More than 400 guests attended the Shiva Gala at Zinc in Federation Square, Melbourne last night to celebrate the life of late Australian fashion icon Shiva Singam, who passed away on October 7 last month at age 50.
Hosted by the Singam family, the event included live performances, installations and illustrations.
Singam was a key part of Melbourne Fashion Festival (MFF), most recently as the head of partnerships. In addition to his career in fashion, he will be remembered for his fashion statements.
This year he attended the Royal Exhibition Building in his Comme des Garcons frock coat, paired with patent leather orange Vivienne Westwood shoes.
When he was invited to the opening of the then-new GPO, once the General Post Office, he chose to wear a suit covered in postage stamps as its design.
Singam’s passing was announced on his Instagram last month by his sister Janee on behalf of the Singam family.
In the post, she said her brother was a captivating, fun loving, intelligent and thoughtful man.
“He touched so many lives with his magnetic personality and generous spirit,” she wrote. “He leaves behind thousands of friends who remember his kindness, big heart, humour, and incredible fashion style.
“We are grateful that he was surrounded by loyal and loving friends to this day, and we know you were the constant source of strength, love, laughter and inspiration in his life.”
MFF CEO Caroline Ralphsmith also remembered Shiva on LinkedIn, saying the legacy and spirit he has left behind is incomparable.
“He has been the heart, soul and life of the Melbourne Fashion Festival and wider fashion community for many, many years, however the impact he’s had over the last 18 months in helping revitalise the Festival after the pandemic has been nothing short of extraordinary,” Ralphsmith said.
“Shiva’s dedication, creativity, kindness, intuition and boundless energy will be impossible to replace and forever missed. Our deepest love to his family, friends, colleagues and connections; he brought such beauty and light into all our lives.
“Shiva was a man beloved by all in the Australian fashion industry and will never be forgotten.”