Fashion
Like many countries and cities in Southeast Asia, Singapore is known for its lively food scene. As one of the most expensive cities in the world, Singapore is also a shopping and nightlife mecca. Multiple luxury labels such as Louis Vuitton, technology brands such as Apple, and entertainment spots such as those from the Tao Group have opened flagship stores in the city-state.
While the pandemic has undoubtedly changed the economic landscape for Singapore, fashion brands, restaurants, and other stores have all been given a new lease of life now that travel and other forms of trade can resume.
Below are some of the most talked about local brands in Singapore that tourists love and keep coming back for.
Beyond The Vines’ popularity soared when they released their Dumpling Bag, a soft fabric carry-all tote available in various sizes. Following up on the popularity of its accessories, the brand also released the Reversible Relaxed Bag, yet another carry-all tote that can be carried multiple ways.
The local label recently rebranded from being a ready-to-wear clothing brand to a multi-disciplinary design studio. This move means the brand now creates homeware, outdoor, and tech essentials, like phone cases, on top of their menswear and womenswear offerings.
In an interview with Singapore-based lifestyle magazine, Female, the brand’s founders revealed that the brand has always been a design studio at heart. According to the husband and wife founders, their approach to design has always been about problem-solving from a user-centric perspective.
Klarra is home to contemporary womenswear; think crisp lines and comfortable fits. The local brand creates ready-to-wear, comfy yet stylish pieces, with some even suitable for the office. The brand also introduced a Studio line focusing solely on elevated essentials like jeans, trousers, and dresses that can be worn timelessly. Besides womenswear, Klarra also creates everyday kidswear so parents can have loads of fun mixing and matching outfits with their kids.
While it’s primarily a fashion label, Klarra also creates content with local influencers and celebrities on its blog, creating a sense of community.
Known for its minimalist pieces, By Invite Only is a jewelry store that produces affordable accessories for women.
By Invite Only has come a long way as one of Singapore’s best-known independent jewelry labels. The brand—founded almost 13 years ago—has an e-commerce platform and six physical stores spread across the country.
In an interview with a luxury lifestyle magazine, The Peak, the brand’s founder, Trixie Khong, revealed that the label was created because Khong wanted to make extra pocket money. As an undergraduate student at university, Khong relied on her suppliers to show her the ropes of designing jewelry.
Perhaps one of the most well-loved local brands, Charles and Keith, and its sister brand, Pedro, manufacture accessories such as shoes, belts, sunglasses, and bags for men and women.
Started in 1996 by two brothers, Charles and Keith, it is one of the oldest local brands in Singapore. The brand skyrocketed in popularity when celebrities such as Emily Ratajkowski, Maisie Williams, and Priyanka Chopra started using their bags and shoes on the red carpet or out and about town. In 2011, 20 percent of the brand was bought over by a famed French luxury house, Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy. The acquisition further catapulted Charles & Keith to fame, allowing it to conquer the Chinese market.
Most recently, Charles & Keith were in the spotlight again. This time, their Gabine Saddle Bag stole the show, selling out within days of its launch.
One of Singapore’s most loved womenswear brands, Love, Bonito, designs and creates everyday ready-to-wear pieces. Each piece created by the brand is made to cater to the fit and proportion of Asian women.
Love, Bonito was founded by three friends, Rachel Lim, Viola Tan, and Velda Tan. Currently, Lim helms the brand with CEO Dion Song. In a video feature on the local site, Mothership, Song claims that the brand’s success is due to its decision to place Asian women at the heart of its design.
In June this year, the brand opened a flagship store in Hong Kong, expanding its territory. The momentous move came after the brand did a pop-up in 2019, followed by a localized website launched in 2021.
In Good Company creates artful and contemporary items with interesting cuts and fabrics. While on the higher end of the spectrum, each piece is unique and lasts a really long time. The brand’s iconic range of jewelry pieces, too, stands out and is popular amongst women. The brand has recently expanded to selling homeware items like candles, planter boxes, and stationery. Their success and popularity have also led the brand to earn fans all throughout Asia.
With its strong showing of local designers, Singapore looks set to become Asia’s next big fashion hub.
