SINGAPORE – The winners of a T-shirt design contest jointly organised by The Straits Times and Uniqlo were announced at the Japanese apparel chain’s flagship store in Orchard Central on Nov 27.
Their three original designs are launching on Nov 28 as part of the UTme! x ST180 collection, themed Telling Your Singapore Story. ST contributed another three designs.
The roll-out is one of a series of events in 2025 marking the newspaper’s 180th anniversary.
The iconic dragon fixture from one of the last remaining old-school playgrounds, in Toa Payoh, is the centrepiece of 46-year-old illustrator Sandara Tang’s winning submission. Its coiled body is festooned with blooms, in a nod to Singapore’s “garden city” nickname.
The collaboration could not have come at a better time, as Ms Tang is a fan of both brands.
She said: “I enjoy reading ST’s print edition with my morning coffee, and then my 15-year-old son and husband read it.
“And about 50 per cent of my husband’s and my tops, and around 90 per cent of my son’s shirts, are from Uniqlo. We’ve been buying clothing from Uniqlo since it opened its first store in Singapore.”
Contest winner Sandara Tang and her son Drake checking out a display corner showcasing winning designs from the UTme! x ST180 contest and T-shirts designed by The Straits Times artists at Uniqlo at Orchard Central on Nov 27.
ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN
Meanwhile, Nanyang Technological University undergraduate Justina Low’s design features a camera, pictured with multiple generations of Singapore figures like the samsui women and labourers of the 20th century. The 21-year-old is an aspiring artist.
She said: “I received the news (that I won) in the midst of my exam period. It felt like a breather from all the school stress, a reminder that I am making meaningful progress beyond my studies.”
Lastly, graphic designer and illustrator Daphne Ong’s artwork blends national dishes with Singapore stamps. The 38-year-old said: “Seeing my design on sale at Uniqlo is such a special moment for me. I’m super grateful for the opportunity and it makes my heart so full, knowing that something I created is out there for people to wear and to share our love for food.”
The three winners received $600 Uniqlo vouchers each, a one-year ST digital subscription valued at $358.80 and limited-edition ST180 merchandise.
The UTme! x ST180 limited series is priced at $19.90 in kids’ sizing and $29.90 for adults. It is available until July 31, 2026, on a print-on-demand basis at Uniqlo’s Jewel, VivoCity and Orchard Central stores.
