Show some love for local brands! Hit up these fashion, lifestyle and homeware stores in Singapore for all your shopping needs.
Here’s a PSA in case you’re only about big brands and malls: the retail world is filled with cool indie boutiques. Singapore is home to artists who are bursting with creativity. So hop off the mainstream shopping train and hit up these awesome local brands in Singapore for quirky memorabilia, cool decor and kitschy wares.
Shopping in Singapore: Cool local brands
1. Wacky Wears
Everyone deserves to hear some positive affirmations, so what better way to spread the love than by wearing them? Statements like “take time off” and “going at my own pace” are adorably emblazoned on tees, tote bags, phone cases, and more. You can even get them as stickers to place on your laptops or notebooks. Each campaign runs on a pre-order basis, so keep a lookout on its socials for the latest updates and when you should get your shopping done.
Wacky Wears, available online
2. Give This Crap
Unless your love language is gift giving, it’s never easy to get presents for your family and friends. What’s there to give, really? Enter Give This Crap, whose sole mission is to go against mundane gifting through uniquely quirky products. Pore through this laundry list of “everything fun” items, from a prank gift box filled with practical joke stuff to a card game that can determine whether you’re in a situationship or not. We love all this crap!
Give This Crap, available online
3. Actually
Here’s a shopaholic’s dream come true. This cutting-edge, multi-label concept store carries an eclectic mix of premium streetwear brands such as Oh Lolly Day, Baggu, and Keen. With a playful shop interior (you’ll find the place littered with toys), the store constantly switches up and rotates items on the shelf, so you’ll always find something new to covet.
Actually, #03-37 to 40, 313 Somerset, 313 Orchard Road, Singapore 238895
4. In Good Company
This local fashion brand forgoes the typical seasonal dictates of fashion and focuses instead on creating essentials for the Singaporean wardrobe. In Good Company’s aesthetic of sophisticated and classic silhouettes is tailored to Singapore’s weather. Seriously, you won’t be able to resist snagging a creation or two for yourself.
In Good Company, multiple locations including Ion Orchard and Tangs Plaza
5. Cat Socrates
There’s so much to love about Cat Socrates! We’re not just talking about its feline inhabitants. In between its cat-themed stationery, bedding, and books, you’ll find everything from coasters to colourful terrazzo wireless chargers and handmade journals. It’s truly a treasure to behold, so take your time to sift through the shelves of kitschy treasures.
Cat Socrates, multiple locations Tiong Bahru and Joo Chiat
6. Temple Candles
Here’s a scent-sational local brand to look out for if you’re shopping for sophisticated Singapore souvenirs. We love how everything is presented in a faceted glass with silver monogram. It’s giving quiet luxury and makes perfect house decor for any home. Speaking of, you can also give these as housewarming gifts. The bespoke fragrances will remind you of our lush, tropical paradise.
Temple Candles, stocked in multiple locations including Tanglin Mall and Joo Chiat
7. Elizabeth Little
Lovingly handmade with organic cotton and fine Japanese linen, Elizabeth Little creates colourful vintage-inspired slow fashion pieces. It aims to preserve traditional sewing techniques while creating designs in limited quantities, encouraging sustainability. You’ll find an array of gorgeous handcrafted dresses and accessories here. Plus, you can even get matching outfits customised for you and the whole family.
Elizabeth Little, #03-06, Block A, 10 Winstedt Road, Singapore 227977
8. The Place
If you’ve always wanted to own a piece of Singapore, consider shopping at this boutique local brand. Its map bracelets feature subtle outlines of maps from various cities and countries, including our little red dot. The Singapore map bracelet will look stunning on your wrist, and make for an excellent parting gift for loved ones who are leaving the island.
The Place, available online
9. Okami
Combine gym attire with streetwear, and you’ve got Okami’s line of products. The clothes are comfortable and breathable, which makes them perfect for a workout. They’re also fashionable enough for you to show up for a night out without compromising on style. Sport the minimalist oversized tees in black or white, or grab the sweatpants that are slim fit and embroidered with the Okami logo. You’ll be back for another pair after you try them out at the gym.
Okami, available online
10. Independent Market
Launched to appreciate independent Singaporean designers, makers and publishers, this market has a curation of local brands you don’t want to miss out on. From creative gift ideas to mooncake earrings and eye-catching notebooks, you can get your hands on some of the city’s classic goods!
Independent Market, multiple locations including Holland Avenue and Commonwealth Drive
11. Nana & Bird
Set up by two fashion-loving best friends, this humble little local brand offers charming little trinkets and edgy, up-to-date fashion pieces for the ladies. We also love that the fashion brand is all about sustainability. Check out its pre-loved section, featuring authentic luxury pieces that you can use repeatedly.
Nana & Bird, available online
12. Commune Wear
Psst: we know a local brand that even Carrie Bradshaw would approve of. Say hello to Commune Wear, which offers beautifully handcrafted leather shoes that don’t compromise on comfort. Choose from ballet flats, loafers, sneakers, espadrilles, sliders, and more. That’s not all – fashionistas can also shop gorgeous clasp bags and roomy reversible shopper bags too.
Commune Wear, #02-20, Cluny Court, 501 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 259760
13. Supermama
A store, an artist residency studio, a gallery and a space for people to escape, this tranquil spot is inspired by local experiences and has a loyal following. It stocks an array of wittily and handsomely designed souvenirs – and it’s just a cool space just to hang out!
Supermama, multiple locations including Henderson Road and Asian Civilisations Museum
14. When I Was Four
That’s how you’ll feel when you step into this hipster store – like a four-year-old. Everything has a local slant to it, from the familiar jotter book-designed pouches and curry puff cushion covers to the leopard balm socks (a cheeky spoof of the iconic Tiger Balm brand) and the Singaporean motif-inspired tees.
When I Was Four, #04-41, Bras Basah Complex, 231 Bain Street, Singapore 180231
15. The General Company
Find a well-curated selection of artisanal wares made by young, emerging crafters and makers. The range includes dishes, trays, and planters. Just pop by this quaint store for a peek. If you’re keen on getting your hands dirty, sign yourself up for one of their many workshops and create something of your own.
The General Company, available online
16. Fefa Jewellery
Who says gold jewellery is only for the older generation? Fefa aims to make it contemporary so that even women of today can sport them without looking dated. The timeless designs, inspired by shapes and things around us, can be worn individually, stacked, or in a mix-and-match set.
Fefa Jewellery, available online
17. Sincerely, Cherise
For fans of oceanscapes and homeware, check out Sincerely, Cherise. What started as an experimental hobby turned into a small business as Cherise creates beautiful pieces of homeware and jewellery that feature the sea. Each one is handmade, and because of the nature of resin, the patterns and colours are unique to every piece. Cherise makes small batches of her homeware and often appears during popups, so follow her social media to get wind of her next drop!
Sincerely, Cherise, available online
18. Design Orchard
A one-stop shop for local designer fashion and home decor, this sleek store on Orchard Road has a good mix of emerging and established brands that are all local. It’s also home to an incubation centre for design start-ups and a rooftop amphitheatre that’s open to the public for lounging.
Design Orchard, 250 Orchard Road, Singapore 238905
Whatever floats your retail boat, check out these awesome Singapore local brands for a shopping trip to remember!
