Are you obsessed with French designer jackets? Then you have something super exciting to look forward to this January! The educational and cultural organisation, Alliance Française de Singapour is presenting the thirteenth French Excellence programme, Couture.
The Alliance Française de Singapour invites fashion enthusiasts and cultural connoisseurs to embark on a captivating journey through the evolution of men’s fashion with their latest exhibition under this programme, “La Veste.”

Running from January 17 to March 16, 2024, this sophisticated showcase curated by international fashion consultant Leonard Choo explores the artistic and nuanced history of French designer jackets, featuring renowned fashion houses such as Balmain, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent, and more.
Curatorial insight
Under the discerning eye of Leonard Choo, Director of Industry Development at the Singapore Fashion Council, the exhibition presents 42 meticulously selected French designer jackets and men’s blazers from law professor and fashion photographer David Tan’s private collection. Choo’s curation delves into the nuanced influence of masculinity on French culture, unravelling the threads of beauty and craftsmanship that define each garment.
Exploring cultural nuances
“La Veste” is organized into four thematic sections—Military, Ornamentation & Decoration, Art, and Deconstruction/Reconstruction—offering visitors a guided tour through the influences shaping French designer jackets for men. The exhibition explores the inherent rigidity in men’s jacket design and how tradition has been challenged, rejected, or reinterpreted by France-based and inspired designers.
Delve into the impact of the French Revolution on men’s fashion, tracing visual cues from aristocratic opulence to the emergence of simpler forms reflecting egalitarianism. The collection showcases the muted tones of the Industrial Revolution, further defined by World War I and II, with standout pieces like Claude Montana’s 1993 Black military wool jacket.
Transformative 1960s and beyond
Experience the liberation of menswear through French designer jackets in the 1960s through counter-culture movements, with bright colours, bold patterns, and unconventional silhouettes becoming symbols of protest and self-expression. “La Veste” illustrates the dynamic interplay between societal change and personal expression through fashion.
Celebrities like Ayden Sng, Allan Wu, Loh Kean Yew, and Faris Nakamura have lent their support to the exhibition, adding an extra layer of excitement to David Tan’s collection.
As part of the thirteenth edition of the French Excellence initiative, Alliance Française de Singapour offers a dynamic array of activities. The Couture Programme includes film screenings and workshops, inviting guests to delve into the cultural essence of French men’s fashion.
Highlights of film screenings include “Papicha” by Mounia Meddour, “Dior and I” by Frédéric Tcheng, and Anne Fontaine’s “Coco before Chanel.” Each film provides unique insights into the world of fashion, from courageous fashion shows amidst political turmoil to an insider’s look at Christian Dior.
Workshops for interactive engagement
Complementing cinematic experiences are four beginner-friendly workshops where participants can customize their jackets based on thematic inspirations explored in the exhibition. Scheduled for January 27 and February 24, 2024, at the Singapore Fashion Council, these workshops aim to uncover the endless possibilities of fashion.
Alliance Française de Singapour expresses gratitude to partners Crédit Agricole, Perrier, Vittel, and the Singapore Fashion Council for their support.
French designer jackets have always been iconic!
No exploration of the evolution of men’s fashion would be complete without acknowledging the indelible mark left by French design houses on the world stage. For decades, iconic fashion houses such as Balmain, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Givenchy, and Yves Saint Laurent have been at the forefront of shaping global fashion trends. Renowned for their innovation, creativity, and commitment to craftsmanship, these design houses have consistently pushed the boundaries of style. From the timeless elegance of Dior’s New Look to the avant-garde creations of Yves Saint Laurent, French designers have been instrumental in defining the very essence of chic sophistication.
The influence of these fashion pioneers extends far beyond the borders of France, permeating runways, wardrobes, and cultural landscapes worldwide. As visitors immerse themselves in the “La Veste” exhibition, they will undoubtedly witness the enduring legacy of French design houses, celebrating the rich tapestry they have woven into the fabric of global fashion.
For more information about “La Veste” and details on booking tickets, visit the official website: https://alliancefrancaise.org.sg/couture?#/
Average Rating