If you watched the Düsseldorf Military Tattoo 2024 held in Germany last September and marvelled at the performers’ costumes, you have Jeremy Jiang to thank. As a wardrobe designer and stylist at the Music & Drama Company (MDC), it is his job to design apparel and provide visual styling for live performances and video productions by MDC.
Jeremy is living his passion. As a teenager, he envisioned a career “that blends creativity with storytelling”.
“I create detailed visual proposals to conceptualise looks that align with the project’s narrative, functionality, and aesthetic vision,” he says, describing his role at MDC.
“I also manage a team to ensure smooth execution and effective collaboration, and I source fabrics and materials from trusted vendors known for their quality and variety, carefully selecting each piece to enhance the overall look and feel of the final designs.”
A fashion dream come true
Jeremy’s interest in fashion began when he was in his teens. He was inspired by how clothing could tell stories, express a person’s individuality, and honour cultural heritage. He realised that he had a deep desire to create meaningful designs that seamlessly merged tradition with modernity.
“I believe that fashion has the power to serve as a platform for self-expression and inclusivity, and I’m passionate about using it to create a positive impact,” he adds.
Jeremy is also a mentor to young designers from various fashion academies, a role that he enjoys and takes seriously.
“Mentorship is a deeply personal and meaningful endeavour for me, as it offers me a chance to give back to the fashion industry and contribute to shaping Singapore’s fashion and art scene.” he explains.
“I support young designers by encouraging creative exploration and equipping them with practical skills such as project management, cultural sensitivity, and the importance of preserving our multicultural heritage.”
Over the years, Jeremy’s role as a designer has evolved and, in the near future, he sees himself further expanding into academic research and engaging in collaborative projects.
Costumes help tell a story
It’s easy to take the costumes in a performance for granted, but Jeremy says that they bring characters and narratives to life and make them visually compelling. Additionally, they convey cultural and contextual elements, enhance the storyline, and help performers fully embody their roles.
But there’s a lot more to costume design than meets the eye, as Jeremy explains.
“Preparation involves months of careful planning, from conceptualising designs and sourcing materials to fittings and coordinating with a team. Staying organised requires detailed schedules, regular team check-ins, and a robust inventory system to track every element. Collaboration and communication are key to ensuring a smooth production process.”
Although his job can sometimes be high-pressure and involve tight deadlines and logistical hurdles, Jeremy shares that he gets a rush when he sees the performers in his designs and he receives positive feedback from both the performers and the audience.
“Hearing compliments like ‘Your designs made us feel confident and authentic’ or ‘The costumes brought the story to life’ make the effort truly rewarding,” he says.
Outside of work, Jeremy finds joy and stress-relief in illustrating. He’s also deeply interested in cultural research and likes exploring traditional arts and crafts. Spending quality time with friends also helps him unwind.
Jeremy looks up to designers like Demna Gvasalia and Iris van Herpen for their boundary-pushing creativity and their skill in weaving philosophical elements into fashion. And he says that some of his favourite costumes ever were from the musical The Lion King, as they left him in awe with their “innovation and cultural depth”.
Proud of what he does
Jeremy was the Principal Costume Designer for the Düsseldorf Military Tattoo 2024, a job that he says was an honour and a rewarding creative challenge.
His aim with the designs was to tell a cohesive story of unity and diversity through colours, patterns, and fabrics that resonated with Singapore’s multiracial society.
One challenge he encountered at the time was designing costumes that allowed for quick and seamless changes during the performances.
Collaborating closely with the dancers and creative director Andy Cai, he came up with a way to integrate quick wardrobe changes into the choreography.
“It was a team effort and required multiple fittings and experimental rehearsals to perfect the functionality of the costumes,” Jeremy explains.
“The wardrobe concept was thoughtfully designed to incorporate two distinct looks within a single cohesive ensemble for each dancer while enhancing the performance.”
Jeremy has also designed costumes for the MDC HOMEGROWN music festival and SAFRA Beer Music Play 2024. He says that he feels good knowing that his work helps to support the goals and ideals of our NSmen.
“I take pride in contributing to stories that celebrate the resilience, camaraderie, and identity of NSmen. It’s fulfilling to witness how my work adds to the narrative, creating a visual and emotional connection for the audience.”
Read more about the team of talents who work with Jeremy at MDC, including senior sound designer Guo Ningru and dancers Jeslyn Yang and Cosmas Hoo.
Follow MDC socials for the latest updates: Instagram @musicanddramacompany, TikTok @musicandramacomp, Facebook @musicanddramacompany and YouTube @musicdramacompany
Main photo: NAFA/Nefful International
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