The guest list for the launch of The Prince of Gowns, an exhibition of some evening gowns by Benny Ong, a really famous Singaporean designer, was a who’s who of the fashion scene (just that I didn’t really know who was who). The classy ambience of the launch was indeed fitting, as this exhibition was the opening for the National Museum’s 120th anniversary celebrations.

‘Fashion’ and ‘heritage’ are two words that never used to sit together easily in my mind (one was a tad too ‘new’, one a tad too ‘old’ for my personal comfort). Yet this exhibition suggests otherwise-the beautiful gowns contribute to our culture, to the sense of who we are, ie our heritage. And the exhibition is a celebration of the achievements and recognition that a fellow Singaporean Benny Ong has received, allowing people at home to see, marvel at his works, and feel proud of him.

I particularly liked the mini cardboard versions of the gowns on display, available to all guests. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one.

Tags: Benny Ong, Prince of Gowns exhibition, National Museum of Singapore