Tan, Aliane

Tan, Aliane
@alianetan / @atelieralianetan

Tethered Grace is a contemporary reflection on the delicate tension between restriction and movement. A story stitched in contrast of women once bound by expectation, now moving with intention. Rooted in the sculpted silhouettes of 1950s fashion, this collection reimagines an era of restraint through a modern lens.

The collection draws from the experiences of women in the 1950s, a time that celebrated elegance yet imposed conformity. It contrasts the structured, restrictive shapes of the past with the expressive, dramatic forms of today. Fitted corsets and tailored bodices echo the control and precision of the era, while bold silhouettes and fluid details embody the freedom and individuality of the modern woman. A quiet exchange between the past and present, it is a visual reflection on what it meant to be a woman then and what it means to be now.

Aliane Tan is a fashion designer specializing in womenswear, with a focus on feminine, sculptural silhouettes that explore the balance between fluidity and form. Her design process is deeply rooted in storytelling, often drawing from historical references and personal experiences to create garments that feel intimate yet bold. Through thoughtful construction and subtle detail, she crafts pieces that reflect the complexity of womanhood—soft yet strong, refined yet daring.

Creating this collection tested me in unexpected ways, especially in translating a personal concept into garments that felt intentional, cohesive, and true to the story I wanted to tell. Sketches that felt strong on paper often fell flat once realized in fabric, forcing me to redo pieces, unravel hours of work, and reassess my silhouettes and decisions. While the process was frustrating and exhausting, it taught me patience, resilience, and the value of trusting the evolution of my work. I learned that design is less about perfection on the first try and more about sitting with discomfort and refining relentlessly. Through this process, Tethered Grace became a mirror of my identity as a designer, revealing my pull toward feminine designs rooted in meaning and contrast.