciful bite of Sabrina Goh.
So, let’s get the typical question out of the way… Why fashion? What drove you to making this struggle in pursuing such a tough industry?
It may come as a surprise to most, but my childhood ambition was to become a lawyer or a doctor. Perhaps it was fate that lent a helping hand; at age 16, my dad asked me to give fashion design a try. The completion of my diploma in LASALLE further confirmed my driving passion for fashion, and that passion alone thrives me towards succeeding in this competitive industry. Even now I am still playing catch: fashion is a constant chase. However, I am doing what I love and sowing my growth, and with that thought, I know no defeat.
To what extent do you rely on society’s standards for inspiration? Do you seek to provide trends?
I do not follow seasonal trends. Usually my inspiration comes from interesting objects/shapes or forms. Sometimes I speak through my design methods: I convey hidden messages through my collection themes. But on an average day of design development, I rely on pictures and issues that pursue a relevance to the current social standing.
How would you describe your personal style?
Androgynous, Architectural and Artistic.
Tell us more about the label, ELOHIM. How did it come to be?
ELOHIM in Hebrew stands for God of Creativity; it is a strong motivation for me to persevere towards originality. The bible states, "Young men shall see visions, old men shall dream dreams." I do not want to waste my life being ordinary. I believe everyone is a design of God. We would not know the sharpness of a pencil until we learn to sharpen it.
Who do you think would be the ideal image of ELOHIM?
Kate Lanphear, senior style director of ELLE US, would suite the image I am trying to portray eloquently. To me, she is the epitome of stylish confidence.
What can we expect from ELOHIM’s SS09 collection?
The collection is inspired by LEGO bricks. When Ole Kirk Christiansen created the infamous building blocks, he named them LEGO, which translates to Latin for “I put together”. The meaning of those words became the foundation and concept behind the company and this collection. Interlock pieces with endless configurations in colours and layers play the part of LEGO bricks in this collection.
While felt is sewn on the fabrics to create graphical patterns, LEGO bricks are used as an embellishment on garments. Abstract forms of soft and hard materials are combined to enhance the lightheartedness of the concept; therein lies the attraction of feminity versus masculinity.
Will we proud Malaysians be expecting your label to call our country home anytime soon?
As the label is still relatively new, my main focus now will be to stabilize the growth of ELOHIM before gradually introducing myself to the rest of Asia.
So now that the label has completed a successful launch, what is next for Sabrina Goh?
I'm currently preparing ELOHIM's Fall/Winter 09/10 collection, and you can look forward to a touch of menswear. Do expect wonders in June 2009!
+ + +
For more info on ELOHIM, visit the e-shop at www.sabrinagoh.com for a 10% discount on pre-orders until 15th February. To follow Sabrina's personal journey, visit her blog. ELOHIM is also stocked at the following shops in Singapore:
THE BLACK MARKET
19 Jalan Pisang
S199084 (along Victoria Street)
HIDE AND SEEK
22B Hong Kong Street
S059665 (Clarke Quay) from March onwards
