What fuels the creative spirit? Passion – that’s right! Through Passion Pursuits, our short-form documentary series, we’re celebrating the diverse talents of Singaporeans who have overcome challenges and forged their own paths in the creative industry. This time, we’re focusing on Gabby Gabbana, a Singaporean designer for the stage and screen that’s behind some of their eye-catching costumes!
In a world where minimalism reigns supreme, one artist refuses to shrink into the background. Enter Gabby Gabbana – the larger-than-life alter ego of Gabriel Tan Yiren, a Singaporean fashion stylist who thrives on boldness, theatricality, and cultural storytelling.
Whether designing costumes for stage productions, editorial shoots, or high-energy musical showcases, Gabby brings an unapologetic maximalist aesthetic to the forefront of Singapore’s fashion scene.
But his vision goes beyond putting together eye-catching looks. In Gabby Gabbana’s eyes, fashion isn’t just about fabric and form – it’s about crafting visual experiences that captivate audiences, no matter where they’re seated.
Gabby Gabbana isn’t just any stylist, his expertise lies in costume design for live performances, editorial storytelling, and cultural productions. Unlike traditional stylists who focus on runway or personal styling, he operates in a unique space where fashion meets performance art.
His role in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Music and Drama Company places him at the heart of military entertainment, where he styles performers for large-scale productions! These blend music, movement, and national pride. From profile shoots for radio DJs to cultural showcases that celebrate Singapore’s diversity, Gabby’s work spans across different creative disciplines.
But no matter the platform, one thing stays the same: his commitment to theatrical impact.
“If I’m at the back of the audience, can I still see the costume clearly?” he said – This guiding principle shapes everything Gabby creates. His designs prioritise bold silhouettes, striking colour contrasts, and intricate embellishments. These features pop under the bright stage lights and ensure that the essence of a performance is never lost, even from the last row.
Beyond aesthetics, cultural representation plays a major role in Gabby’s approach. Fashion, in his eyes, isn’t just about making a statement – it’s about telling a story with respect and authenticity.
For The Singapura Express, a musical staged in Australia to honour Singapore’s military ties, Gabby meticulously sourced traditional garments from Singapore’s Little India, selecting authentic Indian kurtas before enhancing them with theatrical flair. But rather than making assumptions, he ensures his work is informed by collaborative research and cultural consultation.
“I’m always asking friends of the other races like, am I doing this correct? Am I allowed to do this? Am I allowed to keep it this way, make it bling or whatever. And usually I go along with what they propose or recommend.” he shared with us – this balance of creativity and cultural awareness sets Gabby apart in an industry where representation matters more than ever.
If the audience sees glamour and grandeur, backstage tells a different story. Gabby describes the world behind the curtain as “organised mayhem” – a whirlwind of early call times, last-minute alterations, and high-pressure costume changes.
“We report at 5 or 6 in the morning, and the show starts at 9. It’s just half an hour of performance, but it’s a full-blown musical. Costumes need to be steamed, hair and makeup must be perfect, and everyone has to be stage-ready.” There’s no room for error in his line of work!
One of his most creatively fulfilling projects was Dreamscape Symphony, where he was given full artistic freedom to craft a surreal, otherworldly aesthetic. Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, he designed avant-garde costumes that transformed the stage into a dreamlike fantasy world. He said, “It was just a 10-minute showcase, but it was so fun. When you’re given the freedom to create something completely different, that’s where the magic happens.”
A Maximalist in a Minimalist World
In Singapore, a city where clean lines and neutral palettes dominate mainstream fashion, Gabby proudly stands as a maximalist icon.
“I think I’m pretty much a maximalist, which is very not on brand for the Singapore aesthetic, which is minimalism. And I think there’s so many beautiful things in the world, so why not stack it and make it louder?” he told us. His signature style embraces layering, texture, and excess – a stark contrast to the understated aesthetic often associated with Singaporean fashion.
Whether dressing performers for high-energy productions or curating looks for editorial shoots, Gabby never shies away from drama, embellishment, or bold experimentation. And while his work is deeply rooted in performance styling, he also champions local designers.
By integrating homegrown talent into his projects, Gabby helps elevate Singapore’s creative scene while keeping his styling fresh, culturally relevant, and unmistakably his own.
For Gabby, fashion is more than a career—it’s a calling fueled by passion, creativity, and a love for spectacle. His dream? To be recognised not just as a stylist but as a creative force shaping Singapore’s cultural landscape. “At the end of the day, I just want to keep doing what I love. If my work can inspire others, even better.”
Whether styling for editorial publications, live showcases, or personal passion projects, his goal remains the same: to create fashion that is bold, theatrical, and unforgettable.
And if there’s one thing that’s certain, it’s that Gabby Gabbana won’t let his work go unnoticed. As he continues to push creative boundaries, he wants to prove that fashion isn’t just about clothing – it’s about storytelling, visibility, and making an impact.
So whether he’s styling for a military stage production, a high-fashion editorial, or a surreal dreamscape performance, one thing is guaranteed: Gabby Gabbana will always go big, go bold, and leave a lasting impression.
Waiting for More?
This was just a glimpse into Gabby’s world! Want to hear from the man himself and see his designs come to life? Watch the full episode on the Passion Pursuits YouTube channel, where he shops and styles for one of his shoots!
And for more inspiring stories from Singapore’s creative scene, subscribe to Passion Pursuits and follow us on Instagram!
Cover image and photos by Passion Pursuits
