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 private seven-year battle with brain cancer.

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.

He opened his first boutique in the now-demolished Liang Court shopping centre in the 1980s. His namesake atelier Laichan is located at Mandarin Gallery in Orchard Road.

Though he had no formal training, his signature designs – figure-skimming cheongsam that honoured tradition while embracing contemporary silhouettes – quickly earned him a following.

His work spans bespoke couture, 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 of jewellery 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.”