Behind the glamour of couture, Singaporean designer Dicky Ishak shares a story of resilience and reflection. From creative pressure to personal setbacks, his experiences have shaped both his designs and his outlook on life.
Bold designs, subtle elegance
All the gleam and glamour reflected in the couture pieces created by Singaporean fashion designer Dicky Ishak stand as a testament to his passion for the industry. Having been a fashion designer since the age of 24, the 44-year-old has dressed notable celebrities and prominent VIPs with his handcrafted creations.
“I recall watching my mother apply make-up on brides and helping to dress them. I was only 12, but I already knew I wanted to follow in her footsteps. However, she forbade me from holding make-up brushes. Nevertheless, she supported me in my journey as a fashion designer.”
According to the renowned designer, his mother was skilled at sewing, although not professionally trained. Regardless, the foundation he learned from her, combined with the knowledge gained at design school, shaped him into the designer he is today.
A life in fashion
Fresh from his latest fashion showcase in Kuching, Sarawak, held during the recent Sarawak International Fashion and Arts (SIFMA), Dicky presented a collection themed ‘The Goddess’. Featuring models adorned in beaded gold and glittering pieces, styled with goddess crowns for an ethereal finish, the collection told a story of perseverance and unwavering craftsmanship.
Reflecting on the creative process, Dicky shared that each piece was sewn with emotion, shaped by his journey in fashion.
“Being a designer is not as easy as it looks. It involves emotions. Sometimes I can work halfway through a piece and suddenly lose the feeling for it. At times, I feel the design has reached its climax and is complete. Other times, it feels unfinished, as though there is more to add.”
“And that’s life,” he added. “Life is unpredictable. You think you’ve reached your destination, but you haven’t. There are still more steps before you reach the end of the tunnel. It’s about hope and consistency.”
With more than two decades of experience, Dicky’s bold and luxurious designs speak for themselves, crafted to evoke a sense of quiet luxury in those who wear them. Even in his most minimalist creations, the exquisite fabrics convey understated elegance.
Such craftsmanship, however, comes with pressure and stress. With an upcoming fashion showcase in New York this February, Dicky continues to work at pace despite his packed schedule. To him, the runway holds deep significance.
“This time, I will be showcasing high-end couture — 12 dresses built around bulky silhouettes and corsetry. The collection will feature more defined and structured designs using lace and velvet corsets. It’s challenging, but I aim to deliver better designs than before,” he said.
A pause in life
A champion of exclusivity in luxury fashion, Dicky ensures none of his designs are ever repeated. While this drives him creatively, it also brings anxiety, often leading to overthinking and stress.
“I keep thinking about deadlines, and everything will be all over the place and things start to feel overwhelming. But I try to practise mind over matter and be more organised in my work,” he said, adding that these experiences taught him to plan his days better and avoid working irregular hours.
Looking back, Dicky recalls a period when he was hospitalised after suffering a stroke.
“Life became too busy and hectic. I neglected my health, and that led to a stroke caused by high blood pressure.”
During that time, his right hand — his working hand — was paralysed.
“I was in hospital for a month, pleading with my hand to move. I cried to myself, asking my fingers what had happened to them,” he recalled.
Rather than breaking him, the experience became a turning point. Like a wake-up call, it taught him the importance of slowing down amid the fast-paced demands of work.
“I learned to appreciate the moment and take things slowly. We can’t always chase achievements and forget to take care of ourselves. For me now, health is the most important thing. Sometimes we get carried away, but it really is mind over matter.”
To unwind, Dicky enjoys retail therapy and travelling. With limited time, however, shopping has become his preferred way to relax. He also believes that dressing well reflects a person’s identity.
“I do dress down like a normal person,” he said with a laugh. When met by Sarawak Tribune over breakfast, he was impeccably styled. “I wear a T-shirt and jeans when running errands.”
Now in his forties, Dicky is no longer driven by fame. What matters more is recognition of his work and preserving the integrity of his brand.
“It’s about earning the right value in life,” he said.
“Looking back, it can be tiring when you spend your life taking care of everyone else but yourself. But now, I’ve learned the flow — how to minimise unnecessary movement.”
For Dicky Ishak, fashion is more than design — it is life stitched into fabric. After decades of highs and setbacks, he measures success not by fame, but by the value he creates, the moments he savours and the legacy he leaves behind. In slowing down, he has discovered the true art of living — and designing.
