The fashion world mourns the loss of Laichan Goh, a celebrated Singaporean designer known for his innovative take on the traditional cheongsam. Goh passed away on April 14, after a courageous seven-year battle with brain cancer, leaving behind a legacy of modern elegance and creativity.

Despite being largely self-taught, Goh masterfully blended traditional and contemporary elements in his designs, creating flattering silhouettes that resonated with a diverse audience. His portfolio extended beyond cheongsams to include bespoke evening gowns, bridal wear, and captivating costumes for theatre and film.

Goh opened his first boutique, The Dress Shop, in the 1980s at the now-demolished Liang Court shopping mall, and later moved to the prestigious Raffles Hotel, where he spent 25 years. Currently, his renowned boutique at Mandarin Gallery on Orchard Road continues to attract fashion enthusiasts eager for his modern interpretations of the cheongsam, or qipao.

He believed that the cheongsam should transcend occasions, envisioning it as a versatile piece that could be styled with sneakers or denim for a youthful edge. "It should not be a costume that you wear only for one occasion," he once shared, capturing the essence of his mission to make traditional attire relevant to the younger generation.

In addition to revamping women's fashion, Goh created a unique "man-pao," a contemporary version of the changshan, showcasing his versatility.

The local theatre community has come together to honor Goh's contributions, reflecting on his impact not only as a designer but also as a beloved figure. Ivan Heng, founder of Wild Rice theatre company, reminisced about Goh's debut costume design for the iconic production, *Emily Of Emerald Hill* in 2000, which set the stage for numerous collaborations that followed.

Heng praised Goh's empathetic approach to costume design, stating, "He always designed with deep empathy—thinking about who the characters were and how the clothes could speak for them. He had a gift for knowing the right cut and drape, finding poetry in restraint."

Others in the community, including actress Janice Koh and veteran performer Neo Swee Lin, expressed their sorrow over the loss of a cultural gem and a kind soul.

Despite his illness, Goh remained dedicated to his craft, continually dreaming up new designs and textiles, embodying the spirit of a true artist. He was, in every aspect, profoundly and proudly Singaporean.

For those wishing to pay their respects, Goh's wake is scheduled for April 18 at Woodlands Memorial, with the funeral taking place on April 19 at Mandai Crematorium. In a heartfelt request, his family has invited guests to wear white or Goh's own creations, celebrating the life of a true fashion icon.