AUSTRALIAN milliner Shai Tabassi and Singapore designer Heng Nam Nam have managed to do the near impossible – they’ve managed to make a long-distance relationship work.

The two designers have collaborated on a collection for the 14th annual Emirates Singapore Derby, to be held at the Singapore Racecourse on July 12.

Heng Nam Nam created 14 dresses before approaching Melbourne-based Tabassi for hats to finish his looks.

“It’s amazing how the collaboration turned out perfectly, as we didn’t meet or talk at all during the process,” said Heng at a press event last Wednesday.

He had sent pictures of his collection – which includes short dresses and evening gowns priced between $800 and $9,000 – to Tabassi via e-mail in January.

“I took a month to complete the collection, and I worked 14 hours a day to try to finish one hat,” said Tabassi.

Many of the pieces use materials such as tail-hairs from horses, and peacock feathers. Hats are priced from $380 to $580.

Each is made to order, and are one-of-a-kind handmade pieces.

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