What exactly defines Singapore fashion? If you recently stopped by Design Orchard’s Better By Local Design: Retail Showcase to check out the myriad of Singapore fashion brands on show, words such as boundary-pushing creativity, sustainable fashion and inclusive designs may spring to mind.
Design Orchard is the integrated retail and incubation space operated by the Singapore Fashion Council. Recently, it brought together an array of local brands not afraid to push the envelopes, whether that be through their designs, approaches or choice of materials. Missed the retail showcase? Don’t worry; we’ve selected four homegrown designers you should check out!
Wereable – adaptive Singapore fashion with inclusive designs
Claudia Poh is the Central Saint Martins and Parson’s School Of Design-trained and founder of Werable. Inspired by a friend’s ALS diagnosis, she is on a mission to create stylish fashion and inclusive designs that empower women with disabilities and of all ages.
Working with persons with disabilities and occupational therapists, Claudia has replaced difficult buttons and zippers that are near impossible to zip up from the back with thoughtful and inclusive design details. Her adaptive clothing line displayed at Design Orchard especially features fashion pieces that facilitate hands-free dressing. The brand also partnered with Stroke Support Station to design a collection that can be worn or fastened with one hand.
Dirty Manners – Singapore fashion brand with sustainable fashion
This Singapore fashion and lifestyle label was first created to help rebuild the connection that its founders – trio Annelieke Dompeling, Kai White and Francesco Pellicano – had with nature. And their range of everyday wear products invites us to do the same, whether that’s venturing into the countryside in their comfy tees and hoodies or exercising outdoors wearing their sweat shorts.
You can find the brand’s sustainable and mindful approach to fashion in every detail. Family-run garment workers in Hong Kong, Vietnam and Thailand craft the products in small batches. These designs primarily feature GRS Certified Recycled Cotton or GOTS Certified Organic Cotton. Meanwhile, the packaging uses FSC-certified paper and soy-based ink that are compostable and recyclable.
GINLEE Studio – Singapore fashion with character and consumption in mind
This multi-disciplinary sustainable fashion brand in Singapore features contemporary womenswear by Singaporean and Israeli designers Gin Lee and Tamir Niv. Their pieces especially focus on exploring textile, form, fit and function, with an emphasis on casual chic silhouettes. Their signature pleat detail features in tops, dresses, and various bags and accessories.
In an effort to minimise wasted fabrics and tackle overconsumption, the brand has also launched various on-demand production initiatives. Customers can visit physical stores to create their bespoke pleated bags, accessories, tops and cushion covers using recycled or unused fabrics. Pieces are handcrafted on-the-spot upon order, with designs that don’t just make the wearer look good but feel good too.
LA Design Studio – interior design & furniture at Design Orchard
At Design Orchard’s Better By Local Design: Retail Showcase, visitors may have also noticed the small furniture pieces that decorated the space. That is the work of LA Design Studio, co-founded by Singaporean interior designers Lim Thong and Keenon Lee.
The firm wishes to elevate Singapore homes and spaces and, in turn, improve our daily lives and habits. As such, the team specialises in nature-inspired wabi-sabi and modern luxe designs that merge daily practicalities with personalised character.
Discover more cool homegrown brands and gift ideas from Design Orchard!
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