A Raft of Otters is an exciting curated concept store, a new addition to the shops in Tanglin Mall, and home to more than 20 fab independent brands in Singapore.
The boutique lifestyle store is brimming with stylish summery “slow” fashion, on-trend home décor, luxury candles, Singapore icon gifts and stunning jewellery. It’s also the sole distributor of the distinctive Elephant parade statues. The designers and artists who are hosted by the store have a focus on design-driven, unique and ethical products.
What’s in a name?
As for the distinctive name, the store’s Diane Hall explains: “A raft is the collective noun for a group of otters. Otters work together to collectively support each other and hold hands so they don’t drift apart! They work hard, and are social, creative, playful and intensely loyal. The concept of the new store, then, is to encourage female-led entrepreneurs to work together collectively and as a community. Women are particularly successful in creating a positive company culture.”
In this case, the “raft” comprises women from 10 different countries, each with a distinct offering. Among the collaborations that are already taking place within the collective, Silk Flowers Singapore has joined forces with Layard Interiors and The Lampshade House, working alongside The House of Lili to create unique offerings for the store – not to mention a great positive energy.
Diane adds that almost all these entrepreneurs have stepped away from their original careers – everything from selling Picassos to finance and logistics – to follow alternative passions, finding new and creative ways to fulfil their lives overseas.
Before the launch of the store in Tanglin Mall, the brand owners met to learn the ethos of each brand, and to discover its story. In this way, they heard how a 150-year-old printing press with Indian ink is being used to make stunning stationery, how beautiful vintage kimonos are being recrafted into unique clutches to help women in Cambodia, and how a perfect coffee body scrub became an award-winning product.
Giving back
A Raft of Otters is also big on giving back. For example, they sell cotton totes, with all profits donated to wildlife rescue centre ACRES (Animal Concerns Research and Education Society) here in Singapore. They’ll also be hosting charitable associations throughout the year, so stay tuned!
Pop in to meet the brand owners and see their goodies at #03-102 Tanglin Mall.
araftofotters.com
This article first appeared in the July 2022 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!
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