The Authority’s Jasper Goh On Gaybaiting
The Authority.
Studied fashion design, law, business management. Worked at an ecommerce fashion company specialising in upcoming labels. Saw Editor’s Market, Love Bonito. They were slightly fashion-forward, affordable. Why were there no male options?
The Authority Boy.
Singaporean men are either very out there, or Hollister, A&F frat boy. I wanted an in-between, muted individuality. Guys who want to stand out without looking too weird.
What do most Singaporean men have in common? Army. The main thing in army? Authority. The Authority would become the authority in Singaporean menswear, green symbolised masculinity and versatility.
The trend 5 years ago was skinny. We didn’t like uncomfortable, too fitted. The Authority is more relaxed.
Casting.
We were sick of Giorgio Armani boys. We look for some kind of androgyny. “Drugged artist.” Effortless good looks. It’s a comfortable feeling. I like to work with kind-hearted people.
In school I teach: product differentiation is no longer viable, brand differentiation is. I’ve heard The Authority promotes the “twink” look. We’re pro-LGBTQ.
It’s a balance. Having a strong identity inevitably offends some. I know I’m doing right by some people, I can sleep happy.
Gaybaiting.
Yes, I wanted to bank on the pink dollar. Realised the market is too small, scrutinising. They’re skeptical of hidden agenda. The pink dollar is the hardest to earn.
Gay people like to complain but they’ll pay for Fitness First over Anytime Fitness. They are paying for the clout it gives gay people.
Summerdaze.
This production came out from my and Telescope Studio’s pocket, director Martin Hong shoot it as his passion project, two actors who were our personal friends.
At our open casting, no malays or indians showed up. Most rejected because they had to go close to another guy.
For the script, we wanted something refreshing. Local gay films are always about cheating, whoring, committing suicide. If you’re someone who doesn’t believe in LGBTQ relationships, would something sad or beautiful change your mind more?
Being subtle is the way to go. Shouting in people’s faces does not work.
How-to Fashion in Singapore.
Singaporeans catch on trends later than normal. If you’re just a designer, look for someone who can manage business. Hard work, friendships. Branding, marketing. People who’ve succeeded have kept things the same — Singaporean men just want to look “normal.”
To sell fashion is to sell the idea of being better, included. Sadly, it comes at the expense of excluding.
