Fashion designers and local brands in Singapore
When it comes to clothes shopping in Singapore, it’s normal to take the safe option for fashion and hit the mass chain brands on Orchard Road. And while this might feel faster and easier, it can be nice to find something different instead – particularly if you’re dressing for a special occasion. We’re fortunate to have a growing pool of talented fashion designers and local fashion brands in Singapore. To steer you in the right direction, we’ve rounded up a big list of both online and in-store local brands in Singapore – offering casual wear, handbags and jewellery.
Junglesuit
Thrive in the tropics while staying true to city life with Junglesuit’s eclectic casual and formal wear designs. As the name suggests, this local brand in Singapore features designs that are born from the creative play between the wild side of the jungle and exquisite, refined tailoring.
With over a decade of living and raising their families in Singapore, creators and fashion designers Andrea and Catherine have effectively factored in the challenges of dressing well when it’s seriously hot and humid. In short, these designs are very well suited for the heat! Much attention and love has also been placed into each and every piece, with meticulous design details, carefully selected fabrics and conscious environmental choices.
The Junglesuit team believes that every woman is beautiful no matter her size or age, and they say it’s their job to showcase this to the world.
Shop online or contact them via the website to book a personalised fitting. Plus, use the discount code “EL5” to get five percent off!
IG and FB: @junglesuit | junglesuit.com
Anna Rainn
Is there any greater joy for a woman than slipping into an outfit that is not only chic and comfy, but hugs her body at all the right places? Co-founder Anupama Singal knows this. That’s why championing body positivity in women of all shapes and sizes is the modus operandi at her homegrown label Anna Rainn.
Started by Joanna Johnston in 2010 (a European expat) and formerly known as It’s A Wrap, the brand offers over 70 one-of-a-kind styles for real women made from various fabrics and prints. Their beloved wrap dresses as well as versatile separates easily take the wearer from day to night in style. Plus, they come in a vast range of sizes from extra-small to extra-large and are crafted with design details to best accentuate every curve. Think ruched sides on dresses to hide tummy bulges and flattering sleeves for those stubborn underarms!
All of Anna Rainn’s pieces are designed and predominantly made right here in Singapore. Check out the complete collection at annarainn.com and stay tuned via Instagram for when new pieces launch.
annarainn.com | Instagram @anna.rainn
Juliette C
Clothes shopping in Singapore for assorted pieces? Express your multifaceted personality with Juliette C, a French women’s fashion and jewellery brand launched in Singapore in 2016. The effortlessly chic collection features the unlikely blend of glamour and rock as part of a free-spirited Parisian allure. French fashion designer Juliette’s creations are sleek and always adorned with feminine details – these are elegant fashion pieces that are easy to wear anywhere. The Constance Pink Print Dress, Julie Jumpsuit Tiger Print and Adele Dress Terracotta are just some of their many soft signatures.
Inspired by women and nature, Juliette C is centred on timeless and conscious pieces, created to resist passing fads – so you don’t have to worry about getting out of fashion. Juliette also travels the world in search of additional inspirations, which means her pieces are ever-changing. Each season offers new prints exclusive to the label, and you can also be sure that they keep to ethical and responsible commitments.
The brand currently has two boutiques, in Singapore and Shanghai respectively.
juliettec.com | Instagram @juliettecofficiel
Forbidden Hill
The distinctive jewellery collections of Forbidden Hill artfully blend the old and the new, lending a modern aesthetic to regional patterns and elements. Inspired by co-founder Ruth’s multicultural Straits ancestry, this local brand in Singapore draws from the rich tapestry of Southeast Asian cultures, bringing traditional crafts and heritage together with contemporary style and materials. Designed in Singapore, they’re made by carefully selected, family-owned production partners in the region.
Forbidden Hill is best known for its customisable Silk Bangles and Cuffs – arm candies with interchangeable inserts of pure Thai silk nested into precious metals. These are ideal for adding a pop of colour and character to any outfit. The brand’s Gemstone Earrings, available in sterling silver and gold vermeil, are also customisable with interchangeable gemstones.
Looking for gifts to buy for the men in your life? This local brand doesn’t just cater to women’s fashion in Singapore; their accessories for gents are another highlight. The striking Sterling Silver Cufflinks, inspired by historical port towns, are ideal for formal and smart casual occasions.
