Tracy Phillips is the name, and don’t wear it out! No, seriously, more than a name, it’s a strong brand these days with the power to make and break others by its very association. One time marketing manager of clubbing institution, Zouk Singapore, she has helped shape South East Asia’s nightlife, music and pop culture scene for over a decade. She’s a taste maker, a purveyor of cool and now, after running the show for a couple of years, Ambassador of Blueprint, Singapore’s fashion gateway and annual tradeshow for emerging designers.
We caught her just before she headed off to Nevada’s Black Rock to have all the fun at Burning Man.
Researching for our Shopping series, we found it’s not as easy to find super little gems in the greater China Town area as it used to be, so we asked Tracy to share a few of her faves.
Willow+Huxley
This is a good womenswear boutique. It’s a multi-label store, with several Australian brands like Bec & Bridge, Finders Keepers, Something Else by Natali Wood. I grew up in Perth and I like the relaxed vibe of many Aussie labels and there’s always a good selection for our climate and island living.
Willow+Huxley. 20 Amoy St, Singapore 069855, p. 6220 1745 Open Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 11am-3pm, closed Sundays.
Shop by Monocot Studio
I like this tiny pseudo provision shop/ lifestyle store & design studio all in one. Selling simple and well designed items from all over the world, I can always find something of interest. They call themselves an ‘emporium of the old with everyday items of the new’. So, I guess eclectic is what I would say. Make sure you check out their range of air plants.*
Shop by Monocot Studio. Block 5 Banda Street #01-98, Singapore 050005, p. 6557 2448.
*Air plants sell out quick and are replenished every few months, so get in quick!
The Redundant Shop
OK, so it’s a bit of a stretch to call it Chinatown, but let’s say ‘just minutes from Chinatown’ is this great, curated lifestyle store. I love it for gifts and design items. It also stocks some fashion labels and is good to keep an eye on when you go to Everton Park for the great coffee.
The Redundant Shop. #01-22A 5 Everton Park, Singapore 080005, p. 6707 2005.
Curated Editions/ Curated Bag Showroom
This is great for accessories sourced from emerging designers as well as being THE place to buy designer bags for less. They share their showroom with online e-tailer for good, The Fashion Benefit, so you can shop both at once!
Curated Editions. 112-116 Amoy Street #04-00A, Singapore 069935 Open Mon – Fri 12pm – 4pm
MYthology
This is a multi-label store featuring Asian emerging designers, especially those from India. I always think the price point is so reasonable for the detail and workmanship involved in many of the pieces.
MYthology. 88 Club St., Singapore 069456, p. 6223-5570. Open Mon-Thu 11am-7pm, Fri-Sat 11am-8pm, closed Sundays.
Dylan & Sons
This is a two-generation family owned tailoring house that also retails men’s accessories like ties, braces, and pocket squares. They are known for their modern cuts and new ideas compared to other more traditional tailors. They will be launching ‘ready to wear’ soon, moving beyond tailoring to designing shirts people can buy straight off the rack.
Dylan & Sons. 147A Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068606, p. 6221 1852. Open Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 12-8pm, Wed, Sat 12-5pm, closed Sundays and public holidays.
Thanks Tracy!
All images taken by Suasti Lye of Suasti Lye Photography & Design.