Singapore's love-hate relationship with Japan
How much influence does Japan have over Singapore?.....By Mary Osmond

Like Loletta Michelle, I'm also a Singaporean girl who is very much into Japanese culture. Even though I agree with some of her opinions, there are a couple of issues that I beg to differ. Being a Singaporean myself, I feel the necessity to voice out my opinions on reading this article so that others can have a more accurate insight into Singaporean culture instead of solely relying on her single point of view.

In the first place, is Loletta getting into trouble because she dressed up like a Japanese model? How do you define dressing up like a Japanese model? If you're talking about wearing loose socks and so on, I seriously don't see the problem at all because there are so many girls wearing that in Singapore these days! But if you are talking about posing without clothes, is that the definition of a Japanese model? I seriously doubt so. No doubt there are Japanese girls who undress for magazines but isn't that happening in all other parts of the world? What is the biggie here? I may be cynical here but the term "Japanese model" holds more meaning and elegance to me than just undressing for everyone to see.

One more issue that I would like to address is that dressing provocatively in Singapore will not get one into any trouble. I have seen girls walking on the street in bikini tops and it's really no big deal. They may get some ogling from guys and that's about it. I've decked out in bikini in pools, beaches and clubs too (not on the street though) but this is just so common! So, I reckon one can't get into trouble by dressing provocatively. And Singaporeans don't just find a job, earn bucks, dress like everyone else (in a provocative manner?) and get married. We do have our share of fun too! In fact, most of my gal friends are party animals. There are many ways to defy convention. Dressing provocatively is not the only way to go. One can get a unique tattoo, multiple piercing, smoke a joint, drive in a Ferrari that wins admiration, clad in full Louis Vuitton gear (all these are perhaps common nowadays as well) and the list goes on.  (Related:  Ivy Supersonic with 23 tattoos)
 
Yes, I agree that Japanese girls lead the trend in fashion, especially in the Asian market and I admire their innovativeness and style. In fact, many Singaporean girls do follow the Japanese trends closely. In fact, I myself do follow some of the trends that are deemed suitable for my own style and personality too. Everyone gets inspired by Japanese ideas in different ways and I respect that.

Wearing loose socks and pleated skirts can never get one into trouble even if one's underwear is seen (unless one is not wearing underwear, which is deemed to be indecent exposure under Singaporean law)! Boots, scarves, pullovers and kimono are not popular in Singapore because it is simply too hot (imagine wearing these when you're melting in a 34 degree Celsius tropical country). The rejection of these trends is due to the high temperature and humidity here. Most girls wear pullovers indoor though. 

Again, attractive is a subjective word - it holds different meanings for everyone.  Everyone has different interpretations. Loletta may think that wearing  too colorful clothes and too many pieces of clothing on the body is attractive and I respect that. But it is not fair to be judgmental here and over-generalize that to Singapore girls.

Singaporeans do have their idols and most do not restrict themselves to TCS artists. In fact, Japanese, Hollywood, Korean and Chinese artistes have the most control over the fashion here. Last but not least, Fann Wong is not everyone's idol, at least not for me.

It does not take a lot of guts to do what one wants to do in Singapore. If one wants to do something, just do it. No guts required. Just have remember that one has to bear the responsibility and that is it. Guts are only required when one is scared of the consequence or is insecure. This is a personal issue. It is incorrect to say that it takes a lot of guts to do what you wanna do in Singapore. Men here do not want their girlfriends to be stripping off for every man to see and women here are also a whole lot submissive, as everyone leads a different life.  (Related:  Korean beauty Ursula Mayes)

As for Loletta's advice to other girls, I agree with my hands up. Very wise statements indeed. Do what you wanna do.  If you have dreams, fulfill them.   Everyone has a wild side to him or her and you are only young once.  So when you grow old and haggard one day, you would not regret not doing what you always wanted or dreamed of and die regretting it. But I would like to add one more line to it - "Unleash your insecurities despite what you may perceive the society to be".

Recommended links:  Fashion & style in Singapore influenced by Japan    Fusion of American and Asian fashion    

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