About LA VESTE

“LA VESTE” is an exhibition of 42 jackets from the private collection of David Tan at the Alliance Française de Singapour from 17 January to 16 March 2024.

The jacket – or “veste” in French – worn by men is often characterised by a particular rigidity in its appearance. Unlike the kaleidoscope of choice in the design of women’s clothing, the blazer or suit jacket conforms to a universal template – the presence of lapels, sleeves, buttons at the front and structured shoulders. This exhibition on the art of the jacket by French designers and French fashion brands explores how tradition has evolved, and how it has been referenced, reinterpreted, challenged, recoded or subverted through the use of unusual prints, innovative fabrics, deconstructive techniques, embroidery or embellishments.

This exhibition also features black and white images of well-known personalities in Singapore styled and photographed by David Tan – actors Ayden Sng and Yang Yan, celebrity host Allan Wu, badminton stars Loh Kean Yew and Terry Hee, Michelin-starred chef Emmanuel Stroobant, and visual artist Faris Nakamura.