LASALLE Turns Future MRT Station into Unexpected Fashion Runway
Fashion shows usually bring to mind luxury venues, grand stages and dazzling lights. But LASALLE College of the Arts took a different route for its 2026 graduate showcase — transforming the yet-to-open Cantonment MRT station into a runway beneath the city.
Held on May 14, the showcase, titled DE:CENTERING, featured 13 collections created by graduating students from LASALLE’s Fashion Design and Textiles bachelor’s programme.
For one evening, the unfinished station became a striking fashion space, with models descending escalators before walking through the station while guests watched from the platform area. Videos of the unusual setup quickly spread online.
“MRT Gala” Jokes and Praise Flood Social Media
While the student collections drew attention, many online seemed equally captivated by the unconventional venue itself.
In a TikTok clip posted by user @jarielann, viewers watched models emerge from the station escalators and stride through the sleek underground setting. The video quickly sparked praise and jokes across social media.
One viewer called the experience a “fever dream,” while another wrote, “Whoever thought of using this location needs a raise.” Others described the concept as “refreshing.”
Some compared the showcase to luxury fashion label Chanel’s Métiers d’Art 2026 show, which used a subway-inspired setting in New York.
Many also coined a new nickname for the event: “MRT Gala”, a playful reference to the annual Met Gala in New York. Some even joked that “they should have held the Met Gala here instead.”
The positive response appeared to show how Singaporeans embraced the unusual blending of public infrastructure and creative expression.
Collections Explored Class, Identity and Disappearing Spaces
Beyond the buzz surrounding the venue, the showcase also highlighted themes tied closely to Singapore and Southeast Asia.
Among the featured works was Gek Sng Kio by Eng Li Wen, inspired by disappearing communal spaces such as Sungei Road flea market. Another collection, The Uneven Starting Line by Vanessa Lim, examined class privilege in Singapore.
Meanwhile, ModestScape by Nurul Izza Rahmat combined modestwear with sustainable materials and practical functionality.
According to LASALLE, the graduate showcase aimed to spotlight a new generation of Southeast Asian designers and emerging perspectives.
Head of LASALLE’s School of Fashion Circe Henestrosa said Singapore had become a place where innovation and multiple cultures come together. She added that the institution hopes the showcase reflects Singapore’s potential as a hub for new forms of fashion-making in Asia.
The collections will later be displayed at LASALLE’s Institute of Contemporary Arts Singapore galleries from May 22 to June 3.
Cantonment Station Opens in July as Circle Line Finally Closes Loop
The fashion event also offered many Singaporeans an early look inside Cantonment MRT station before its official opening. Cantonment MRT station will open on July 12 alongside Keppel MRT station and Prince Edward Road MRT station as part of Circle Line Stage 6.
The three stations will finally connect HarbourFront and Marina Bay, closing the final gap in the Circle Line nearly two decades after operations first began in 2009. Once completed, the Circle Line will span 33 stations across 39km and connect to all existing MRT lines through 12 interchange stations, improving travel times and network connectivity across Singapore.
Watch videos here:
@jarielann this felt like a fever dream honestly #sgtiktok
@hearmeout803 A WIN FOR THE SINGAPORE ARTS SCENE MAJULAHHHHH #singapore #sgtiktok #sgfyp #lasalle #fashion
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