The brains Since opening shop in April 2006, local designer Tan Sheau Yun has caught the attention of many of the island’s fashionistas with her collection of quirky, fashion-forward Chinese-esque designs. While Tan could be accused of buying into the current trend of loving everything mainland Chinese, Tan’s motivation (and passion) goes much deeper than that. ‘I believe that selling someone an object steeped with history and making it relevant to daily life is a good way to induct that person into the world of antiquity,’ explained the former broadcast journalist-cum-lover of Chinese culture, who quit her job a few years ago to pursue a postgraduate diploma in Asian arts. 

The goods Going by her first piece – a quirky, red-striped oriental top inspired by the Wonder Woman comics character – Tan Tan is anything but a conventional Chinese-style fashion label. Mismatched, offbeat elements feature prominently in each piece: traditional characters etched into acrylic brooches, whimsical angel wings on a gossamer samfu-style top anchored by a mandarin collar, and cheongsams skewed with box pleats and a perky bow for a fashionable update on an age-old style. ‘I’m fascinated with other Asian elements and motifs [South-East Asian, Indian and Malay], but I’m especially interested in Chinese shapes and silhouettes, and how I can fuse Western styles with traditional Asian elements to create something modern and contemporary,’ says Tan on what inspires her. 

Our picks The swirly little black cheongsam ($359) is SJP-worthy with its flattering eight-panel cuts and girly tulle lining, while the rich, jewel-toned cheongsam ($299) is a welcome departure from the common ang-bao red, turquoise and pink samples sold all around town. A smart buy would be the My Mao jacket (pictured, $229-$369) – in a modern, colour-blocked style and with all the expected Mao details: five front buttons, four pockets, three small buttons on the cuffs and three-quarter sleeves. It can be recycled post-CNY and paired with a casual top and jeans for a chic look with an edge. 

Where to buy Accessories from $28- $40; tops from $89-$219; dresses from $229-$599. 
#01-05 Shaw Towers, 100 Beach Rd (6396 3887, www.tantan.com.sg). Mon-Sat noon- 8pm; Sun by appointment only.