What are the chances of meeting an international artist or celebrity while walking in Orchard Road, Singapore’s well-known shopping district? Almost one in a million. It is even rarer for such an artist to declare his love for an independent, not to mention, Singaporean label.
But for local fashion label Depression, that rarity became reality when Taboo (photo), member of American hip-hop group The Black-Eyed Peas, surprised everyone with a visit to its Cineleisure Orchard store while he was in Singapore to perform a DJ set at Forbidden City.
With albums sold at an estimated 65 million records worldwide, The Black-Eyed Peas are considered one of the most popular and successful hip-hop groups in the world.
Label founder and designer Kenny Lim, spoke to SGE about his visit: “We’re not sure how he found our shop, but he seemed to be shopping in Orchard and happened to come across our Cineleisure Orchard outlet. He told our shop staff (Michelle and Yika) that he loves our stuff and this is totally what he would wear. He picked out the items he liked and tried them on, and bought them in a heartbeat!”
According to Kenny, Taboo tried on pieces from their AW2011 collection , ‘Birth Defects’ and eventually bought a Grey Pointed Shoulder Jacket, Too-Many-Pockets White Shirt & Ribbed Drop-Crotch Pants.
Taboo even went to the extend of putting all Depression staff on the guest list for his DJ set the following night. Right after his set, he changed into Depression apparel, came down to greet the fans and take pictures.
Kenny was amazed at the gesture. “He was every bit the superstar and extremely friendly. Sara Ann K from RazorTV mentioned to me that he was wearing Depression head-to-toe to club Mink’s Official Launch Party that same night!”
Co-founders Andrew Loh (left) and Kenny Lim (right)
The icing on the cake for Kenny is Taboo’s offer to collaborate with the fashion label. But Kenny thinks that news of the collaboration may be “blown out of proportion” by the media.
In his own words: “He sent me an email that day telling me he would love to collaborate on some clothing ideas for his DJ tour and mentioned that we can design some exclusive Taboo pieces for him. That’s all…we’re waiting for his follow-up. Fingers crossed!”
Whatever happens, Kenny and his team is “star struck and honored” and would be more than happy to work with Taboo.
“We love his personal style, his music as well as the whole Black Eyed Peas group as well. They are international superstars and to receive such praise is surreal. Such recognition is what we work for and we feel very lucky that he found our humble little store at Cineleisure Orchard!”
Photos: Depression
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