Contrary to popular belief, shopping in Singapore isn’t just limited to international designer labels and high street brands in upscale malls. For retail therapy with a distinctly local spin, get clued in on these top homegrown fashion designers that are putting our little red dot on the global map.
Ong Shunmugam
Those familiar with the name will know that Ong Shunmugam is, hands down, one of the most original homegrown fashion labels around. Best known for creating modern, wearable interpretations of traditional wear – be it the cheongsam, sari or samfu – designer Priscilla Shunmugam is a true talent with a mission to challenge the way we think about Asia’s sartorial history in modern times.
Ong Shunmugam, 16 Raffles Quay, B1-36 Hong Leong Building, Singapore 048581, p. 6223 4804. Open Mon-Fri 12-7pm. By appointment only.
exhibit
exhibit
Having grown from a small boutique in Far East Plaza to full-fledged fashion house in just five short years, it’s safe to say that local label exhibit is a runaway success. Helmed by fashion plate and street style star Yoyo Cao, the local label takes minimalist chic to a whole new level with runway-ready pieces that boast clever detailing and classic silhouettes for the modern woman.
exhibit, #04-115 Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road, Singapore 228213. Open Mon-Sat 130-930pm, Sun 130-830pm.
Hansel
Every local fashionista worth her salt will know the name hansel. Inspired by designer Jo Soh’s beloved Jack Russell Terrier, the label is best known for its cheeky, flirty, and feminine take on casual womenswear. This is what Jo does best: putting the fun back in fashion with her irrepressibly witty and whimsical designs that have even charmed the likes of Katy Perry.
Hansel, #02-14 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Road, Singapore 238867, p. 6836 5367. Open Mon-Fri 12-9pm, Sat-Sun 11am-9pm.
In Good Company
In Good Company
For once, a label that bucks the trend, instead of setting it. Designers Kane Tan and Sven Tan (of alldressedup fame)’s strategy is a clever one – forgo the typical seasonal dictates of fashion and focus instead on creating capsule collections of wardrobe essentials that every woman needs. And indeed, judging by In Good Company’s aesthetic of sophisticated and classic silhouettes, which are tailored to Singapore’s weather, no man, woman or child would be able to resist snagging an IGC creation or two for themselves.
In Good Company, #B1-06 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801, p. 6509 4786. Open daily 1030am-930pm.
Carrie K.
Time to sweep all your conventional notions of jewellery out the door; they can be fun, tongue-in-cheek, and (dare we say it) rule-breaking – if these baubles in question bear the name Carrie K. The brainchild of local artisan Carolyn Kan, this handcrafted jewellery line is strikingly conceptual with an avant-garde take on rings, bib necklaces, cuff bracelets, and earrings that make them perfectly wearable and covetable pieces for years to come.
Carrie K, 136 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 229838, p. 67354036. Open Mon-Sat 2-7pm. Also available at available at KEEPERS, TANGS Orchard, and Strangelets.
COLLATE
COLLATE
Having made its debut just earlier this year at Singapore Fashion Week to critical acclaim, COLLATE is already proving itself to be a fashion force to be reckoned with. With social media star Velda Tan at its helm, the label brings affordable luxury to today’s savvy and sophisticated set – think elegant and timeless shift dresses, separates, and luxe basics in muted hues with impeccable tailoring that won’t break the bank.
Ling Wu
Mention the name Ling Wu and the term ‘arm candy’ immediately comes to mind. The label’s collection of luxe handbags and accessories is absolutely to-die-for – we’re talking cool clutches, stunning satchels, and très chic totes in butter-soft leather and exotic skins. Want understated luxury? This is it.
Ling Wu, #03-10 National Design Centre, 111 Middle Road, Singapore 188969, p. 9696 3118. Also available at KEEPERS, TANGS, Robinsons Orchard, and Isetan Scotts.
ELOHIM by Sabrina Goh
ELOHIM by Sabrina Goh
Minimal, conceptual, structural: it’s easy to whittle down ELOHIM by Sabrina Goh to just three little words but make no mistake; it is so much more than that. Drawing inspiration from architectural silhouettes, the local label offers strong, sensuous designs that constantly push the envelope – be it structured slip dresses with asymmetrical hems, boxy overcoats with textural details or the perfect vermillion two-piece inspired by ancient rock formations in China.
Sabrina Goh , 13 Stamford Road, #02-14 Capitol Piazza, Singapore 178905, p. 6358 2158.
Dzojchen
Dzojchen by designer Chelsea Scott-Blackhall is far from your average cookie-cutter fashion label. Forgoing safe, simple designs in favour of the ideals of duality and paradox, the label deftly creates the perfect balance between femininity and masculinity, hard and soft, striking yet subtle with effortlessly contemporary pieces for the thinking man (and woman).
Aijek
Aijek
It’s hard not to notice Aijek: refreshingly and unapologetically feminine, this label is a breath of fresh air amongst the plethora of avant-garde labels in Singapore’s fashion scene. Designer Danelle Woo seems to know exactly what women want: easy, effortless, and elegant pieces that translate from work to the weekend. Besides, who wouldn’t be charmed by sartorial stunners like the lace maxi dress, monochromatic bustier top or a two-piece denim suit?
Aijek, available at KEEPERS, TANGS Orchard, Soon Lee, Trixilini, and Nana and Bird.
MAX.TAN
Monochromatic minimalism reigns supreme at MAX.TAN, the avant-garde eponymous label that no edgy fashionista worth her salt would ever be able to resist. Designer Max Tan pays homage to deconstruction and transformation by playing with volume, quirky cuts, and unexpected silhouettes – and the results? Refreshingly studied designs with the slightest hint of androgyny that are serious but never austere, minimal but never simple.
MAX. TAN, #02-15, Capitol Piazza, 13 Stamford Road, Singapore 178905, p. 6702 1816. Open daily 11am-8pm.
Benjamin Barker
Benjamin Barker
There are plenty of menswear stores around shelling out the same, heritage-inspired threads but Benjamin Barker is a cut above the rest. Founded locally in 2009, the concept store gets our vote for its unpretentious yet dapper collection of dress shirts, bespoke suits, custom-made leather brogues, and handsome accessories that even the ladies might be tempted by.
Benjamin Barker, various locations. Visit site for details.
Depression
True to its name, this unisex ready-to-wear label makes no apologies for its moody and often clinical approach to design – think minimalist cuts in stark, monochromatic colours. But there’s nothing sad about Depression. It’s a favourite amongst edgy fashionistas and celebs such as Adam Lambert and The Black Eyed Peas, and is also stocked internationally in Hong Kong, Japan, Belgium, and the US.
Depression, Cineleisure Orchard, #03-05A, 8 Grange Road, Singapore 239695, p. 9889 2179. Also available on Asian Fashion Inc.
Saturday
Not to be confused with Kate Spade’s sub brand, this unisex label is the second venture by veteran designers Nic Wong and Daniel Loh, following the success of their previous collaboration, Nicolas. Saturday’s approach to design is minimal and pragmatic, but definitely by no means boring. Expect clean cuts, simple silhouettes with quirky and unexpected touches that embody the carefree spirit of everyone’s favourite day of the week.
Saturday, Wheelock Place, #B2-04, 510 Orchard Road, Singapore 238880, p. 6887 3860. Also available at TANGS Orchard and Isetan Scotts