From the Ballroom to the Runway: How KINGAMIR Is Making Fashion Bold, Theatrical and Relevant Again
Could you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do in the fashion space?
Hi, I’m KingAmir, a fashion designer from Singapore. My work focuses on reimagining traditional fabrics and cultural influences through contemporary fashion. I love creating curated pieces that tell stories, because I believe fashion should be more than just clothing. It should communicate identity, culture and emotion. My goal is to make cultural fashion exciting and relevant for today’s generation.
Was there a moment or influence that sparked it for you?
My journey into fashion actually started through dance. I am a waacking dancer and in the ballroom scene. It was so hard to get nice clothes as I’m a plus-size dancer. I want to feel fabulous like the rest too. That curiosity eventually led me to designing my own pieces.
I’m especially inspired by designers like Guo Pei and Behati. Their work celebrates craftsmanship, culture and storytelling, and they showed me that fashion can preserve heritage while still feeling innovative and impactful.
How would you describe your personal style, and how has it evolved over time?
I’d describe my style as bold, theatrical and culturally driven. I enjoy creating statement pieces that blend traditional influences with contemporary fashion. Over time, I’ve become more intentional about designing garments that tell meaningful stories while making cultural elements feel exciting and relevant for a younger audience.
You were part of *SCAPE COMMA (Lunar Ball). What did being part of the programme mean to you as an emerging creative, and what were some key takeaways from the experience?
Being part of *SCAPE COMMA through Lunar Ball was a huge milestone in my journey. It gave me the opportunity to merge fashion, ballroom and community into one experience while learning how to execute a large-scale creative project.
One of my biggest takeaways was understanding that creating meaningful work isn’t just about having a strong creative vision. It’s also about collaboration, leadership and building opportunities for others. That experience gave me the confidence to continue dreaming bigger and creating projects that bring communities together.
When you’re putting together a look, what usually guides your process or inspiration?
Everything starts with a story. Before I even think about the garment itself, I ask myself, “What story am I trying to tell?”
I love the theatrical side of fashion and how a single look can evoke emotion, create characters and transport people into another world. Once I have that narrative, I begin exploring fabrics, silhouettes and details that help bring the story to life.
What are some challenges you have faced navigating the fashion space, and how do you overcome them?
As an emerging designer, one of my biggest challenges is that not many people know who I am yet. Building a name takes time, consistency and resilience, but I see that as motivation rather than a setback.
I also feel that many people in my generation have become disconnected from traditional wear, often seeing it as something that’s only meant for special occasions. Through my work, I want to modernise traditional fashion by incorporating cultural fabrics into contemporary designs, making them exciting, wearable and something young people can proudly embrace in their everyday style.
What’s something people often get wrong about fashion or styling that you wish more people understood?
I think people often see fashion as something that’s only about trends or appearances. For me, fashion is a form of storytelling. Every garment carries meaning, history and identity. When fashion tells a story, it becomes much more than clothing. It becomes a way for people to express themselves and connect with culture.
What advice would you give to someone trying to find their style or start out in fashion?
Don’t be afraid to experiment and make mistakes. Finding your style takes time, and it’s okay if it evolves along the way.
Stay curious, explore different cultures, art forms and creative disciplines, and don’t feel pressured to follow trends. The most memorable designers are the ones who create from an honest point of view and stay true to their own voice.
What are you currently working on, or what can we look forward to hearing from you next?
Right now, I’m the Runway Director for Orchard Road Fashion Week, happening from 12–16 August. The festival will feature 42 brands across five days, celebrating the diversity and creativity of Singapore’s and Southeast Asia’s fashion industry.
I’m also excited to be collaborating with *SCAPE to close the festival with a collection inspired by *SCAPE’s identity called AGENT:007. Through this collection, I hope to create magical, expressive garments that celebrate youth, creativity and individuality.
I’m looking forward to sharing what’s next for KINGAMIR, and I hope everyone will come to experience Orchard Road Fashion Week. Tickets and updates are available on the Orchard Fashion Week Instagram page or *SCAPE Website here.
🔎 Find out more: KINGAMIRSTUDIO
