SINGAPORE – Renowned Singaporean fashion designer Laichan Goh, best known for his elegant and modern interpretations of cheongsam, died on April 14 at the age of 62.
He died peacefully at Assisi Hospice after a seven-year battle with brain cancer, which he had kept private.
His older sister, retired jewellery designer Michelle Goh, told The Straits Times that Goh – the 13th of 15 siblings – was surrounded by 30 to 40 loved ones at his bedside when he took his final breath.
Hailed as the nation’s godfather of the modern cheongsam, the veteran couturier opened his first boutique, The Dress Shop, in the now-demolished Liang Court shopping centre in the 1980s. In 1991, he moved to Raffles Hotel Arcade, where he spent 25 years.
His eponymous atelier Laichan, previously at Paragon, is now located at Mandarin Gallery in Orchard Road.
Though he had no formal training in fashion, the Ngee Ann Polytechnic real estate management graduate’s signature designs – figure-skimming cheongsam that honoured tradition while embracing contemporary silhouettes – quickly earned him a following.
His work spansbespoke couture, evening and bridal gowns, costume design for stage and screen, and commissions for Singaporean dignitaries, celebrities and society figures.
Tributes from Singapore’s creative community poured in on social media as news of his passing spread. Costume designer Moe Kasim called Goh “the nicest and most soft-spoken person” he had ever met, while composer Mark Chan praised his “rigour and his gorgeous cheongsam”.
Fashion and creative director Daniel Boey, who worked with Goh on his last major show, Fashion For All, in June 2024, reflected on how he seemed quieter than usual during the event – a contrast to his trademark vivacity.
Boey told ST: “Together with pioneers like Allan Chai, Laichan was at the forefront of redefining the Chinese fashion aesthetic in Singapore. He gave the cheongsam a contemporary edge, making it modern and sexy.
“We will miss his strong design point of view. His commitment to craft and cultural pride was unwavering. I hope the next generation of designers will see that you can honour tradition without compromise.”
Ms Angela Loh, founder ofjewellery and luxury lifestyle festival UltraLuxe and a long-time friend and client of Goh’s, was among those shocked by his death.
She said: “He had such a refined, elevated perspective on the cheongsam – full of finesse and elegance that set Singapore’s aesthetic apart.
“We didn’t always agree, but I admired him deeply. He wasn’t afraid to pursue his vision, and he stayed committed to it no matter what. There is no other designer like him.”
Icon Singapore magazine’s editor-in-chief Sylvester Ng, who had known Goh for five years, shared similar sentiments. “He was a deeply nurturing mentor – always generous with his time, his insights and his wisdom,” he said.
The two had worked together in 2024 on The Icons, a video series by the home-grown Chinese-language luxury lifestyle publication that paired creative pioneers across generations. In the episode focused on local fashion, Goh teamed up with designer Priscilla Shunmugam, 43.
Ng recalled: “At the time, he was still recovering from treatment, so I gently asked if he felt up to it. Without hesitation, he said yes. That moment spoke volumes about his passion and quiet strength.”
Goh, a bachelor, was also known to be deeply devoted to his family.
His sister Michelle recalled how even during periods of intense pain, he would wait for their youngest sibling Eddie – an avant-garde ceramist and sculptorwho had worked closely with Goh for nearly four decades – just to take him home after their long day at the atelier which they co-ran.
“Even with severe headaches, he would say, ‘I’m okay’, and insist on making sure Eddie got home safely to his wife and young children, who are also Laichan’s godchildren,” she said, adding that Eddie will now helm the Laichan label.
Goh’s wake is held at Woodlands Memorial, Maxwell Hall Level 7, on April 18 from 2pm, for members of the public. The funeral is at Mandai Crematorium Service Hall 1 on April 19 at 2pm. His family has requested guests to wear white or Laichan creations.
Singapore triathlon’s founding father Alec Kuok dies at 84Former top civil servant Lee Ek Tieng dies, aged 91
JoinST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Fashion designersObituaryCancerStyleShopping
