A first look at Sharon Au's latest collaboration with local fashion label Akinn

Fans of local fashion will no doubt be acquainted with Singaporean designer Wykidd Song, best known for being one half of fashion label Song+Kelly, the first Singapore RTW label that sold internationally at the likes of Harrods, Selfridges, and Barneys New York. While the brand has since shuttered, he later made his solo debut with Akinn, launching its first collection in 2020 with contemporary silhouettes with a fresh perspective.

To herald the arrival of Spring and the new year, the designer has lifted the veil on a special collab with former actress Sharon Au, of whom he has long considered his muse. Called Akinn 3.1 – Akinn X Sharon Au: The Story of Hope, the eight-piece collection in six designs that revolve around the concept of hope and bringing back the light, especially in the wake of the pandemic and its restrictions.

According to the brand, “Her constant encouragement and endeavour to spread love and light on social media from her current base of Paris served as a key reference for this collection.”

Recalling her growing up years, when she needed a safe space but was too young to reach out for help, she says of the collection, “We learn from history that we do not learn from history. And I see many similar women suffering, with nowhere to escape to. But I kept to my shell, as I have been taught from young never to air dirty laundry in public.

This collaboration with AKINN marks the beginning of us learning from history. Not to air dirty laundry nor to shame anyone, but to raise awareness of the importance of women standing up for our own independence.

Growing up I had dreams and aspirations, which I thought someone like me would never be able to realize. It was like
shooting for the stars, but I dreamt anyway. A broken soul would never grow up to be whole and happy. I was so wrong. Hence, I named these six dresses after the dreams I dared to dream.”

"A Fresh Start" Long A-line Open Front Dress (Mint), $289

Credit: Akinn

1/6

Fashioned with soft and smooth viscose for a touch of sophistication while remaining functional and versatile, this dress will take you from running errands to getting brunch in effortless style. Style with boots for an edge, casual trainers, or look polished with heels.

"Broadway Musical" Boat Neck Swing Dress with Draped Sleeves, $289

Credit: Akinn

2/6

Sharon’s love for classic Hollywood glamour and Audrey Hepburn’s iconic style comes through with this swing dress with draped sleeves and a polished sheen.

Bonus: It’s got pockets!

"Jetsetter" Shirt dress with wrap skirt (Midnight Blue), $269

Credit: Akinn

3/6

A marriage of the tailored shirt with the feminine look of a wrap dress, this asymmetric number evokes the chic and laidback modernity of the Parisian “Masculin-Féminin” style.

“Mademoiselle-in-love” Double Breast Convertible Dress, $329

Credit: Akinn

4/6

One of the first designs of the series, this drew on Sharon’s chic Parisian “chic-décontracté” style. With a square neck and contrasting colour panels, the convertible dress can be worn in two ways to change up your look.

"Red Carpet" Column Dress With Front Folds, $289

Credit: Akinn

5/6

The soft structured fabric and the contemporary yet timeless cut of this ankle-length dress are a nod to both Sharon Au and Audrey Hepburn’s sartorial styles.

"Spring in Paris" Ruffled Neck Blouson Dress, $249

Credit: Akinn

6/6

A dose of romance meets functionality with this fun party dress that has a ruched and gathered blouson top in soft crepe, and an elastic waist that makes it easy to wear. And it’s a great option that’ll take you from the office to the bar.

Shop the collection at Akinn’s website.

This article was first published in The Singapore Women's Weekly.