MUHAMMAD SUFIAN MOHAMMAD ADAM, 26
A DEBILITATING medical condition could put many of us off pursuing our dreams, but it is proving a powerful source of inspiration for Muhammad Sufian Mohammad Adam.
The former safety officer was born with spina bifida occulta, in which one or two spinal vertebrae fail to form properly, an affliction that always made him feel 'self-conscious'.
But the self-taught fashion designer says he was encouraged by close friends, whom he dubs 'my Anna Wintours'. Much like the editor-in-chief of American Vogue, who is known for her demanding persona, his close friends have provided constructive criticism of his work.
He was also inspired by his mother, a self-taught curtain draper and designer, to take part in Star Creation.
'Since I was a child, I've always wanted to do fashion. My imagination would run wild and I'd see myself doing a theatrical runway show,' he says.
'Due to finances and poor grades, I didn't get a chance. But if my mum could teach herself draping and design, why can't I?'
Sufian, a diploma holder in intelligent building technology from Temasek Polytechnic, has been visiting the National Library for fashion resources, seeking advice from seamstresses and using Internet sites on pattern-making for about a year in the hope of realising his lifelong interest in fashion.
'Today, my mum and I often have debates on who has better designs,' says Sufian.
And that is another area where his condition has spurred his creative juices.
He draws inspiration from his own insecurities and a medical condition called scoliosis, in which a person's spine is curved sideways.
His collection Yahn Adam features a range of cocktail dresses with asymmetrical patterns and 'curves on the back of the dresses'.
Sufian, whose favourite designers include Hussein Chalayan, Ashley Isham and the late Alexander McQueen, sees Star Creation as a way to help develop more designers in the region.
'I am glad that a big and recognised company like FJ Benjamin is opening its doors for internships,' he says. 'It will be really helpful for aspiring designers like myself to see and experience the real fashion world.'
>> Talent spotting
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