In the ever-changing landscape of the fashion industry, where trends come and go like the changing winds, a select few designers rise above the momentary currents, leaving a lasting mark on the fabric of time.
Andrew Gn, the master of style from Singapore, is a member of this rare group of designers whose careers are not just stories of clothes but journeys through craftsmanship, cultural appreciation (not appropriation), and enduring sophistication. As he gracefully exits the active design stage of his career, Gn’s legacy emerges not as a mere side note but as a defining chapter in the history of luxury fashion.
From Asia, Europe, and the Middle East to North America, Gn’s exquisite high-end, ready-to-wear creations have adorned powerful women in politics, high society, and the entertainment industry, such as Emma Stone, Fan Bing Bing, Maggie Cheung, Kareena Kapoor, Kit Chan, Lady Gaga, Lily Collins, Princess Alessandra of Hannover, Queen Rania of Jordan, and Yang Mi.
Born into a tapestry of cultures with roots embracing Chinese and Japanese heritage, Gn’s journey to becoming a renowned fashion maestro is a captivating exploration of identity, tradition, and the relentless pursuit of beauty.
From the vibrant city-state of Singapore, where cultures converge like a symphony, to the prestigious corridors of Central Saint Martins in London and the creative landscape of Domus Academy in Milan, Gn’s path was destined for greatness. His childhood, a blend of colours and textures, laid the foundation for seamlessly blending the opulence of Eastern aesthetics with the finesse of Western design.
In 1996, the world witnessed the birth of the Andrew Gn label, a manifestation of his vision to redefine luxury fashion. The atelier became a haven where fabrics whispered tales of ancient traditions. Each creation bore the imprints of a designer with a keen eye for detail and a heart open to cultural dialogues. Gn’s designs became a passport to a world where boundaries blurred, and fashion became a universal language of beauty.
Gn’s signature style testifies to his ability to bridge the gap between classical designs and modernity. Intricate embroidery dances on the canvas of his creations, drawing inspiration from the delicate artistry of Asian craftsmanship.
These embellishments find harmony with contemporary silhouettes, creating timeless yet avant-garde ensembles. Like chapters in a cathartic novel, his collections unfold narratives of a global citizen who speaks the language of aesthetics fluently.
As the curtains gently fall on his active design career, Gn stands not just as a designer but as a custodian of elegance, a curator of culture, and a mentor to those who dare to dream within the realm of haute couture. His legacy is a timeless symphony resonating across ages, echoing the sentiment that true elegance transcends the temporal boundaries of trends.
Gn’s designs are not mere garments but artifacts of cultural fusion, each telling a story of his passion for art and antiques. His upbringing surrounded by art and diverse cultural elements has become the heartbeat of his creations.
From Chinese porcelain to the abstract brilliance of Braque and the juxtaposition of Utopian Robots with Baroque elements, Gn’s collections invite visitors to take a journey through centuries encapsulated in luxurious and exclusive materials.
Step into Gn’s salon in Le Marais and enter a world curated by a true collector. Eclectic 19th and early 20th-century objects gathered over the years adorn the space. Lacquered panelling inspired by Whistler’s Peacock Room, mural paintings depicting heavenly scenes by Iranian artist Roshanak Varasteh, and imposing Venetian glass chandeliers—all meticulously chosen to create an ambiance that mirrors Gn’s aesthetic sensibilities.
To discuss Gn’s legacy without acknowledging his steadfast commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry would be an oversight. Before inclusivity became a rallying cry in the fashion world, Gn was a trailblazer, championing models of various ethnicities, sizes, and backgrounds.
His runway shows celebrated beauty in all forms, challenging the industry’s conventional standards and pushing for a more inclusive representation of elegance. Moving forward, Gn unveils plans that continue his rich legacy. A retrospective exhibition tour in the US, starting at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, with an opening gala planned for autumn next year, will showcase the evolution of his artistry.
Simultaneously, renovating his newly acquired Georgian Mansion in Dublin adds another dimension to his creative pursuits. Gn’s commitment to passing on the torch of craftsmanship and creativity remains unwavering.
As he contemplates working on his Art Foundation and cataloging his vast collection of art, these endeavours reflect not just retirement but a transition—an evolution of Andrew Gn, the designer, into Andrew Gn, the custodian of cultural heritage and mentor to future generations of creative minds.
In the history of fashion, where designers are often measured by the trends they set, Gn’s story is a testament to the enduring power of artistry and a relentless pursuit of timeless elegance. The chapters he has written in fabrics and threads will continue to resonate, inspiring generations to come as his legacy becomes an immortal imprint on the canvas of fashion history.
His legacy embodies the idea that fashion, when infused with passion and purpose, transcends the temporal boundaries of trends, becoming an eternal expression of beauty and artistry. Amid the challenges and triumphs of a career that transcended boundaries and redefined haute couture, Andrew Gn’s story is a narrative woven with threads of resilience, innovation, and a profound love for the art of fashion.
As he bids farewell to the active design stage, his influence remains palpable, not just in the garments he created but in the conversations he sparked about diversity, sustainability, and the very essence of beauty itself. The symphony of Andrew Gn’s legacy will continue to resonate, an everlasting melody in the grand tapestry of fashion history.
Author Profile
- An experienced writer and journalist, Kate Pickering brings to the Folio.YVR team a fresh perspective on what is happening in the world of eco-luxury and elevated retail experiences, and to share the legacy of legendary designers who have made fashion in the 21st century what it is. From the oft-celebrated to those whom history has forgotten, watch for her monthly pieces that will surely ignite interest in the stories of the visionaries who have paved the way for the designers we covet today.
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