August 04, 2021

TIMESTAMP: DESIGNED BY KADENCE

"Each piece is carefully designed and crafted with the wearer in mind. We wanted to create daywear staples that absolutely anyone can enjoy! "

― Kadence Tang, Multidisciplinary Artist & Designer

1. Could you share a little about yourself?

Hello, my name is Kadence. I am a multidisciplinary designer and artist. My work is rooted in nature’s principles and engaged with the cultural forces of design. Upon graduating from Parsons The New School for Design and completing a semester abroad in Central Saint Martins, I’ve worked as a head designer and art director in New York City, London, China, and Singapore. I am passionate about creating beautifully crafted products and empowering people through art and design!

2. What do you hope to achieve with this collection?

In my partnership with Barehands, we wanted to continue building upon the brand narrative through this capsule collection. Each piece is carefully designed and crafted with the wearer in mind. We wanted to create daywear staples that absolutely anyone can enjoy! I hope that our customers can feel the brand's authenticity and inclusivity through the work of our amazing artisans.

3. What do you think of linen as a material?

Linen is a breathable, comfortable, and durable natural plant-based fabric. The lightweight material exudes a soft, feminine, and drapey feeling, which is also perfect for the scorching hot weather in Singapore. In fact, it becomes softer with each wash, so the experience only gets better and better!

More importantly, linen is fully biodegradable and absorbs moisture without trapping bacteria. For someone with ultra-sensitive skin like mine, wearing linen is a fantastic alternative to synthetic fabrics.

4. Tell us your favourite piece in this capsule collection and why?

I adore all the pieces in the collection, but my favourite would have to be the Miles Slit Dress! It is highly versatile and can be worn for many different occasions. Definitely something I can just throw on and go. The dress goes well with Barehands' woven leather slides and delicate tassel earrings too ;)

5. Do you have favourite designers whom you look up to?

Two of my favorite designers are Comme Des Garcons and Dries Van Noten. I am a costume designer by profession and can really appreciate the theatrical elements in Rei Kawakubo's creations as well. Everything from the store design to the fashion catwalk and individual pieces is a thoughtfully crafted experience that is meant to evoke an emotion in its wearer. As for Mr. Dries Van Noten, his collections are always thought-provoking, expressive and beautifully made. He is also one of the most vocal advocates calling for readjustments to the retail calendar and improvements in business transparency.

6. So, what's next for you?

I am currently pursuing a master's degree in information science at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. I hope to integrate technology with product development to build a more seamless apparel-making process as well as user-driven products. I will continue to experiment with design methods that can combine traditional craftsmanship with digital technologies and improve the livelihood of our communities :)