As global temperatures climb and Singapore experiences its hottest decade on record, a new exhibition is challenging how we think about heat, fashion, and the future of living on a warming planet. HOT BODIES: A Heatwear Exhibition opens 6 December 2025 at New Bahru, presenting a bold reimagining of how apparel can help humans adapt, not avoid, extreme heat.
Supported by the SG Eco Fund and the DesignSingapore Council, the exhibition is led by global brand practice Anak, which frames Singapore, one of the world’s hottest and most humid urban environments, as the perfect testbed for innovative heat resilience.
A Timely Exhibition for a Heating Planet
According to the Meteorological Service Singapore, the last 10 years have been the nation’s hottest in history. Worldwide, extreme heat events are intensifying, yet our behaviours and clothing remain stuck in the past. HOT BODIES confronts this gap, asking a radical question: What if instead of escaping the heat, we learn to harness it?
Ten Creatives, Ten Ways to Rethink Heat
Working alongside research experts including Associate Professor Jason Lee, HOT BODIES showcases 10 commissioned Heatwear creations from designers around the globe. Each piece tackles the challenges of heat, humidity, and UV exposure through fashion-forward functionality, speculative design, or practical wearables.
Highlights include:
- THE SUNSHELL by Jean Jullien (France): A UPF 50 cape that transforms sun protection into play.
- THE COOL COLLAR by TANCHEN STUDIO (Singapore): A jade statement piece engineered for rapid cooling along the neck and chest.
- THE HARDWEAR JACKET by TMS.SITE (Hong Kong): Tailored for outdoor workers, offering protection from intense heat.
- THE SELF-CONDITIONER by HARRI (London): A conceptual inflatable garment that creates a self-cooled cocoon.
Other contributions come from FERN (Malaysia), THE IDIOT (Ho Chi Minh City), Front Office (Japan), STUDIO BUJ (Spain), and Greater Goods x Jaimus Tailor (London), each presenting a unique approach to embracing hotter living conditions.
A Full Heat-Living Experience: Emporium, Workshops & More
Beyond the main showcase, visitors can explore the HOT BODIES Emporium, featuring shoppable Heatwear items such as:
- handheld fans
- UV keychain indicators
- sunstraps
- limited-edition collaborations with Jean Jullien, TANCHEN Studio, and Jaimus Tailor
The exhibition also includes:
- A Sunscreen Bar featuring over 80 products for testing
- A Hydration Bar serving customised electrolyte drinks
- A programme of workshops, panels, and activities, including collaborations with Vogue Singapore, Moom Health, TCM practitioners, and weekly events like the playful Sunblock Face Paint Party: Become a Sun Hero!
A special preview takes place on 5 December for industry professionals, partners, and Heatwear enthusiasts before the public opening.
HOT BODIES: A Heatwear Exhibition
- New Bahru
- 6–28 December 2025
- Admission: Free
Event and workshop sign-ups will open in November.
