DISCOVER JOTEO
Established in 2017, Joteo tempers a drive for innovation with a respect for traditionalism, a ballet of conceptualism and realism, the brand presents its own “Avant-Casual” flair bridging the gap between couture and ready-to-wear with silhouettes that speaks both to the Joteo narrative and to the reality of our clientele. Through a combination of drapery and tailoring, our garments extend the boundary of the body with both protective and insulating connotations; their fluid assymeytry juxtaposed against a tailored sobriety allow the modern woman to take on a silhouette of her own and stand creatively succinct from her contemporaries.
ABOUT THE DESIGNER
Born in Singapore to a family of Chinese descent, Joash Teo’s love of fashion was discovered at a young age, displaying a natural talent for sewing and drapery of couture garments. His manipulations techniques and sculptural forms extend the boundary of the body. They look protective and insulating, with curved lines and folds that generate a feeling of guarded femininity. Drawing inspiration from the natural geometry of the human body, he works in the 3D, using defying the restrictions of 2-dimensional pattern making through a combination of couture draping and savoir fare tailoring.
At age 17, he would apply himself as a tailor for hire, an endeavour that would elevate his skills alongside amidst his formal education. He would begin university during his last year of high school, applying his talents in varying fields resulting in forays into wearable robotics, 3D modelling and multiyear collaborations with indigenous art communities. He would also be afforded the opportunity to learn the commerce of fashion, having interned for two seasons at 2019 Paris Fashion Week’s main and pre-season.
Joash has since graduated with a Bachelor of Design with honours from QUT (Queensland University of Technology), from which his body of work later received a nomination as “Graduate of the Year 2020” from Design Institute of Australia. Alongside a diverse roster of international couture clientele, he currently creates under Joteo, his namesake label established in his 2018 sophomore year. He has received further acclaim with exhibitions in Artisan Australia’s boutique gallery, inclusion in Bura Singapore’s “SFW Best Dressed List” and a shortlisting for IMG’s Next Generation Prize.
