Open Doors

Introduce yourself!
My name is Nadrah, I’m 22 years old, and I’m currently studying Creative Direction for Fashion in LASALLE College of the Arts.

Cool! What sparked your interest in fashion?
Actually, it wasn’t my first choice. I wanted to study music, but I couldn’t get in to LASALLE for that, and then I saw this course, and then I thought “Eh, like quite interesting ah.” I mean, I also like photography, so I wouldn’t mind going in that direction, so I just decided to try ah (laughs).

Well, At least you’re here now! Are you enjoying the course so far?
Yes! I’ve gotten a lot of opportunities that I didn’t expect, like getting to attend Next-in-Vogue and hearing from Robert Wun.

Love that for you! Since fashion is a relatively new thing for you, where there any challenges you faced or anything that surprised you about the industry?
I mean, yes there are difficulties. I don’t like writing, but I must do it here! I would never go into editorial writing, but I have to do critical thinking and writing for school so.

Ahh yes, the things we do for school! So you’ve ruled out editorial, but what other parts of fashion would you like to try your hand at or pursue in the near future?
Photography probably. But even though I’m more into photography now, I also do want to try different things, so I’m not sure yet where my interests will lead me. I haven’t thought that far, but I do know that I want to start my own brand lah.

Oh! What kind of brand?
I’m not sure yet, but it will probably focus on leather and clothing. My dad does leatherwork as a hobby, so at home, I usually design things and he will make them (laughs). So I’ll design bags and cupholders and he will just make them! So yeah if I do start my own brand, it will be with him.

How cute! Apart from your dad, are there any designers or brands that you look up to?
I normally like to look at Indonesian brands because their designs are very clean. Right now, I’m liking Drunk Dad a lot—they have very versatile, nice pieces that they recently brought to Singapore for a pop-up at ZABU.