When it comes to shopping for fashion in Singapore, it’s normal to take the safe option 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 local designers and Singapore-based labels, but tracking down their (surprisingly affordable) collections can be tricky. To give you a stylish hand and steer you towards fabulous local designers, we’ve rounded up a big list of our favourite homegrown brands – from casual wear to handmade jewellery.
Capsule Collection by Juliette
For something classy and a bit different, check out French-inspired fashion line Capsule Collection by Juliette (CCBJ)! Started by Parisian-born Juliette, a one-woman-team based in Singapore, the brand offers a gorgeous range of casualwear in soft fabrics and flattering silhouettes. Whether you’re looking for an office-appropriate attire or a casual dress for running errands, you’ll definitely find something here.
We’re particularly loving The Birds, a limited-edition, mini collection showcasing the work of Milan-based illustrator Paulina Slebodzinska. Beloved for its elevated basics and iconic jumpsuits, CCBJ is one up-and-coming brand to check out if you’re after that effortless yet put-together look.
Shopping at Tiffany’s
Psst… We know this shop isn’t a local designer, but it’s definitely worth checking out! Whether you’re jetting off to Bali or staying in sunny Singapore, Aussie retailer Shopping at Tiffany’s has the perfect outfits for the tropical heat. On top of a physical store in Tanglin Mall, the retailer also has an online store, making it even easier for you to score your favourite summer frock.
From party-ready prom dresses to hand-embroidered silk kaftans and floaty tropical maxis in lightweight fabrics, Shopping at Tiffany’s is a one-stop shop. Popular brands include Indikah, SunnyGirl and Rosebullet. Don’t forget to check out the latest in-house resortwear line Kenz & Kate online, too!
MAH Collection
Borne out of Danish expat Ondina Montgomery’s passion for textiles and patterns, MAH Collection offers an artistic range of whimsical prints on silk and other lightweight, luxurious fabrics. With a background in interior design, Ondina first started her label with scarves, followed by a wider collection of themed kaftans and ready-to-wear dresses inspired by her travels and everyday life in Singapore.
We particularly love the signature silk cover-ups, which come in a variety of shades and designs. Slip over your bikini for a fuss-free poolside outfit, or wear it over your little black dress and throw on some heels for a night out in town! Apart from apparel, you’ll also find a select range of accessories like matching shoulder bags and slip-on shoes made of Italian leather.
Lustre Jewellery
If you’re looking for an alternative to the usual silver or gold accessories, gemstones are a great option. For affordable, contemporary designs, head to homegrown label Lustre Jewellery’s site! Founded by self-taughter designer Anaita Thakkar, Lustre delivers quality semi-precious jewellery without the hefty price tag.
Anaita picks some of the finest semi-precious stones and has her designs handcrafted in extremely limited quantities, in ateliers around the world. Because of her passion for detail and flair for design, her brand has developed a loyal following; her studio has now become a hidden gem where women visit to treat themselves to jewellery that’s unique and lasting. Even more reason to satisfy your online shopping cravings – there’s also free shipping worldwide on orders over $300!
Forbidden Hill
Inspired by the cultures of Southeast Asia, this fashion and home accessories brand is one to bookmark. From sterling silver cufflinks and striking bangles, to exquisite lacquerware with Southeast Asian motifs, the products you see on Forbidden Hill’s snazzy site are designed in Singapore and made by fine artisans from the region.
We’ve got our eye on the Silk Bangle collection, which features high-quality bangles in a variety of shades and designs. These vibrant arm candies are made with interchangeable inserts of pure Thai silk nested into precious metals, adding a gorgeous pop of colour and character to whatever outfit you have on. Another noteworthy mention is the Utama lacquerware collection, specially created to commemorate Singapore’s Bicentennial. Hand-lacquered in artisanal workshops, the collection pays homage to Sang Nila Utama, who, as legend has it, saw a mighty lion when he arrived in Singapore and named the island “Singapura”.
White Ginger
Inspired by life in the tropics, White Ginger carries summery resort wear designs that will have you looking and feeling gorgeous from sunrise until after dark. One of Singapore’s most established resort-wear labels, it has new deliveries arriving weekly at its busy boutique in Tanglin Mall. From kaftans and maxi dresses to breeze two-piece outfits, you can browse all of the most popular styles online, with free delivery in Singapore. The store also stocks a stylish range of beach bags, accessories and footwear to complete your look.
