Local Designers
When it comes to 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 local designers and Singapore-based labels. To steer you in the right direction, we’ve rounded up a big list of homegrown fashion brands – from casual wear, handbags and jewellery – you can shop online or in shops in Singapore.
Forbidden Hill by Ruth Pestana & David Aumonier
Forbidden Hill’s offerings include distinctive jewellery collections that fuse modern aesthetics with regional motifs. Inspired by Ruth’s multicultural Straits ancestry, these local designers draw inspiration from the rich tapestry of Southeast Asian cultures, bringing traditional crafts and heritage together with contemporary style and materials.
The brand’s unique creations are designed in Singapore at a studio near the original Forbidden Hill (today’s Fort Canning) and made regionally. Highlights include the silk bangles, which are vibrant pieces of arm candy with interchangeable inserts of pure Thai silk nested in precious metals, adding a gorgeous pop of colour and character to any outfit. The silk cuffs also come with interchangeable silk slides and medallions.
Pair the bangles with eye-catching earrings of coloured resin set in gold and rhodium, or in sterling silver with interchangeable gemstones in designs inspired by Singapore locales. And be sure to check out the cufflink collections too!
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 it was established in 2003. The founder, Angis Tiew, began reevaluating her approach to the industry after becoming a parent. She believes it is our duty to leave the next generation a sustainable planet. Today, the socially-conscious fashion retailer is the first label in Singapore that sells a full range of sustainably-sourced fabrics crafted from Tencel to make their casual chic clothing more eco-friendly.
Think your favourite dress, but upgraded with oh-so-soft fibres and enhanced breathability that’s suited for the Singaporean tropics. But it’s not just the clothes that get a makeover: the brand also ensures its tailors are fairly treated and compensated.
Lustre Jewellery by Anaita Thakkar
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 the website of homegrown label Lustre Jewellery. Founded by self-taught local 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. Her passion for detail and flair for design has helped her develop a loyal following; the Lustre studio is now a hidden gem where women visit to treat themselves to jewellery that’s unique and lasting. And, if you needed another reason to satisfy your online shopping cravings, there’s also free shipping worldwide on orders over $300!
White Ginger by Emma Femminile
White Ginger has been an expat favourite 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, 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 go to the website to check the latest styles today; there’s fast and free delivery to Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.
#03-04 Tanglin Mall white-ginger.com
Shopping at Tiffany’s by Tiffany Maughan
Australian-born Tiffany Maughan now has three fashion stores across Singapore, along with her own design collection, Kenz & Kate. Her biggest inspiration comes from travel, and her Kenz & Kate collection reflects that. Whether it’s a jumpsuit, kaftan or cool summer dress, these are flexible styles that can work from day to night, and from shopping to bar hopping.
The Kenz & Kate collection supports sustainability and fair trade, and is ethically produced in India and Bali – it’s made for women by women.
Capsule Collection by Juliette
Juliette is a true Parisian girl, a French fashion designer reaching to all corners of the globe for conscious inspiration, and a mother of two. She couldn’t find what she wanted for that professional-yet-versatile, elegant-yet-easy-to-wear outfit, so she designed it herself! First came her all-time favourite – and now signature outfit and best seller – the jumpsuit. Then came dresses, skirts, trousers, playsuits and tops. And they all maintain the focus of being timeless slow fashion in natural fabrics and ethically produced.
As a working mum, Juliette knows exactly what it means to juggle a busy schedule! So, she wanted to create clothes for her friends and all women like her who are trying to do, be and feel their best in their hectic everyday lives.
Weekend Sundries by Michelle Chan
Clothing that is considerate of Singapore’s perennial humid climate is key for local designer Michelle Chan. Her focus is on dressing with ease, and offering versatility and breathable comfort – these are the things that 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, hence its penchant 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.
Weekend Sundries also keeps its collections season-less and in small batches; and it initiates pre-orders as a way of using resources more responsibly and reducing overproduction and waste.
Other local fashion brands
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 and her husband are very passionate about sustainability, reduced waste and recycling. They continually strive to make their Bangladesh-based factory as green as possible for large-volume manufacturing; they’ve also created heaps of new projects to reuse leftovers and minimise waste.
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 – and watch out for the new website!
Fancies
When the economic crisis affected Turkey in 2018, a 25-year-old Turkish textile business was going to be closed down. But, an idea came to family members based in Singapore and inspired them to rethink things. The idea was to make very comfortable yet fun men’s underwear – pieces with bold prints and quirky messages on the inside for the wearer to look at for a confidence boost or a laugh, or even to show off!
Underwear is easy to manufacture with a small team, and doesn’t require specialised machinery; it’s also easy to ship. So, the business was brought to life here, while all the manufacturing still takes place in Turkey.
The Fancies team have had loads of fun picking prints, colours and slogans, and working on designs for packaging. And the good thing is, because it’s a family business, they can source high-quality materials and keep costs, and therefore prices, low.
Yumi Active
High-quality, stylish active wear and yoga leggings with an exciting twist. It’s a brand 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.
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!
PinkSalt
This local fashion brand was 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 designer brand 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.
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!
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 local 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 local 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.
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 Singapore fashion label offering androgynous and minimalist collections for women.
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 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 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 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.
For more, see our Style section.
