Celebrate Nation Pride with a unique and totally local artistic collaboration that highlights the everyday things that give us a sense of belonging.

Have you ever wondered what Singapore was all about? What makes Singapore unique? Discover a different perspective in the collaboration of PARCO next NEXT with The Everyday Revolution (TER – a non-profit organization that works with special needs artists) that unearths the DNA of Singapore.

Nation Pride 2012 – While digging deep into the heart and soul of the Singaporean to reveal what makes our country unique, this collaboration also bridges artists with special needs to the rest of society. 3 autistic artists were commissioned by TER to create original art pieces based on five themes reflecting what Singapore is truly about: -

1. Traditional Singapore
   Pagoda, Chinese Garden; looking back helps to pave our path forward
   
   
2. Diversity
   Stylish Perspectives; our sunny island is like a zoo (a melting pot of diversity)
   
3. Love
   Organic Bear; our love for one another is truly what keeps us going
   
4. Home
   An interpretation of Van Gogh’s room at Arles; rejoice in the uniqueness of our home
   
5. Modern Singapore
   Singapore City Waterfront; we are more than a concrete jungle
   

Drawing on the Singapore they know and love, these artists have created original pieces depicting the precious elements of our heritage, the diversity of Singapore, the emotion of love, the embodiment of our homes as well as the vibrancy and energy of city life. These are the things that surround us everyday and belong to all Singaporeans.

Using these five specially commissioned art canvases as inspiration, 23 talented PARCO next NEXT designers have created one-of-a-kind signature pieces with their unconventional interpretations and brilliant use of textures. This is a true marriage of art and fashion design that appreciates the essence of Singapore. These inspirational art pieces and 23 specially created garments will reveal the artist and designer’s journeys and will be exhibited from 4 August at PARCO next NEXT on level 2.

Taking their cue from the artists – the PARCO next NEXT designers exhibited an agility of mind and imagination. For example, LION EARL, inspired by the reflections in water in the painting ‘Modern Singapore’, has created a futuristic, architectural piece of outerwear. Clever use of crystals from SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS accentuates the reflections. ffayth and RÊVASSEUR, on the other hand, have taken the painting Diversity as inspiration. Their interpretation is cheerful, fun, spunky and playful. Only 23 unique pieces are available.

9 designers have added exquisite crystals from SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS to enhance their outfits exerting a sparkling allure. SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS is known for its many creative associations and believes in supporting local talent through collaborations. Through working with third party collaborations, PARCO next NEXT aims to increase the skills, creativity and exposure of our local fashion designers. This collaboration has led to a very different and individual interpretation of Nation Pride 2012.

“Singapore is now turning 47, and as the nation matures and progresses, it is good to re-discover what we’re all about – to learn from it and to create a community to which we all belong” said Mr. David Wang, Project Advisor of PARCO next NEXT and Chairman of the Designers and Retailers Group, Textile and Fashion Federation, (Singapore) (TaFf).

“This year, we’ve brought the connections between art, clothing and belonging to the forefront. These 23 pieces that the designers have created are actually wearable art – and there’s only one of it in the world!” added Mr. Wang.

“We’re so pleased to work with PARCO next NEXT and provide a platform for special needs artist to showcase their work. This art inspired experience helps to create a better everyday and can inspire society to think differently”, said Ms. Sophia Tan, founder of TER

Mr. Shuichi Hidaka, its Managing Director, said: “This year, we are delighted to explore the synergistic connection between art and fashion design while delving into the spirit of Singapore. Nation Pride 2012 – Everyday Belonging celebrates Singapore’s uniqueness and growth. PARCO has always believed in supporting local talent and it is heartening to see our designers grow and create a design landscape that is unique to Singapore.”

Mr. Hidaka’s comment also underlines the ‘LOVE LOCAL’ initiative by PARCO, which will run for the whole of August. This initiative supports local designers in all creative fields by increasing awareness for them.

Nation Pride 2012 – Everyday Belonging will be held at PARCO next NEXT (Level 2, PARCO Marina Bay) and will be open to the public from 4 August to 12 August, from 10.30am to 9.30pm.

All 23 wearable art pieces and 5 commissioned paintings will be on sale. Proceeds from this event will go to the support of autistic artists recommended by TER.

Nation Pride 2012 – Everyday Belonging is presented by TER and PARCO Singapore Pte Ltd, which houses the SPRING-funded and TaFf-supported fashion incubator project PARCO next NEXT.

Stay updated on the latest event details by following us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/PARCOnextNEXT) or Twitter (@PARCOnextNEXT), and looking out for the #SGPride & #LOVELOCAL hashtag.