Ten things to know about Singapore’s new fashion scene

With an up-and-coming creative scene and a growing pool of local fashion talent, Singapore is proving that it’s more than an island of mega malls and shopping strips. Local fashion blogger Vera Mao (naked-glory.com) reveals the people and places turning heads in Asia’s new style hub

Shop Wonderland

Haji Lane has evolved from a back alley of rundown shops into a trendy street filled with independent boutiques. I love this quirky homeware store: have a matcha (green tea) latte on the first-floor café before exploring the creative homewares on the second floor – think Tiffany chairs and moss-covered animals – as well as apparel from its own in-house label ALICE.

Front Row

Front Row is the grand dame of independent boutiques in Singapore. Despite turning nine this year, it keeps things fresh by showcasing young Singaporean and Asian designers – look out for Carrie K, In Good Company and Ling Wu.

Pact

When you’re on Orchard Road, dodge the mega malls and head to PACT. The space has three experiences under one roof: visit KILO for really good Japanese-Vietnamese fusion food; K.I.N for clothing with simple design yet superior craftsmanship; and PACT+LIM for a Japanese hair salon experience.

Threadbare & Squirrel

Near Haji Lane in a two-storey shophouse is Threadbare & Squirrel (pictured), which stocks mostly Singaporean and regional Asian designers, such as my favourite Dude & the Duchess – a Malaysian label known for sharp, tailored pieces with clever use of organza.

Shentonista.sg

For Singapore street style, check out Shentonista.sg. The blog captures the style of everyday folk in the Central Business District. Founder Darren Lee has a keen eye for detail, and the short interviews with his subjects make for an interesting read.

Public Garden flea market

Public Garden flea market is home to independent small businesses and creative individuals. It is usually held on weekends, and the vendors for each market vary – browse vintage apparel and handmade accessories before trying home-baked goodies.

nana&bird

This started out for family and friends, but nana&bird (pictured) is now a favourite with the Singaporean fashion crowds. You can find pieces from local designers such as Aijek alongside international names such as Marie Turnor.

BooksActually

It is hard not to feel welcomed as you breathe in the crisp smell of paper at this independent bookshop. It was selected to host a pop-up Monocle store when the magazine’s publisher, Tyler Brûlé, visited Singapore this year.

SUPERSPACE/Ritz Salon

SUPERSPACE is the brainchild of local designers Gilda Su (RÊVASSEUR), Samuel Wong (Even Odd), Bobby Luo (of popular club The Butter Factory) and Ritz Lim, who is behind Ritz Salon. The shop’s labels reflect the owners’ varying tastes, and it supports Singapore designers with a maximalist aesthetic, such as YESAH and MASH-UP.

Kapok

Originally from Hong Kong, Kapok (above) just opened at the National Design Centre, stocking everything from fashion by Opening Ceremony to watches by Swedish label Daniel Wellington, as well as an in-house brand of mens’ shirts. You can even grab a coffee and chill out on furnishings from local store Grafunkt.

British Airways flies to Singapore daily, and will launch a three-times weekly A380 service from 28 October. Book now at ba.com.

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This article has been tagged Fashion + Style, Destination

Vera Mao