SHENTONISTA

“I think the biggest thing I’ve learnt in school is how to start over again. Sometimes I get really stuck in my work, but I’ve learnt to not to be so hard on myself, and to give myself time to grow. I think that’s quite important.”

“I’m very particular when it comes to cleanliness. I think I got that from my dad. Friends who know me will know how particular my dad is, and it runs in the family, I guess.”

With her floppy sun hat, statement dress, and bright smile, Christel caught our eye immediately as we wandered around Gillman Barracks.

“Fashion has always been an interest of mine, but I never go to pursue it until now. Back when I finished my diploma in Tourism Business and Hospitality in polytechnic, I told my parents that it’s time for me to pursue what I wanted.”

“Enjoy your time with friends, because life happens, and sometimes, people move on. Don’t take these friendships for granted, and treasure the time you have together with your friends while you can.”

“I signed up for dance classes because I’m trying to understand movement since there are no clubs anymore, and I miss that kind of freeform dancing. I’ve never really danced before though, and it’s contemporary dance that I’ll be doing, so it’s very scary.”

After two rounds of voting, here are our winners of #ShentonistaOfTheYear2021.

“The shoes I'm wearing are original vintage Air Jordan 1s from 1985. I love to collect shoes, and this particular pair is like the holy grail in my collection. It’s my most treasured piece because I’m a huge Michael Jordan fan.”

“I think what’s exciting about contemporary art is the fact that it’s being made in this moment, and we are all part of that era of making. It’s really about our moment.”

“I love cooking, but in Singapore I stay alone, and I enjoy cooking more when I’m with my friends and family, where I can share. Korean food takes so long to make because there are so many side dishes—that’s why you need someone to share it with.”

“I’ve been experimenting with more androgynous dressing, and will wear skirts every once in a while because I want to challenge gender norms—within the Singaporean context at least, men’s fashion is rather limited.”

“I’ve always loved to draw but I stopped for awhile when I graduated since I was busy looking for a job. Recently, I picked it up again. I’m hoping to venture into tattoo illustrations. Though I don’t have any tattoos of my own as of now, I would like to give myself one in the future.”