Stones that Rock
From necklaces to bracelets and earrings, all Stones that Rock pieces are made with hand-selected freshwater pearls, semi-precious stones or crystals, and often feature silk and leather accents. Try the versatile lariat necklaces, which come in an array of colours to dress up any outfit. Enjoy free shipping in Singapore!
W.h.y & Co
W.h.y & Co is a relatively new Singaporean shoe brand known for its comfortable yet affordable leather shoes. Ethically-sourced calf leather from France is used in the shoes, as it’s softer and more durable. This particular leather also has a smoother grain pattern and a better finish compared to run-on-the-mill leather, which makes the painting process easier.
Jasper Living
Creating beautiful pieces based on the Arabian Keffiyeh scarf, founder Louise Jasper was inspired to start her fashion brand Jasper Living when she arrived in multicultural Singapore. The collections, which include dresses, separates and accessories, are all limited edition, available in a range of colours and perfect for life in the tropics. Personally, we’re huge fans of the Dempsey and Ophier dresses!
PinkSalt
Founded by Belinda Lee and Su May, who felt that the local swimwear scene was lacking options, PinkSalt merges both style and function into its swimwear design, creating pieces that are stylish and contemporary but still classy. Each season the duo design an original print as the focus of each collection, too.
K.Blu
Founded in 2014 in Singapore, this local label creates luxury swim, active and resort wear for women. Designs and prints are inspired by multi-cultural elements of Singapore.
Indii Breeze
These summer essentials – think maxi dresses and roomy jumpsuits in bold prints – will take you from home to beach to bar! Materials are sourced from Bali and are oh-so-comfy.
Collate the Label
Setting itself apart as a luxe yet affordable 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 wardrobe for years to come.
Lisa von Tang
For the woman who craves casual luxury with a twist, Lisa von Tang is one label to know. It draws inspiration from Asia’s diverse design heritage and the female spirit, and fuses contemporary street wear with luxury materials and finishes. The brand’s statement bomber jackets have been a huge hit internationally, and have been spotted on celebrities like Mick Jagger, Natalie Imbruglia and rapper Eve, to name but a few.
Ong Shunmugam
Focusing on quality construction, cut and fit, Ong Shunmugam is a contemporary womenswear label that has pioneered the reinvention of traditional Asian silhouettes such as the cheongsam and qipao. We love how founder Priscilla Shunmugam puts a creative spin on traditional textile techniques and silhouettes to create wearable and elegant ready-to-wear pieces. The label also takes on custom bridal and evening-wear design requests, too.
Aijek
If it’s a feminine and flirty outfit you’re after, look no further than whimsical local label Aijek. Inspired to make real women look and feel fabulous, designer Danelle Woo creates stunning dresses, skirts, tops and trousers in natural fabrics that will ensure you stand out for all the right reasons!
Exhibit
Stylishly minimal, Exhibit’s luxe tailored basics are easy to wear on their own or pair with other pieces in your wardrobe. The label was founded by Singapore style icon Yoyo Cao, and showcased its first runway collection in 2014 at Singapore Fashion Week.
Elohim by Sabrina Goh
Well-loved for it’s oversized androgynous designs, local fashion designer Sabrina Goh’s collections are easy to wear and are 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 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 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.
Emblem
For comfortable handmade and quality ballet flats and other leather accessories.
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.
Max Tan
A long-established label offering androgynous and minimalist collections for women.
By Invite Only
For rings, necklaces and bracelets hand-crafted with semi precious stones and crystals.
Baliza
Inspired by Bali and Ibiza, Baliza designs timeless, sustainable resortwear clothing perfect for summer. Shop unique garments ethically made by women in Jaipur, India, using sustainable fabrics and traditional techniques of beading and block printing.
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-based 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 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 made to last. 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, from simple shift dresses to crepe camisoles and cotton pants.
Also: Stores, websites and events that sell local designs and more
The fashion, accessories and homewares clearance sale was started and is organised by jewellery brand Stones that Rock. It features some of Singapore’s top independent local brands, designers and boutiques who will be selling their products at clearance prices in support of the Singapore Committee for UN Women.
This fairly new website stocks ‘made in Singapore’ products across art, kitchenware, women and men’s fashion and tech. It also hosts regular pop-up events.
The Emporium Group bring together a mixture of one-offs alongside items from Singapore’s mainstream brands, with stores at #01-84 Millenia Walk and #02-23 Orchard Gateway.
For more, see our Style section
