There are two things Singaporeans love doing more than anything else in the world: eating and shopping, and not necessarily in that order. While every big-name brand under the sun has a presence here—many of them in the mega-malls along Orchard Road—the city-state really stands out for its homegrown talent, whether that’s in fashion or homewares, souvenirs or shoes.
Read on to discover Urban List's favourite places to go shopping in Singapore for homegrown style.
Beyond The Vines
Image credit: Beyond The Vines | Supplied
Beyond The Vines is a multidisciplinary design studio based in Singapore. Established in 2015 by a husband and wife team, their design philosophy is all about duality—create boldly, design simply.
The duo works with fellow creatives and designers to produce a diverse range of products including clothing (for adults and kids), bags, accessories and even lifestyle products. But with its distinct ruched closure, water-resistant fabric, short handles and an adjustable crossbody strap, it's their dumpling bag that got everyone in Singapore talking. We suggest adding it to your shopping list immediately.
Lisa Von Tang
Adriana Lima, Cara Delevingne and Mick Jagger are all fans of LVT’s creations, which blend Asian textiles with street-luxe designs.
Lisa also says she takes inspiration from the Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang in her eye-catching clothing, like her luxurious ‘Geisha’ kimonos with gloriously vivid patterns, deep-plunge sari evening gown with patterned ribbing, and silky bomber jackets with cheongsam-style buttons. The lads won’t be disappointed either—there are options for him in-store as well. Bespoke designs are also available on request.
Sans Faff
Image credit: Sans Faff | Amberly Valentine
Singapore resident, Brandy Dallas, launched Sans Faff in February 2020 as a women's fashion brand that focuses on sustainable bamboo wardrobe essentials and premium basics. Having mastered the off-duty look, the brand also prioritises using sustainably sourced materials that have the least impact on the planet, while also ensuring top notch quality so your pieces last forever, reducing the need for frequent replacements and thereby minimising waste.
Our favourites in the collection include the Linda relaxed fit t-shirt dress, which can be styled a variety of ways from day to night, and the Shay pyjama set—because everyone deserves to look chic while they Netflix and chill.
Carrie K.
Accidentally discovering the art of silversmithing during a trip to Italy, Carolyn Kan returned to Singapore and decided to dedicate her life to the art—her bet paid off, and she’s now one of Asia’s most respected jewellery designers.
Her collections today frequently take inspiration from her culture: the Heritage line features motifs that you might see on Peranakan tiles that adorn Singapore’s Chinatown and Joo Chiat / Katong neighbourhoods, while The Star line nods to the Malay songket, a traditional fabric handwoven in silk and intricately patterned with gold or silver threads. Her boutique also features a Pearl Bar, where Kan creates pieces that reinterpret traditional pearl necklaces.
Sette
Image credit: Sette | Supplied
Sette is setting a new standard in comfort and style when it comes to luxury loungewear. Founded by Texas native and Singapore resident, Monica Millington, the brand creates garments in limited quantities using low-impact materials with a mission to create less, better.
Ideal for travelling, the Sweat Sette Collection is one of our favourites and includes a crewneck pullover, sweatpants, tee, shorts and socks, all crafted from an off-white bamboo and cotton blend fabric.
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Ling Wu
Made with “care and detail” is the catch cry at this luxe boutique, where handbags are timeless in design and are cut from the finest materials. While the soft leathers may come from Italy, the bags’ forms and colours are distinctly Asian—think, saffron, chilli, cinnamon, turmeric and star anise.
The python clutches will make a statement, while the totes and handbags are as functional as they are eye-catching. The fact they’re all extremely lightweight and come with plenty of internal pockets means that they’re ideal for travel. The apartment-style showroom in the Holland Village neighbourhood is a delight to shop in so good luck leaving empty-handed.
Anothersole
Image credit: Anothersole | Supplied
Founded by Benny Chee and Phoebe Charn in 2016, Anothersole is a socially-conscious fashion brand that creates timeless and sustainable essentials for city dwellers while doing good at the same time. The homegrown brand rose to fame after they launched their first silhouette, aptly named the Anytime Lace-Up Flats, which were a hit among those looking for quality and comfortable footwear.
Since then, the brand has launched two other product lines—247 Sneakers (decked out with LWG gold-certified leather1 uppers with laces and lining constructed from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) bottles, plant-based footbeds and recycled rubber outsoles) and ANEW (products that are consciously spun and woven from recycled plastic bottles). Our favourites include the ANEW Marshmallow Sandals which combines fashion with cloudlike comfort and the 247 Cali Sneakers which are available for both men and women.
In Good Company
While you may need to save before you shop at Ling Wu or LVK, the ready-to-wear pieces at this store are extremely affordable. Which is not to say they’re not alluring. The brand’s fashion line is sleek, understated and comfy, with ranges for men and women as well as little ones. They’re the kind of pieces you can dress up with accessories, so it’s a good thing In Good Company has an eye for these as well—the necklaces are particularly swoon-worthy.
