From chic clothes to shoes, accessories to jewellery, we’re sending a salute to top Singaporean designers in the local fashion scene.
Contrary to popular belief, shopping in Singapore isn’t just limited to international designer labels and high street brands in upscale malls. For retail therapy with a distinctly local spin, get clued in on these top homegrown fashion designers who are putting our little red dot on the global map.
Top local fashion brands in Singapore
1. Aijek
It’s hard not to notice Aijek: refreshingly and unapologetically feminine, this Singapore fashion brand is a breath of fresh air amongst the plethora of avant-garde labels in Singapore’s fashion scene. Designer Danelle Woo seems to know exactly what women want: easy, effortless, and elegant pieces that translate from work to the weekend.
Aijek, multiple locations including Tangs Orchard and Society A
2. Ans.ein
Imagine appreciating art in forms beyond the canvas… that’s exactly what the founders of Ans.ein set out to do. Anseina (Ans) and Erlyn (Ein) have used the best of their design and retail business backgrounds to bring you wearable art. We’re fans of the fabric prints and the iconic brush-stroke designs in the splash and blooms collection which you can find in the form of kimono and maxi dresses, jumpsuits, cardigans, multiway tops and pencil skirts.
Ans.ein, multiple locations including Design Orchard and Tangs; also available online
3. Attaby
The threads at Attaby are sleek, sophisticated, classy and, not to mention, perfect for Singapore’s climate. Founded by Claire Chahil, who’s also the brains behind multi-label boutique TheAC Boutique, you’ll find sizes from XS to UK18 here.
Attaby, TheAC, 420 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427641
4. Benjamin Barker
There are plenty of menswear stores around shelling out the same, heritage-inspired threads, but Benjamin Barker is a cut above the rest. Founded locally in 2009, the Singapore fashion brand gets our vote for its unpretentious yet dapper collection of dress shirts, bespoke suits, custom-made leather brogues, and handsome accessories that even the ladies might be tempted by.
Benjamin Barker, multiple locations including Funan and JEM; also available online
5. Beyond the Vines
This contemporary womenswear label is blowing up all our feeds, and for good reason. The designs are best described as pared down essentials in soft hues and with flattering contours. Prices are also pocket-friendly for quality basics – tops are typically priced up to $59, while bottoms average at $69.
Beyond the Vines, multiple locations including Funan and Takashimaya; also available online
6. Biro
If you love Japanese aesthetics, you’ll love this under-the-radar menswear label Biro. Named after the ballpoint pen, the brand is home to timeless wardrobe staples made from premium fabrics sourced globally and immaculately tailored by Japanese artisans. It’s “slow fashion” at its finest – instead of seasonal collections, expect new pieces only every few months. Everything you need is here, including silk cotton t-shirts, floral shirts, and chambray over shirts.
Biro, #03-23, Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Road, Singapore 238897, also available online
7. Dark Horse Vintage
Dark Horse Vintage is giving us major throwback vibes with its vintage selections made right here in Singapore. Equal parts quirky and fun, the enticing colours and eye-catching prints are great for any occasion. Of course, all eyes will be on you – honestly, we won’t mind the extra attention if we’re decked out in these one-of-a-kind, gorgeous pieces.
Dark Horse Vintage, available online
8. David’s Daughter
Dare to take it to the next level? Read: Bold silhouettes, cheeky detailing and popping colours. You’ll feel right at home with David’s Daughter. This Singapore fashion brand does not shy away from vibrant hues and fun prints. It’s definitely go big or go home here. We also love the story behind the moniker. Designer-founder Fannie Chua pays tribute to her dad by carrying his legacy through her brand. Awww!
David’s Daughter, #08-15, Performance Building, 158 Kallang Way, Singapore 349245, by appointment only; also available online
9. Depression
This unisex ready-to-wear label makes no apologies for its moody and often clinical approach to design – think minimalist cuts in stark, monochromatic colours. The label is a favourite amongst edgy fashionistas and celebs such as Adam Lambert and The Black Eyed Peas and is also stocked internationally in Italy, Egypt and the UK.
Depression, #04-14, Sects Shop, Orchard Gateway, 277 Orchard Road, Singapore 238858
10. Elnadyah
Yes, batik prints can be cool too and thanks to Elnadyah, we are seeing more of these traditional prints beyond resortwear and travels; paired with everyday casual looks. We’re fans of the wrap pegged pants that go beyond batik prints and detachable skirts that you can wear over a pair of pants. Or add minor touches with batik print chokers and head wraps.
