We list down everything you need to know in this comprehensive guide to homegrown brands, shops and designers – it's time to update your style
Asian-inspired designs reign supreme at Ong Shunmugam, a name that has repped our Little Red Dot in the global fashion scene with its collections for the modern woman. Wanna wear your heritage on your sleeve? Dress in fashion-forward creations.
Beautiful bags by Ling Wu are our absolute fave. Made with leather and exotic skins, the clutches and totes will court your fashionista friends' envy. Also check out arm candy at Anastasia by Raine, briefcases and messenger bags from Gnome and Bow, eclectic backpacks at Uyii, and Aide de Camp's stylish camera totes.
Carrie K is our go-to when we're on the hunt for exquisite artisanal jewellery. From bracelets and earrings to cufflinks and bow ties, each collection has one thing in common: a chic yet playful style that can take you from day to night.
Depression is anything but bleak. Anyone can experiment with street style by donning its punk-influenced yet accessible pieces that are way too cool to give anyone the blues. The duo behind the designs has also launched offshoot labels Antidepressant and Not Cool Enough, and it brings in international stuff at its multi-label space, Sects Shop.
Experiment with styles outside your comfort zone. At Mporium, check out apparel, accessories and homeware by local and regional designers such as Mae Pang, Wila, Mina Code, Mr Howard and Amos Ananda. Rock that Asian pride.
Feminine fashion can be easy and effortless. For tea parties, you’ll want frocks by Aijek; to make an impression at business meetings, Collate The Label and In Good Company are your go-tos; then there's Whole9Yards when you're feeling a touch of romance in the air.
Glamorous shoes abound at Charles and Keith. Don't scoff – it's no longer uncool to rock up to parties in heels by the footwear brand. Also try stilettos by Pazzion to bedazzle your outfitor Ed Et Al for a bespoke creation to complete your suit-and-tie look.
Handmade accessories. Thanks to Thepigbakesclay, you can proudly wear local treats like pineapple tarts and kueh lapis – just don't eat them. For something on the whimsical side of wanderlust, Littleoddforest celebrates the young at heart. Or show up to meetings with adorable paper goods and printed stationery by Ozzy and Lulu.
Intricate headpieces can make an outfit pop – especially ones by Heads of State Millinery – as long as you've got the sass to match. But if you just want something for your next beach day, try hand-woven Panama hats from Hat of Cain.
Jewellery pieces by Saught are created from scrap metal to support sustainable development in war-torn countries. If you want handcrafted accessories, By Invite Only brings in pieces that’ll boost your outfit with vintage flair.
Kind to the Earth, these brands are. And you can be, too. Etrican boasts clothes made from organic cotton, Zhai designs with bamboo fibre, and Greenie Genie crafts accessories from upcycled materials.
Leather goods will never go out of style, so get yours from Forest Child, Obbi Good Label, The J Myers Company or Maketh Project. Several of them also offer custom-made services and organise workshops, so you can be the proud owner of one-of-a-kind items.
Minimalism is the way to go when you wanna make a subtle statement. Get jersey dresses from Saturday, tailored and draped pieces from Max Tan, monochrome palettes from 20:twothree, and structural silhouettes from Elohim by Sabrina Goh. Complete the look with a dainty necklace or ring.
Numerous labels converge under one umbrella at local-lovin' platforms like Naiise, The Farm Store, Supermama and The Little Dröm Store. These one-stop shops are your best bet for knick-knacks that reference Singaporean culture.
Old is gold, and we love digging around in vintage shops. Déjà vu Vintage supplies gowns for a glamorous occasion, Dustbunny Vintage curates sundresses for your next picnic, Granny's Day Out is perfect for retro prints, and Flea and Trees will get you accessorised in no time.
Pleats: you either love 'em or hate 'em. At Pleatation, these folds feature on every single product, and can add texture to a simple outfit. Just make sure you don’t go overboard or you’ll end up looking like a ruffled cake at your friend’s wedding.
Quirky accessories inspired by local heritage are all the rage these days – they're cheeky and make great conversation starters. Wheniwasfour goes the nostalgic route with old-school cartoons and colloquial culture.
True to its name, Ang Ku Kueh Girl’s designs look good enough to eat. Or point your visiting friends in the direction of Love SG for not-so-touristy souvenirs.
Rummage through shopping enclaves such as Haji Lane, Bugis Village and Tiong Bahru for a mix of homegrown labels, locally owned shops and affordable trinkets.
Spiffy menswear can be found at brands like Evenodd, Frederic Sai, Faculty, Benjamin Barker and Sundays. Whatever your style, they’ll get you spruced up and dapper in no time.
Tongue-in-cheek tees are the most fashionable way to declare your love for the Little Red Dot without climbing into a Merlion suit. Take your pick from shirts like 'Eat Sleep Chiong Repeat' by Temasek Clothings, 'Don’t Say I Bojio' by Wet Tee Shirt or 'Professional Blur Sotong' by Statement.
Uber funky stuff - that's what Superspace is known for. Besides curating exclusive collabs, the shop-and-salon hybrid is known for attracting the flamboyant crowd with made-in-SG brands like Mash Up, Evenodd, Yesah and Revasseur alongside international ones such as KTZ and Jeremy Scott.
Visit local markets - they're treasure troves. MAAD and Public Garden are our top picks, but also keep tabs on others like Fleawhere, The Local People and the SCAPE Marketplace.
Womenswear brands come in all styles, but these are the ones that don’t forget the men. Raoul’s ready-to-wear collections never fail to draw in the trendy set, and don’t let the name Reckless Ericka fool you – its minimalist designs are for men, too.
Xtra stuff from abroad is where multi-label shops have staked their claim in the local fashion scene. Oh-so-hip names such as Megafash, The Redundant Shop, Noel Caleb, Threadbare and Squirrel, Pact and Rockstar do us proud by bringing in a plethora of options from around the world.
You. That's ultimately what it's all about. Custom-makers like The Bespoke Club, Fabrix, Q Menswear, Kevin Seah Bespoke and The Shoemaker's Elf provide impeccable tailoring. You won't bump into anyone on the street in the same outfit, that's for sure.
Zero pretentiousness, one hundred percent cool. That's Actually for you. The shop will take you to funky town anytime you want – plus, the folks behind it have branched out to create their own in-house line.