23 Bukit Pasoh Road, Level 2
(Walk-in on weekday afternoons, by appointment at other times)
WhatsApp 6909 5160 | forbiddenhill.com
Lustre Jewellery
A renowned local fashion brand in Singapore, Lustre Jewellery has just announced its latest collection, Serpentine.
Founder and fashion designer Anaita Thakkar says that during her teenage years, she developed a fascination with the occult, particularly the symbolism and interpretation of dream imagery. One of her earliest encounters with dream symbolism was the revelation of the structure of a Benzene ring. Since then, Anaita has aspired to design a collection incorporating snakes and the ouroboros in a contemporary way. Her initial sketch, featuring a snake entwined around a disc, paved the way for this mythical collection.
Complementing these elements are chunky silver necklaces adorned with boldly cut gemstones, serving as an aesthetic extension and a testament to Lustre’s previous collections. Unifying the pieces is the use of a bold chain, which helps weave together the narrative of ages. Serpentine embodies a harmonious fusion of ancient symbolism and contemporary design, which in turn reflects Lustre’s commitment to timeless artistry.
Binary Style
Let yourself be swept away on a tropical adventure by clothes shopping in Singapore at Binary Style, known for its breezy, local-themed designs. Founded by the dynamic duo Santhi and Sari Tunas, the brand burst onto the scene with square scarves in 2015. Inspired by the verdant tapestry of Singapore’s nature and architecture, these scarves paid tribute to multiculturalism during the Golden Jubilee year.
Since then, they’ve continued to spin their magic, creating a grand collection of Singapore-themed scarves, whose fearless prints make a bold statement that enlivens an outfit. Binary Style has since expanded its reach with sweet homewares, plus resort-style silk and cotton apparel, perfect for the hot weather.
Keep a lookout on the website for upcoming collaborations with local Singapore brands all-year-round.
National Design Centre
111 Middle Road, #03-07 (by appointment only)
Perk by Kate
If you’re having a hard time clothes shopping in Singapore for the right lingerie, Perk by Kate can help! Founded in 2012 by Kate Low, the local fashion brand in Singapore was born out of a desire to bring real lingerie to all women. Kate noticed a distinct lack of lingerie pieces that flatter women’s bodies without sacrificing style and comfort. An advocate for inclusivity before it became a buzzword, the brand was grown to fulfil the lingerie needs of women of varied body shapes and sizes.
Today, you can enjoy an extensive range of products across 12 sizes, from 30A to 40C. And keep a lookout for more up-and-coming items as the local fashion brand in Singapore continues to create intimates for women whose needs are unmet by the mass market.
The designs combine feel-good fabrics and laces with just the right amount of sexiness. Their star product, the iconic padded bralette, is an innovative idea that was conceived as a result of customer feedback. It’s a style that may just change the way you view and wear lingerie forever! Other notable pieces include the Mia front-clasp T-back for a chic, edgy look and the Mia plunge soft bra for all-day comfort.
134A Telok Ayer Street
perkbykate.com
Embrace Jewellery
Besides clothes shopping in Singapore, accessories are also a key part of the overall look. A local fashion brand in Singapore that’s all about embracing diversity and variety of styles, Embrace Jewellery offers both understated everyday pieces and modern heirlooms that make for delightful gifts.
The Embrace team says that what sets them apart is a commitment to making jewellery accessible and affordable, without compromising on quality. For the past 15 years, they’ve curated pieces from some of the best fashion designers worldwide and in Singapore, working alongside trusted manufacturers and artisans to bring a selection of styles that will inspire and captivate without breaking the bank.
Now, with their own Embrace collection, you can enjoy classy jewellery without breaking the bank. The affordable Demi-fine line is crafted in 925 sterling silver, while the Luxe collection of solid gold fine jewellery pieces feature hand-picked gemstones with an Asian touch. The exclusive collection is available online now.
• #02-103 Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Road
• #03-31 Holland Village Shopping Centre, 211 Holland Avenue
embracejewellery.com
Wolf and Byrd
Fashion goes beyond a focus on aesthetics at Wolf and Byrd. The luxury womenswear brand in Singapore celebrates the modern woman through timeless designs and empowering narratives. It’s a great place to do clothes shopping in Singapore while contributing to charity too. A percentage of online sales each month is pledged to charities that empower and support girls and women. Their most recent collaboration is with Daughters Of Tomorrow, a Singapore-based non-profit organisation that’s on a mission to facilitate livelihood opportunities for underprivileged women.
