Ahead Of The Curve

Introduce yourself!
Hello, I’m Sadiq! I’m currently working as an account executive but I am also a freelance writer and stylist!

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I was a huge weeb growing up. After school, my friends and I would head to the National Library and borrow anywhere from 6 to 12 mangas, which we’d then speed-read. Looking back, it’s kind of crazy. My school bag was already heavy, yet I was lugging around double the load between home, school, and the library.

What does fashion mean to you?
It’s a visual language, a passion, and a slight obsession for me. With fashion, I think it’s easy to get caught up in the materialistic aspect, but I’m more interested in its meaning and its relation to people and society at large. I’m fascinated by everything, from the social rituals of dressing up to the subtle messages people send through what they wear. Having been in fashion for a while, I enjoy decoding this non-verbal communication and I like to think that I do it quite well (laughs).

Tell us more about your thoughts on the local fashion scene, and how you hope to see it grow in the near future.
There’s a strong tendency to follow trends in Singapore which I feel is a missed opportunity. I wish Singaporeans were more eager to cultivate personal style instead of chasing what’s popular. Hopefully one day, Singapore will develop its own distinct fashion identity—one that values fashion not just in cultural moments, but as a meaningful part of our social expression too.

Tell us about a person, place, or a work of art that inspires you.
Recently, Ethel Cain’s latest album Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You has been on repeat, and my favourite song of the album would be Fuck Me Eyes. I really admire the way she writes and how she paints such vivid imagery through her songs. She also delves into themes of religion in her works which is in part why I was attracted to her in the first place.

What’s your fondest memory from 2025 thus far?
I took a trip to Japan in January with a friend—it was my first time travelling without my family, which certainly made it more fun! I’d been wanting to visit Japan ever since I finished National Service (NS), but then I went straight into university, so this trip has been a long time coming. One memory that really stands out is when my friend and I were wandering through the freezing streets of Japan, struggling to find our Airbnb on our first night. We were dragging our luggage over the cold concrete, with my fingers being on the verge of frostbite because I was unprepared for the cold winter winds (laughs).

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Probably my maternal grandparents since I didn’t get the chance to meet them before they passed. I want to hear their lore and what it was like raising my mum. Also, I’d love for them to cook me dinner as well (laughs).

If your life were a song, what would it be?
Name of God by Mustafa.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt this year?
Probably something along the lines of being more mindful with my spending and saving money, especially since I started working full-time.

What’s one quote or motto you’d like to take with you into 2026?
If it’s meant for you, it’ll find you.