Rainy days in Singapore led Dylan Wang to his latest iconic collection

Celebrities visiting Singapore are often introduced to the country’s rich tapestry of cultures through its food and landmarks. For Chinese actor and fashion entrepreneur Dylan Wang, however, inspiration came not only from local delicacies and heritage enclaves, but also from something far less predictable: the weather.

“Another item I would recommend is the umbrella, inspired by my personal experience here,” Wang shared at a press conference earlier today, marking the launch of D.DESIRABLE’s first international pop-up — held exclusively at ION Orchard. “When I visited River Wonders and tried some street food, it suddenly rained heavily. The weather here can be quite unpredictable. Having a compact umbrella is very practical, and this one also incorporates elements of Peranakan culture.”

That blend of fashion and function neatly encapsulates D.DESIRABLE’s ethos. Established in 2022, the contemporary streetwear label is known for its American vintage-inspired aesthetic infused with multicultural artistic elements and gender-neutral versatility. Its Singapore debut — the brand’s first international presentation outside of China — reflects a deeper creative dialogue between Wang and the city.

The partnership with ION Orchard began during the 27-year-old’s visit last October, his third or fourth trip to Singapore. Though his previous visits were often tightly scheduled for competitions and promotional work, he made it a point to immerse himself in the local experience.

“Even with a very packed schedule, Singapore always left a deep impression on me,” he said. “I experienced local food and cultures like Peranakan culture, and I visited River Wonders. Every experience has been unforgettable.”

ION Orchard, he added, stood out as more than just a retail destination. “It’s truly a fashion hub where many young people gather. It’s an unquestionable choice if you want to experience both culture and style.”

To authentically capture Singapore’s creative spirit, Wang partnered with renowned local watercolour artist Ah Guo on a Singapore-limited capsule collection. “Creating this collection with Ah Guo was a very pleasant collaboration,” Wang shared. “I learned a lot from him and drew inspiration from his works.”

If he had to pick a favourite piece from the pop-up, it would be the T-shirt they co-created. “It’s childlike, colourful, and truly warms my heart,” he said. In a reciprocal creative exchange, Wang introduced Ah Guo to D.DESIRABLE’s blind boxes to help him understand the brand’s universe, while Ah Guo infused his signature illustrations of Singapore landmarks — including the Merlion — into the designs. Playful graphics such as “Little D Tours Singapore” and “Little D Eats Laksa” transform everyday apparel into wearable postcards of the city.

Beyond scheduled appearances, it was spontaneous moments that left the deepest mark. Wang recalled an impromptu basketball session with local youths — not part of any official itinerary — that offered him a glimpse into Singapore through their eyes. “Interacting with young people allowed me to understand Singapore from their perspectives,” he said. “That left a very deep impression on me.” These lived experiences, he noted, were ultimately woven into the collection.

“Singapore is truly a place full of surprises, where you can find inspiration beyond your expectations at any moment,” Wang said.