Founder of SabrinaGoh
I've always desired to create pieces to last through the seasons. My wish is to see customers wearing our clothes 10 years on from their purchase date.
Tell us your story, how did you get here?
I launched my label Elohim By Sabrina Goh in 2009 and debuted the collection at Audi Fashion Festival the same year. Growing up as a draughtsman’s daughter, a lot of the design aesthetic has been inspired by the architectural form that creates the strong yet sensuous silhouettes my brand’s style has become known for in the industry.
Since 2009, the brand has grown from a one-rack consignment space in a multi-label store to a standalone flagship with stockists at landmark department stores in major cities such as New York, Washington DC, Utah, and Japan.
As a producer, I value close partnerships with designers, artists and producers in our ecosystem to create our overall proposition: a deep appreciation for the products we carry. Our growth reflects a shared belief and philosophy with our customers, buyers, commercial partners and creative collaborators. We’re proud to be one of the designers that collaborated with big names like Disney’s Star Wars. In addition, we have showcased in Bangkok, New York, Shanghai and Japan.
On our 12-year anniversary in 2021, Elohim by Sabrina Goh launched into its next phase recast simply as SabrinaGoh, a bold new confident expression and imprint with an accompanying monogram to incorporate the brand’s founding ethos. The original spirit of Elohim is enfolded in the geometric features and connectedness of its brand mark. Designed by Winnie Wu of award-winning studiokaleido, it retains the minimalist and structural qualities associated with the brand.
What impact have you made in Singapore?
I’ve always desired to create pieces to last through the seasons. My wish is to see customers wearing our clothes 10 years on from their purchase date. We design every garment with its lifecycle in mind, considering responsibly sourced trim and material.
Across our product range of menswear, womenswear, kids, accessories and bags, it’s our constant mission to maximise comfort and meet the wearer’s needs. Our focus on functionality is the first step toward circularity. Across the fashion and retail industry value chain, sustainability remains an issue. We’ve identified our sustainable priorities and initiatives since 2016 and are ongoing.
We started our brand in 2009 as slow producers and, even after 12 years, we’re still making conscious quantities and testing for best fit before commencing production. In a market dominated by the convenience of polyester, we take a significant effort in our sourcing journey to choose sustainable materials.
We aim to improve our ratio of natural-to-synthetic fibres from 70% to 30% currently to 100% recycled, repurposed, or sustainably sourced by 2030, if not sooner. We’re committed to a program to “Close the Loop and Build to Last,” designing for circularity and longevity.
What does 2022 look like for you?
It’s a year of collaborating, re-adjustment and embracing changes.
What do you love most about Singapore?
I love our “can-do” Singapore spirit. It’s helped us overcome past challenges over the years to be where we are today. Let’s not forget that we might be small but not weak, and draw new strength to emerge stronger.
What’s the one thing you’d wear for the rest of your life?
My own creation.
Who is your Local Legend, and why?
K.Mi Huang, the designing force behind Womb. She was one of the reasons I chose to major in fashion at Lasalle College of the Arts back in 2002 and she continues to inspire me today. I admire her for being very hands-on. I’ve seen her at events, sending stocks, and even on the sales floor – she’s very humble and is constantly creative. I especially like her artistic approach and print manipulation in one of her works inspired by Jackson Pollock.