Elnadyah, available online
11. Esse
Shake off that fast fashion and slip into sustainable fabrics and effortless classics that transcend trends at Esse. These lightweight and flowy pieces are made with breathable fabrics (great for our weather!) like lyocell, organic cotton, handloom tussar silk and cupro. Want to know more? Check out our full story with Esse founder Alicia Tsi as she gives us a crash course in sustainable fabrics!
Esse, boutique at East Coast; also available online
12. Ginlee
Known for its sophisticated colour palette and soft lines, this Singapore fashion brand creates some of the softest silk dresses we’ve ever owned. The secret? The fabric is silk habotai and handwashed for a suede effect. Expect similar attention to detail with all of its designs, like intricate two-tone embroidery and crepe de chin fabric for you to keep cool in the blistering Singapore heat.
Ginlee, multiple locations including Great World and Tangs at Tangs Plaza; also available online
13. Graye
What started out as a menswear label has now expanded to androgynous pieces that scream zen. The homegrown label takes a page out of Japanese minimalist fashion. Think bucket hats (our personal fave!), kimono jackets as well as Cupro and Lyocell tees in muted colours like burnt orange, charcoal grey, mocha and sage green.
Graye, 29A East Coast Road, Singapore 428750; also available online
14. Hher
Hher’s a great spot for stylish threads that’ll take you from boardroom to bar. Why? It’s got everything from formal tops to casual dresses. And don’t for once assume there are only minimalist lines, soft shapes and subtle details – the local boutique surprises with pops of colour and edgy silhouettes.
Hher, stocked at Design Orchard; also available online
15. In Good Company
We love a local label that bucks the trend, instead of setting it. Designers Kane Tan and Sven Tan (of alldressedup fame)’s strategy is a clever one – forgo the typical seasonal dictates of fashion, and focus instead on creating capsule collections of wardrobe essentials that every woman needs. And indeed, judging by In Good Company’s aesthetic of sophisticated and classic silhouettes, which are tailored to Singapore’s weather, no man, woman or child would be able to resist snagging an IGC creation or two for themselves.
In Good Company, multiple locations including Jewel Changi Airport and Ion Orchard; also available online
16. Jo Kilda
If you’re seeking luxury and effortlessly chic fashion, Jo Kilda is definitely a cut above the rest. Clad in the finest fabrics like Korean lycra, chiffon, silk, mid-weight jersey and vegan leather, these standout pieces are sure to turn heads. You’ll definitely experience a ‘Cinderella moment’ at this Singapore fashion brand.
Jo Kilda, Block E, #01-10, Phoenix Park, 314 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247977
17. Josée.P.
It’s elegance personified at Josée.P. with dressy yet casual pieces that’ll take you through any occasion. There’s no shying away from colour here. Neck tie dresses, pebbled puff-sleeves tops, sash tie skirts and blazer tops are clad in bold reds, blues, maroons and pinks.
Josée.P., Design Orchard, 250 Orchard Road, Singapore 238905; also available online
18. Klarra
After scanning through the items at Klarra, you’ll quickly notice a number of classics that transcend trends. Whether it’s for work or play, Klarra’s chic, muted-toned pieces will make your heart flutter. Oh, and the team has also forayed into footwear so they’ve literally got you covered from head to toe.
Klarra, multiple locations including Marina Bay Sands and Raffles City Shopping Centre; also available online
19. Lisa Von Tang
Lisa Von Tang is all about east-meets-west style, in a reflection of the designer’s German-Chinese heritage. Blending power and sensuality, the brand champions empowered women with its cult, statement-making designs. Think drop-crotch harem pants, oriental silks and mandarin collars.
Lisa Von Tang, available online
20. Max. Tan
Monochromatic minimalism reigns supreme at Max. Tan, the avant-garde eponymous label that no edgy fashionista worth her salt would ever be able to resist. Designer Max. Tan pays homage to deconstruction and transformation by playing with volume, quirky cuts, and unexpected silhouettes. The result? Refreshingly studied designs with the slightest hint of androgyny that are serious but never austere, minimal but never simple.
Max. Tan, 29 Mcnair Road Singapore 328528 (by appointment only); also available online
21. Minor Miracles
For a pop of colour and cheery vibes, it’s Minor Miracles to the rescue! Bold flower motifs, squiggly prints and colour block designs – you name it, they’ve got it. Is a full-on printed dress too much for you? Start small with a drawstring bag, face mask or scarf.
