Toyota Singapore proudly announces the Start Your Impossible Hero Project 2024, a pioneering fashion showcase celebrating inclusivity and the transformative power of adaptive design. This event marks the Creative Director debut of Singaporean Paralympic swimmer and Global Team Toyota Athlete (GTTA) Toh Wei Soong.
Taking place on 12 December 2024 at the Toyota Boutique at Leng Kee, the showcase will present an innovative collection created in collaboration with Claudia Poh, founder of adaptive fashion label Werable. This collection embodies Toh’s mission to make fashion accessible for all, regardless of ability, inspiring a broader understanding of adaptive fashion.
Adding a dynamic visual element, Toyota Singapore has unveiled a Toyota RAV4 wrapped in a design inspired by Toh Wei Soong’s sketches. This striking vehicle wrap serves as a canvas for his artistic vision and symbolizes the strength and creativity of adaptive design. It seamlessly integrates the worlds of fashion and mobility, illustrating how innovation and inclusivity are brought to life through both automotive and fashion design.
Empowering Change Through Inclusive Design
Toh’s debut collection as Creative Director embodies his mission to make fashion universally accessible and inclusive. Created in collaboration with Claudia Poh, founder of adaptive fashion label Werable, the collection challenges conventional notions of adaptive design by blending functionality with elegance, while incorporating a historical theme of transformation.
“At its heart, the hero project is about transformation—alchemy. In this case, it is the self transformation from lesser to higher selves,” Toh explained. His creative direction reflects his love for history and culture, connecting these influences to the theme of transformation and the Start Your Impossible ethos. “It’s about becoming more than what we are, inspired by the stories, ideas, and experiences that have shaped me.”
The collection features 16 stunning looks, modeled by individuals of diverse abilities, each celebrating self-expression, dignity, and style. Collaborating with Claudia, Toh merges his vision with her expertise in textiles and production, showcasing how clothing can empower individuals to transform and express themselves with confidence.
Start Your Impossible: Toyota’s Commitment to Inclusivity and Empowerment
Toyota’s Start Your Impossible global corporate initiative, launched in 2018, underscores the brand’s dedication to building a more inclusive, sustainable, and mobile society. Through this global campaign, Toyota in Singapore supports athletes who serve as “dual heroes,” excelling in sport while championing social change. Toh exemplifies this spirit, blending his passions for sports and fashion to promote inclusivity.
Ng Khee Siong, Managing Director of Borneo Motors Singapore, expressed his support for the project, saying, “We are incredibly proud to support Toh Wei Soong’s debut as Creative Director for this remarkable project. The Start Your Impossible initiative is about breaking barriers and inspiring individuals to believe that the impossible is within reach. Toh’s vision for inclusive fashion aligns perfectly with our commitment to creating a world where everyone has the freedom to express themselves, regardless of ability.”
As Creative Director, Toh’s work showcases how adaptive design empowers individuals to dress with pride and style, reflecting Toyota’s commitment to fostering a world without limits, where everyone can Start Their Impossible.
Photo by Joseph Koh (@badsoju), with photo assistance by Troy Quipotla (@troyrez). Hair and makeup by Ann Lin (@fourann).
A Commitment to Giving Back
Following the showcase, Toh Wei Soong’s debut adaptive collection will be put up for auction, with all proceeds directed to the Society for the Physically Disabled (SPD). This cause is especially meaningful to Toh, as SPD supported him on his journey and continues to help people across the spectrum of disabilities. Additionally, $5,000 from the sale of the Toyota RAV4, which features a wrap inspired by Toh’s design, will be donated to SPD.
Through this auction and the donation from the vehicle sale, Toh and Toyota Singapore aim to further empower and uplift the community, demonstrating their dedication to fostering inclusivity and making a positive impact for individuals of all abilities.
