In a small studio a young Singaporean designer is asking a simple question: what does it mean to wear your culture?
For Elon Koh, who goes by @suppcultures on TikTok, the answer does not lie in tradition alone, but in reinterpretation. Alongside his brand Supp Design, he has begun turning cultural garments into modern streetwear — one story at a time.
On social media, his series features friends from different backgrounds, each bringing their own experiences into the design process. From the flowing saree to the structured qipao and the familiar baju Melayu, each piece becomes more than clothing — it becomes a conversation.
Wearing Culture Beyond Occasions
In one video, a participant reflects on her relationship with the saree — a garment she admires but once found difficult to wear.
“The first time I wore a saree, I was very stressed actually,” she said. “Whenever I see other women wear the saree, they carry it so elegantly.”
Despite not speaking Tamil fluently, she shared that her connection to Indian culture remains strong, shaped by family and everyday life rather than language alone.
For Elon, these stories are central. The designs are not meant to replace tradition, but to make it more accessible; something that can be worn beyond special occasions.
Not a Costume, But Everyday Identity
Another piece in the series reimagines the qipao as a summer blouse, inspired by a participant who grew up surrounded by vintage fashion.
“People always think that oh you just wear them once and the next Chinese New Year you have to buy a brand new outfit,” she said. “But I find out what’s really worked for me is finding items that are easy to like mix and match so that they just last in your wardrobe and you’re not just wearing them once a year.”
To her, this approach makes culture feel lived-in rather than performative.
“And in that way like they’re not a costume,” she added. “That’s how I choose to keep my culture close to me.”
Finding Belonging in Between
In the first episode, the focus turns to the baju Melayu and the experience of growing up mixed race.
“I never really fit into one side entirely,” the participant shared.
For a long time, they felt that simply “showing up” was not enough. But over time, that perspective shifted.
“I’ve just learned that showing up for my community is part of the culture.”
Moments of learning, they said, often came not from the internet, but from watching parents and elders — small, imperfect, but meaningful experiences that shape identity over time.
In this episode, Elon makes two sets of the baju, and the two pose with the stunning, handmade pieces.
From School Designs to Growing Brand
According to an older feature, Elon’s journey into fashion began in a much simpler way — designing shirts for school. When classmates started wearing his designs, he realised the impact his work could have.
Setting up an online store, he noted, can take less than a day through platforms like Shopify. Social media, too, has become a key space — not just for selling, but for storytelling.
On his site, under his brand, he sells layering-compatible holster vests that can carry even larger essentials besides your daily phone, wallet and keys.
Designing Culture, One Story at a Time
For Elon, the goal is not to define culture, but to explore it.
Each piece in his series reflects a different perspective: shaped by family, language, upbringing and personal experience. Together, they form something larger: a reminder that culture is not fixed, but constantly evolving.
And sometimes, all it takes is a piece of clothing to bring those stories to life.
Watch his videos here:
@suppcultures
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
Singapore’s Mei Fei in Bharatanatyam—A Dance Journey Bridging Cultures
Kiwi Exchange Student’s Singlish Goes Viral, Singaporeans Say She Can “Move Here Liao”
Bread, Tradition, and Roots: How a Singaporean Baker Found Belonging in France
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