Clearly, Koh’s mission is very much aligned with that of RCGD.

“RCGD’s name alone strongly communicates its vision and purpose, and that it’s not all about financial gain, but about sharing the importance of empowering people and sustainable practices on the red carpet,” said Koh. “I want to be part of this amazing community that advocates that mindset.”

Besides getting a chance to showcase his Tencel creation later in the year, the designer will also be awarded a cash prize and gain access to business mentorship.

Below, Koh speaks to Tatler about his winning design, and how he’s fashioning a more sustainable future.

What was the starting point of your design for RCGD?

Benjamin Koh (BK): It was a conversation I had with a designer back in 2018 about sustainability in fashion. Although we had similar training, we had very different perspectives and approaches towards what we considered the future of sustainable fashion. He focused on creating conversational pieces of clothing, while I refined my design with practical and functional manufacturing processes and systems for clothing. My answer to our conversation was modular fashion, and since then I have been refining and improving on this.

What qualities do you appreciate about Tencel fibres, which you used in your design for RCGD?

BK: There are many manufacturers out there who can create textiles using the same method [as Lenzing, the Austrian company that produces Tencel textiles]. However, not everyone can proudly show a closed loop system that ensures the safety of their staff and environment.

Using only textiles made from Tencel fibres in my design was the most practical choice of action. Quality assurance is the most important factor in reducing waste. Lenzing’s Tencel, being a reputed fibre brand with good control over its own production line, provides a consistent and accurate textile specification, which reduces the design and prototyping process of my design. This is important for modular fashion because fibre stability and shrinkage are critical to the finished product or longevity of it.

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What does winning the RCGD contest mean to you?

BK: Opportunity presents itself to those who keep trying. I am glad that I have never stopped pursuing my dream after many struggles and plenty of rejections.

What have you learned from the experience?

BK: We are only at the beginning of a long journey as part of a community who champions sustainable fashion globally.

Who would you like to see wearing your winning creation?

BK: Eddie Peng or Andrew Garfield.

How are you continuing to champion sustainability in your career?

BK: In my professional life, I am very fortunate to be the Product Development Director Asia of Chargeurs-PCC [a Paris-based fashion company that develops innovative and sustainable solutions for fashion brands]. I have the opportunity to understand more deeply the international certifying criteria for textiles and chemicals in their role in making fashion brands more socially and environmentally responsible. My job also allows me to make decisions on the development of products, the approval of suppliers, and the impact it can have on the company.

Do you think there is a future for sustainable fashion in Asia?

BK: Yes, and it is something we have to actively pioneer. I strongly suggest that we prioritise educating the younger generation about the environment and humanity over making financial gains. There is never a cap on how much money one can earn, but there is a limit to how much the planet can provide.

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