The brand’s latest collection, Soulstice, showcases styles that it says reflect “mindful growth and the choice to live well while thriving professionally”. You’ll find dresses that make a statement to versatile separates that effortlessly transition from day to night. The pieces are also wearable beyond seasons so you can keep them around not just a good time, but a long time!
IG and FB: @wolfandbyrd | wolfandbyrd.com
White Ginger by Emma Femminile
White Ginger has been an expat favourite for clothes shopping in Singapore for many years, and while easy-to-wear feminine pieces are at the heart of the collection, the store is now a treasure trove of gifts, homeware and accessories too.
Having recently opened a store in the UK, founder and fashion designer Emma continues to design styles and prints, which are then produced in Bali. She says that supporting Indonesian communities has never been more important to White Ginger, with each purchase helping to improve livelihoods through charitable initiatives.
Bright, cheerful patterns have been at the forefront of recent collections. “Brighter colours can elicit a more positive mood, so we have focused on cheerful shades,” says Emma, who especially loves green. “Wearing green definitely gives me a boost of energy!”
Visit the store in Tanglin Mall or the newer White Ginger boutique in Joo Chiat. You can also go to the website to check out the latest styles. There’s fast and free delivery to Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.
• #03-04 Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Road
• #02-06 i12 Katong, 112 East Coast Road
white-ginger.com
Curated by J
This brand offers effortless jewellery for day or night wear. Aleyolé’s Lapse collection, for example, is a range of jewellery designed to spark conversation. The simplistic and minimalist designs marry well with almost any outfit – from summery dresses to playful jumpsuits. It’s an all-day, chic accessory that’ll get heads turning. All the earrings are made with zirconia, bringing a pop of sparkle everywhere you go. They come in a myriad of colours as well, to match your mood and personal style.
Come evening, the Studio Royale collection will shine. Inspired by the golden era of timeless and iconic styles of Hollywood goddesses, these dazzling pieces are perfect for a night on the town. Take the Mini Bali Gold Hoops – available in pink, black, cherry, lilac, gold and white zirconia – for a spin on date night or a girls’ night out. Looking for a snug hoop earring to jazz up a slinky dress? Go for the Valerie gold earrings, encrusted with pink and lemon zirconia.
Whether you’re a statement-piece kind of lady or you love mix-and-matching a few delicate pieces of jewellery, Aleyolé’s collections from Curated by J will help bring your wardrobe to life.
curatedbyj.com | IG: @Curated_byj
More than Diamonds by Chris and Sara
More than Diamonds has been creating jewellery in Singapore for the past decade – whether it’s reusing handed-down diamond rings to create something to suit your taste, or working with any diamonds or gems you have to make new jewllery. When it comes to wedding rings, their signature style is ‘matching rather than identical’. This means they design to both the bride’s and groom’s individual tastes, while using a common element connecting the rings.
WhatsApp 8181 3649 | info@morethandiamonds.com.sg
#02-16 Tudor Court, 131 Tanglin Road (by appointment)
morethandiamonds.com.sg
Other local fashion brands
Little Match Girl by Angis Tiew
With this sustainable local fashion brand, the latest trend isn’t a seasonal print or colour, it’s commitment to slow fashion. They’ve come a long way since starting in 2003. Founder Angis Tiew began reevaluating her approach to the industry after becoming a parent. As a result, she believes it’s our duty to leave the next generation a sustainable planet. For socially-conscious clothes shopping in Singapore, this retailer is the first label that sells a full range of sustainably-sourced fabrics crafted from Tencel to make their casual clothes shopping more eco-friendly.
Weekend Sundries by Michelle Chan
Clothes shopping in Singapore for items that are considerate of the humidity is key for local fashion designer Michelle Chan. Her focus is on dressing with ease, and offering versatility and breathable comfort. These things help to anchor the brand.
Local fashion brand Weekend Sundries’ designs focus on quality, timelessness and comfort, catering to a more conscious way of living. The brand’s approach is that fashion should be helpful rather than harmful. As a result, it’s penchant is for textiles that are natural, eco-conscious and traceable. So, the materials used are natural, low-impact fabrics personally sourced from textile mills in Japan, along with Lenzing Tencel and other sustainable fabrics that are kind to the environment. The seamstresses are based in Singapore, as well as in various partner workshops in Indonesia and Vietnam.
