Kenny Lim (left) and Andrew Loh (right)
The label started in 2006, as a t-shirt store in Singapore, after designers Andrew Loh and Kenny Lim left their jobs in dismay. Feeling depressed but not defeated, the duo created DEPRESSION, a niche street wear label that is genderless and dark, like the sort that evil gangs of the future would wear. It enjoyed a loyal following because of it’s street goth sub-cultural influence, and the label has also participated in Mercedes Benz Berlin Fashion Week, Seoul Fashion Week and White Milano among others. There were some notable celebrities spotted in DEPRESSION, notably Adam Lambert, Kat Von D and Zhang Ziyi.
While the designers are completely self-taught, Andrew is an Art Director and Kenny an advertising Copywriter, they have carved a distinct presence in their home ground. Not only are they featured in Singapore’s design museum, they have starred in television commercials and have been on the judging panel for fashion competitions. In 2014, the two started a multi-label street wear store called SECTS SHOP, that stocks alternative labels complementing their in-house designs.
1. WHAT IS YOUR DREAM DESTINATION AND WHY?
Rejkjavik, Iceland. To see the northern lights and most importantly, to disconnect from technology. I travel mostly to busy cities for work, so it’ll be much needed relax-and-recharge trip in Rejkjavik, where I can have a long social media / tech detox. Also, I love the cold, it’s the best time to pile on the layers.
2.THREE THINGS THAT YOU COULD NEVER TRAVEL WITHOUT?
Nothing actually! I choose to travel light and buy the stuff I need from the place I’m visiting. Even clothing. I bring lesser clothes so that I have an excuse to shop for local designers when I reach my destination.
3.WHICH DESTINATION SURPASSED YOUR EXPECTATIONS AND SURPRISED YOU THE MOST?
Berlin. I visited Berlin for the 1st time in January this year, as DEPRESSION was invited to showcase at the Mercedez Benz Fashion Week AW17. I was expecting a very edgy and gritty environment. It turned out to be all that, and more. It was not only edgy and gritty, it was also full of character, had a great underground scene, had a great appreciation for street wear and street fashion, had the friendliest and most genuine people. It’s like a fusion of nostalgia and futurism, and filled with some of the most interesting and open-minded people I know. Plus, it was very cold, of course.
4.WHERE AND WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MEAL YOU HAVE EVER HAD WHILE TRAVELLING?
Definitely when I was in Tokyo last year. There was a very unique old street at the back alley of the Shibuya station. I think they call it Yokocho. It was a quaint street of hidden gems. Every shop was tiny, with a seating capacity of about 5 or 6 people. I remember squeezing into one Yakitori place where there’s no menu and the restaurant is passed from generation to generation. We just ordered whatever we liked and it was made fresh on the spot. Umeshu was amazing too.
5.WHERE ARE YOU LOOKING TO TRAVEL TO NEXT?
I’ll be visiting Seoul in March / April with my Creative Director, Andrew Loh, for a buying trip and also to attend Seoul Fashion Week. There are a few excellent emerging labels from Korea which we are excited to watch, such as D.Gnak and R.shemiste fashion shows. We will of course, extend the trip for a day so that we can visit our favourite Seoul spot, Garosugil. I might also be planning a trip to London this year as well.
6.WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON?
We’ve just finished our runway AW17 at Berlin Fashion Week, and we are taking the collection to present at Milan and Paris showrooms. At the same time, we are working on our DEPRESSION SS18 collection, which we hope to showcase at either Berlin, London or Shanghai. It all depends. Andrew and I are also on the judging panel for Air Asia’s runway designer search for KL Fashion Week in August. We might also have a collaboration coming up with Disney, although we are still in talks.
7. DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS OR ADVICE FOR BUDDING DESIGNERS?
To be yourself and do not copy. Whatever your aesthetic is, there will always be an audience for you.