Minor Miracles, stocked at Monument Lifestyle and The Wyld Shop; also available online
22. Ong Shunmugam
Those familiar with the name will know that Ong Shunmugam is, hands down, one of the most original homegrown Singapore fashion brands around. Best known for creating modern, wearable interpretations of traditional wear – be it the cheongsam, sari or samfu – designer Priscilla Shunmugam is a true talent with a mission to challenge the way we think about Asia’s sartorial history in modern times.
Ong Shunmugam, #01-76, 43 Jalan Merah Saga, Singapore 278115
23. Our Second Nature
Yet another brand flooding our feeds is Our Second Nature. Inspired by intangible everyday moments, ONS works with a London-based designer every collection to create an original print that sets the theme for each. Our favourites have got to be the crisp, button down dresses (pictured top).
Our Second Nature, #01-66, Chip Bee Gardens, 43 Jalan Meran Saga, Singapore 278115; also available online
24. Reckless Erika
If your mood ranges from ‘pop of colour’ to ‘better in black’ within the week, Reckless Erika’s just the place to make a beeline to. They’re not kidding when they promise a range that’ll take you from day to night. Think stylish jersey dresses with Chinese collars, asymmetrical layered dresses and figure-flattering jumpsuits with vibrant prints. Great to know that all creations are ethically made with quality materials that don’t wrinkle.
Reckless Erika, #05-09, Biztech Centre, 627A Aljunied Road, Singapore 389842 (by appointment only), also available at Design Orchard
25. Rye
Rye is named after a grain, which should give you an idea about the brand’s direction. The up-and-coming local fashion label puts out capsule collections of timeless classics. Aesthetics-wise, we best describe the designs as comfy chic: almost all of its dresses, for instance, are roomy and come with an oversized fit.
Rye, stocked at Design Orchard; also available online
26. Sabrina Goh
Minimal, conceptual, structural: it’s easy to whittle down Sabrina Goh to just three little words but make no mistake; it’s so much more than that. Drawing inspiration from architectural silhouettes, the local fashion label offers strong, sensuous designs that constantly push the envelope – be it structured slip dresses with asymmetrical hems, boxy overcoats with textural details or the perfect vermillion two-piece inspired by ancient rock formations in China.
Sabrina Goh, multiple locations including Raffles City Shopping Centre and Tangs at Tangs Plaza
27. Salient Label
Vibing modern silhouettes with understated designs and minimal hues? Salient Label will totally be your scene. Though the collections heavily depend on black, navy, grey (with random pops of orange and mahogany hues), the clever asymmetric cuttings, big-cuff hemlines, two-tone colour panel designs and draped details make all the difference. Also totally versatile for styling.
Salient Label, stocked at Isetan; also available online
28. Stolen
We’re still enthralled by Stolen’s debut at Singapore Fashion Week in 2016. Bucking the tradition of a typical runway show, founder Elyn Wong’s showcase was a performance art spectacle, with models switching between standing stock-still, and sprawling on chairs. The enchanting show was equally matched with breathtaking designs of neutrals and soft draping juxtaposed with architectural pleats. The designs have evolved over time, but they continue to be inspired by Elyn’s love for architecture and structure.
Stolen, stocked at Nana&Bird and Trixilini; also available online
29. The Form
No matter how big our wardrobe is, there’s that 20 per cent that we keep reaching for over and over again. Well, the folks at The Form create pieces that fit into this criteria – think elevated classics with muted palettes and a subtle edge to let your personality shine.
The Form, Level 2, Tangs at Tang Plaza, 310 Orchard Road, Singapore 238864; also available online
30. The Shirt Bar
Leave it to this boutique to bring you an unlimited supply of shirts – they are called The Shirt Bar, after all. Fancy a mix of printed shirts, basics and dapper formals? You’ve come to the right place. Best you complete the look with a blazer all designed with a contrasting under collar and printed inner lining.
The Shirt Bar, multiple locations including Isetan Scotts and Suntec City; also available online
31. Ying the Label
Watercolour paintings on your dress? Trust us, you’ll have to add a piece to your wardrobe. Ying the Label’s swoon-worthy hand-painted drawings perfectly blends colours, textures and the intricacy of the brush strokes to create wearable art pieces for work and play. High-quality fabrics from Japan, Korea and Indonesia are used to retain the vibrant digital prints even after several washes.
Ying the Label, #01-18, 9 King Albert Park, Singapore 598332
Are you ready to shop like a pro with these local fashion brands in Singapore?