The Jersey Shop
Gen Woo is British and moved to Singapore in 2016. The fabric she uses at The Jersey Shop is super comfortable “fine knit” lightweight jersey, made from cotton and cotton blends (viscose polyester, linen and elastane). The store has just expanded to include a baby wear line, too, and this season the girls’ wear has been split into two lines – a younger range for ages two to eight years and a tweens’ range for eight to 14.
Gen’s fashion idol is Stella McCartney. She finds her business model an inspiration, from supply chain transparency and sustainable raw material sourcing, to recycling and leather alternatives. The Jersey Shop products are available through Zalora – also watch out for the new website!
Yumi Active
Clothes shopping in Singapore for active wear? This high-quality, stylish active wear and yoga leggings feature an exciting twist. Yumi Active aims to inspire and thrill the discerning modern woman who values aesthetics, style and comfort. It’s a refreshing brand with an Eastern touch, in a range of unique designs, made with top-grade sports materials for women.
PinkSalt
This local fashion brand was founded by Belinda Lee and Su May. They felt that the local swimwear scene was lacking options. PinkSalt merges style and function into its swimwear design, creating pieces that are stylish and contemporary but still classy. Each season, the duo also design an original print as the focus of each collection.
K.Blu
Founded in 2014 in Singapore, this local fashion designer brand creates luxury swim, active and resort wear for women. Designs and prints are inspired by multi-cultural elements of Singapore.
Collate the Label
Setting itself apart as a luxe yet affordable fashion designer for style-savvy ladies, Collate the Label has a growing loyal following thanks to its versatile and feminine silhouettes. Favouring tailored silhouettes like shift dresses and peplum shapes with nipped-in waists, this label will have a place in wardrobes for years to come.
Ong Shunmugam
The focus here is on quality construction, cut and fit. Ong Shunmugam is a contemporary womenswear label pioneering the reinvention of traditional Asian silhouettes such as the cheongsam and qipao. Founder Priscilla Shunmugam puts a creative spin on traditional textile techniques and silhouettes to create wearable and elegant ready-to-wear pieces. The local fashon brand also takes on custom bridal and evening-wear design requests.
Aijek
If it’s a feminine and flirty outfit you’re after, look no further than whimsical local fashion brand Aijek. Inspired to make real women look and feel fabulous, local fashion designer Danelle Woo creates stunning dresses, skirts, tops and trousers in natural fabrics that will ensure you stand out for all the right reasons!
Elohim by Sabrina Goh
Well-loved for it’s oversized androgynous designs, Singapore fashion designer Sabrina Goh’s collections are easy to wear and expat-figure friendly. From oversized shift dresses to flattering dresses and culotte pants, there’s a style to suit every shape.
Silvia Teh
Award-winning local fashion designer Silvia believes that women can be powerful and independent without losing the grace and poise of their femininity. The local label only works with trans-seasonal collections (fashion pieces that can be worn across all seasons) unfettered by the trends, reinforcing the concept of slow fashion.
Carrie K
This Singapore fashion label specialises in handcrafted artisan jewellery made of sterling silver or semi-precious stones. You’ll love the quirky yet modern take on jewellery design.
Desti Saint
Looking for a boutique handbag, a fun clutch or an evening purse? Based in Singapore, this namesake bag label uses top-notch leathers and fabrics in creating one-of-a-kind, Asian-inspired designs.
UBU Swimwear
Handmade in a small family-run factory in Bali, UBU offers fun and functional swimwear made from recycled fabric that’s derived from post-consumer materials like old fishing nets.
Eden & Elie
This Singapore fashion brand offers ethical jewellery handmade with premium and responsibly-sourced materials like delica beads from Miyuki, a manufacturer in Japan.
Ling Wu Bags
If you’re after leather bags, you should check out local fashion designers Ling Wu’s gorgeous designs crafted in python skin and leather in modern designs.
Maeso
Handcrafted by experienced craftsmen in Italy, local label Maeso’s shoes are durable. The star of the show is the material used: high-quality, full-grain vegetable-tanned leather sourced from leading tanneries in Italy.
In Good Company
This concept label creates capsules of casual wear collections in a palette of neutrals perfect for Singapore’s climate. You’ll find simple shift dresses, cotton pants and also crepe camisoles.
For more features on fashion and local designers, see our Style section.
