Besides being home to international labels and globally renowned brands, Singapore is a hotbed of local creativity. Home to passionate artisans, craftsmen and fashion designers, our metropolis boasts a whole range of inspired threads for the discerning fashionista.
Beautifully-woven scarves, elegant women’s wear and sparkling jewellery are just some of the treasures you’ll find in the Lion City. Check out our guide to local fashion labels, and discover a range of wares proudly made in Singapore.
1. Adlina Anis
After years of working as a fashion stylist in the publishing industry, Adlina Anis took a leap of faith and launched her own eponymous line of chic modest wear in 2012.
Since then, the Muslimah designer has become well known for creating a series of innovative hijabs that cater to the modern Muslim woman.
For instance, the bestselling Ninja Echo is designed with special slits for wearers to conveniently plug in their wired earphones through the headscarf.
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the Aqua Sol range of turbans and caps, which are made from lycra and specially designed for water and land sports.
Besides stylish headgear, the online boutique carries matching sets of butterfly tops and pareo skirts in colourful batik (a cloth patterning technique of wax-resisting dyeing practised widely throughout Southeast Asia and the East) prints.
CentroPod. 80 Changi Road Level A(Attic), Singapore 419715.
Mon-Fri noon-5pm; Sat & Sun 11am-3pm.
2.. Beyond the Vines
Established in 2015 by Daniel Chew and Rebecca Ting, the fashion label has steadily expanded its presence to Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia and Australia where it has gained a following for its minimalist dresses and easy-to-wear jumpsuits.
The husband-and-wife duo continues to push boundaries, most recently introducing a gender-neutral collection consisting of boxy cut tops, loose fit jackets and unisex overalls in muted tones of navy and khaki.
If you are a fan of versatile fashion touches, these chic utilitarian pieces here are definitely worth checking out.
Funan. 107 North Bridge Road #02-08, Singapore 179105. +65 8112 0332.
Daily 10am-10pm. For a full list of Beyond the Vines stores, click here.
3. Binary Style
Looking to jazz up your wardrobe? Check out the inspired accessories at Binary Style. This homegrown brand takes pride in narrating the Singapore story through a range of well-designed cotton and silk scarves.
Trained architects and twin sisters Santhi and Sari Tunas showcase their creative flair, weaving local history, culture and nature into vibrant original prints and motifs.
Whether it’s the whimsical pattern of bumboats on the Singapore River or the kaleidoscopic streetscape of Little India, your scarf is bound to be a conversation starter.
Design Orchard. 250 Orchard Road, Singapore 238905. +65 6513 1743.
Daily 10.30am-9.30pm. Binary Style may be found at these other fine establishments.
4. biro
Gentlemen with an eye for both style and quality should bookmark biro, an urban menswear brand with a focus on premium fabrics and quality craftmanship. Started by two Singaporean brothers, the brand produces a range of trendy streetwear, ranging from denim jeans to understated t-shirts.
Check out signature pieces like their Nishjiinori tee—crafted with 100% loopwheel cotton— or their bestselling drawstring jeans, constructed from selvedge denim. Regardless of your taste in fashion, you’re bound to find these trendy threads to be of unparalleled quality.
Mandarin Gallery. 333A Orchard Road #03-23, Singapore 238897. +65 9748 7347.
Daily noon-8pm.
5. Carrie K.
After a month-long apprenticeship with an Italian silversmith in Florence, Carolyn Kan left her high-flying job to create her own jewellery brand Carrie K..
Launched in 2009, the brand prides itself on artisan-crafted modern heirloom jewellery inspired by local stories and culture. Think geometrical earrings and gemstone rings fashioned after the intricate patterns of Peranakan* tiles commonly found in heritage buildings here.
*The term is an Indonesian/Malay word that means “local born”, which generally refers to people of Chinese and Malay/Indonesian heritage.
Funan. 107 North Bridge Road #02-K05, Singapore 179105. +65 9299 8244.
Daily 11.30am-8pm. Carrie K. may be found at these other fine establishments.
6. Depression
What was meant to be a break from their advertising careers for both Kenny Lim and Andrew Loh resulted in the inception of homegrown label Depression.
Since their humble beginnings as a small t-shirt shop in 2006, the creative duo has steadily gained recognition for their edgy unisex clothing, which has been presented at fashion shows such as Seoul Fashion Week and Berlin Fashion Week.
Punk and street gothic influences are fused together with Chinese character elements into a mostly dark coloured wardrobe of oversized tops, baggy pants and long coats.
As a nod to its international appeal, the brand’s apparel has been sported by celebrities such as Black Eyed Peas, Kat Von D and Adam Lambert.
Shop the collections at their concept store in Orchard Gateway, which also carries a selection of cult streetwear brands meticulously curated from all over the world by the founders themselves.
