When an amazing local designer donates fabric to a great cause, the result is beautiful
The Social Space knows how to make us fall in love with them over and over again: they’re set to be the exclusive stockist of a limited collection of accessories made from fabric donated by one of Singapore’s most iconic brands right now, Onlewo. What’s even more beautiful about this range? Every piece was handmade by women who survived abuse and exploitation as foreign workers, and have learned valuable skills as seamstresses through local social enterprise Sowing Room.
If beautiful patterns give you serious heart eyes and you’re into #supportinglocal (yes, and hell yes), you’ll already know how to spot Onlewo’s textile designs from a mile away. Inspired by the architecture of Tiong Bahru and Little India, the geometry of HDBs, window grilles and kueh, or the ornamental motifs of Peranakan style, we say this is peak Singapore style.
Onlewo’s founder Mike Tay donated fabric for his first project with the Sowing Room, and Cheryl Ou, Founder of The Social Space is beyond excited to support the collaboration. The multi-concept lifestyle space already stocks a solid little collection from Sowing Room, which repurposes past-season fabrics donated by design houses – beautiful, high-quality materials that might otherwise go to waste.
The collection goes on sale Saturday 1 September at The Social Space on Kreta Ayer – and in case you don’t know, this cafe, conscious lifestyle boutique, nail salon and social enterprise is one of our favourite places in the city. We were the first to see the super-limited collection, and all we’re going to say is there might be a scene if anyone tries to snap up the Tiong Bahru print tote before us…
Keep an eye out for the handy zip pouches, napkins, coasters (there’s just one set!), tote bags with fabric and leather handles, pouches for your reusable straws, drawstring bags and spectacular pom-pom fringed clutches (pictured top). Prices range from $13 for the straw pouches and go up to $72 for the leather-handled totes. The quality of these pieces is a testament to the dedication of the women trained and employed by Sowing Room, many of whom are living in a shelter after surviving extreme challenges and are waiting for their cases to be resolved.
We predict this is going to sell out before lunchtime lattes are being served. So here’s a major hint drop: this is one beautiful collaboration we’d love to see more of…
The Social Space; 333 Kreta Ayer Rd, #01-14, Singapore 080 333
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