There are other bits and pieces to peruse, from glossy design books to plant pots. And if you’re shopping at the Jewel Changi Airport outlet, you can contemplate your purchases at the on-site Birds of Paradise “gelato boutique”—if you’re a Jewel Privilege member and spend more than $100 in the store, your scoop here is free. Shopping never tasted so good.
ZERRIN
Image credit: ZERRIN | Supplied
ZERRIN is your shortcut to conscious style. The platform expertly curates the best in contemporary, emerging brands alongside inspiring stores to elevate your wardrobe while supporting sustainable practices.
Beyond being able to browse and shop the best in independent, sustainable designers on their platform, ZERRIN also hosts pop up events in Singapore where you can discover and try on brands in person, meet designers and get styling recommendations from their team.
Ong Shunmugam
Batik is not everyone’s cup of tea, especially when it comes to clothing. But designer Priscilla Shunmugam takes the traditional dyeing technique and weaves in contemporary materials and silhouettes to create womenswear that is magical, understated and eminently wearable.
Expect minidresses with pompoms and ribbon neckties, suit jackets with kebaya-influenced lapels, and other pieces inspired by traditional Asian crafts. The designer has also turned her hand to homewares, putting her distinctive prints onto covetable plates, placemats and napkins. Be sure to call ahead if you want to visit the atelier—it’s open by appointment only.
Charles & Keith
Image credit: Charles & Keith | Facebook
Pushing the boundaries of contemporary footwear and coveted accessories, Charles & Keith is a must-stop serving up both statement and everyday pieces ripe for the glossy pages of high-end fashion magazines. Think classic and retro-style shades, fashion-forward heels and chic saddle bags.
Scene Shang
If you can resist the gorgeous homewares in this boutique, you’re a stronger shopper than we are. While the furniture and décor are decidedly contemporary, the Asian influence is prevalent throughout, from the hand-painted porcelain to the lacquered boxes and trays.
While you won’t be able to fit some of the bigger items into your suitcase—the armchairs are particularly gram-worthy—you’ll find more versatile pieces on offer in the art, scents and cushions, the latter of which come emblazoned with distinctive Singapore landmarks. Next door in the Kampong Gelam neighbourhood is another homewares store we love: Supermama, known for its porcelain plates depicting cultural motifs and architectural icons across the city-state.
Wildlife Sanctuary collection
Image credit: Mandai Wildlife Group | Supplied
Mandai Wildlife Group has joined forces with the Singapore Fashion Council to create a capsule collection of fashion and lifestyle pieces which celebrate the wondrous beauty of the animal kingdom.
The collaboration brings together a group of local designers (Reckless Ericka, Pearly Lustre, Photo
Phactory, Junglesuit and La Tierra) who have mindfully curated a unique nature-themed fashion ensemble as an extension of the Group’s premium lifestyle collection, Wildlife Sanctuary.
The collection is available for purchase now at Design Orchard and in the retail stores at Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders and Bird Paradise.
Design Orchard
Many people come to this new retail and incubation space to ogle at the architecture, designed by award-winning Singaporean architects WOHA with a dramatic undulating green roof that doubles as a garden amphitheatre.
Step inside and you’ll find products by local creatives only, with over 60 local brands stocked. On the fashion front, there are floaty dresses and skirts with hand-painted watercolour prints at Ying the Label; gorgeous cheongsams reinterpreted for modern-day wear at Dotted Line, and eye-popping colours and patterns at Reckless Erika—the ‘Durian Collection’ is our fave. There’s more… The emporium also stocks homegrown beauty products (The Lab Fragrances are divine, as are the bespoke skincare products at Alcheme) and all manner of accessories, home furnishings and souvenirs. You can even pick up artisan sauces and spreads to take home.
Rock Daisy
Image credit: Rock Daisy | Supplied
Rock Daisy, the latest entry to the Singapore fashion scene, was founded by Rachel Liou and presents wardrobe essentials that stand the test of time, thanks to their seasonless and modern utilitarian style.
From design to sourcing to construction, Rock Daisy works with partners who believe in their sustainability mission at every step of the way. Working with a Japanese-trained patternmaker with over 20 years of experience, every piece is designed to reflect the way the female body moves with generous spaces that never take away from a refined silhouette. With the oversized yet tailored fit perfected, premium tencel fabric is sourced from West Java for a buttery feel that boasts twice the strength of cotton.
Made with 100% natural fibres, each piece is moisture-wicking and breathable to forgive the heat and humidity of Singapore’s tropical climate. Double stitches, bias-bound edges, and French seams ensure Liou's designs are made to last.
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Main image credit: Anothersole | Supplied
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