Sects Shop at Orchard Gateway. 277 Orchard Road #04-14, Singapore 238858. +65 9889 2179.
Daily noon-10pm.
7. In Good Company
Fashionistas will certainly find themselves in good company with this lifestyle brand, set up by a team of four previously from now-defunct Alldressedup, a prominent local womenswear label once stocked in over 20 cities including New York’s luxury department store Saks Fifth Avenue.
With fabrics made exclusively in a mill in Hong Kong, expect well-made wardrobe staples with modern silhouettes that won’t break the bank.
And while you’re there, why not pick up some smart threads for your kids? Mini Me is an adorable collection for tots aged three to eight.
Apart from apparel, the boutique also carries aesthetically pleasing ornaments like planter boxes, coffee table books, candles and incense cones.
ION Orchard. 2 Orchard Turn #B1-06, Singapore 238801. +65 6509 4786.
Daily 10am-10pm. For a full list of In Good Company stores, click here.
8. Kydra
Whether you are hitting the gym or yoga studio, fitness enthusiasts can exude style even while working up a sweat.
Founded by two friends who are athletes themselves, activewear label Kydra is a relative newcomer to the local athleisure scene and caters to both men and women.
Made using sweat-wicking and antibacterial fabric, the bottoms are thoughtfully designed with multiple pockets so you can conveniently fit your phone and other small belongings while on the run.
Design Orchard. 250 Orchard Road, Singapore 238905. +65 6513 1743.
Daily 10.30am-9.30pm.
9. Laichan
Best known for his exquisite Chinese cheongsams, Singaporean couturier Goh Lai Chan has been in the industry for over three decades, making glamorous dresses for an international clientele.
The self-taught designer also creates dramatic costumes for theatre, films and TV productions such as Romeo & Juliet and the HBO miniseries Grace.
His eponymous boutique stocks a ready-to-wear collection of timeless cheongsam (body-hugging dress of Chinese-Manchurian origin) dresses and blouses. The iconic garment is given a contemporary and luxurious update by replacing its traditional knotted frog buttons with bead buttons made from semi-precious stones like jade and quartz.
If you’re looking for one-of-its-kind gowns for your wedding or the next society ball, Goh offers a made-to-measure service to fulfil your wildest dress dreams.
Paragon. 290 Orchard Road #03-20, Singapore 238859. +65 6235 0049.
Daily 10am-10pm.
10. Ling Wu
You can recognise a signature Ling Wu handbag by its characteristic, buttery soft leather and glossy finish, the result of a special technique employed by Indonesian artisans where every piece of leather is painstakingly rolled with glass bottles.
Designed by homegrown talent Goh Ling Ling—alumnus of renowned Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London—her luxurious bubble clutches and hobo bags feature python skins that are sustainably sourced from Java and Sumatra.
If you have always been curious about how a designer lives and works, pay a visit to her showroom in the trendy neighbourhood of Chip Bee Gardens.
This is where the second level of Ling’s home has been transformed into an intimate show room, allowing shoppers to peruse the label’s bags alongside niche wares such as scented candles, ceramics and vintage accessories.
Le Salon. 43 Jalan Merah Saga #02-78, Singapore 278115. +65 9696 3118.
Mon-Fri 11am-5.30pm; Sat by appointment only.
11. Matter Prints
Born out of an ambitious social mission, the ethical fashion brand co-founded by Singaporean Renyung Ho seeks to encourage customers to value provenance and grow a community that celebrates heritage.
By working with select generational artisans in rural parts of Asia, modern design is married with traditional techniques like block printing and ikat (a tie and dye weaving craft) to create timeless pieces of fashion.
The relaxed, versatile cut of their resort-style jumpsuits, dhoti-inspired pants and maxi dresses make going from brunch to business meeting a breeze.
Design Orchard. 250 Orchard Road, Singapore 238905. +65 6513 1743.
Daily 10.30am-9.30pm. Matter Prints may be found at these other fine establishments.
12. Our Second Nature
Just a stone’s throw away from Ling Wu is a relatively new womenswear label founded by Singaporeans Lauren Tan and Velda Tan. The latter is a local style icon and entrepreneur behind other popular homegrown fashion brands Love, Bonito and Collate The Label.
Expect to find casual rompers, kimono cardigans and midi dresses all featuring clean relaxed silhouettes and lightweight fabrics for everyday comfort. Each collection is themed around a particular artsy print produced by an in-house designer.
The brand also houses Our Mini Nature —an adorable kidswear line—so mum and toddler can both don whimsical matching outfits.
Spend your afternoon at their boutique dubbed Our Second Home, a beautiful airy space which houses a cafe so you can take long relaxing breaks in between trying on clothes.
Our Second Nature. 43 Jalan Merah Saga #01-66, Singapore 278115.
Mon-Thu 10am-6pm; Fri-Sun 10am-9pm.