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design orchard
Photograph: JTC

7 things to buy at the new Design Orchard

Loud, proud and local, the newly-opened Design Orchard features a fresh selection of Singaporean designers and makers

Delfina Utomo
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Delfina Utomo
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There's something brewing at the junction of Orchard Road and Cairnhill Road. Retail hub Design Orchard is the gust of fresh air the retail industry has been craving, and it opens its shiny glass doors this month to talent eager to bring their ideas and inspiration to the table.

With over 60 brands calling the two-and-a-half-storey space home under the tagline 'Where Local Brands Flourish', the homegrown labels are part of an incubation programme run by local multi-label retailer Naiise which will guide them through marketing, merchandising, and expansion strategies. Ready to shop? These are the eclectic few products from the labels that we have our eye on.

RECOMMENDED: The best multi-label shops in Singapore and 50 best shops in Singapore

The Flow leggings from Kydra

The Flow leggings from Kydra

If your workout style is more Zen than lookat-me neon, Kydra’s stylish workout gear in neutral tones of milky pink and forest green is for you. Founded by Jimmy Poh and Wong Dingyao, Kydra seamlessly blends function with fashion. Well-cut pieces like the OpenBack Tank and Flow Leggings are light, breathable and made from a material that is anti-bacterial and anti-abrasion.

What we have our eyes on The Flow Leggings in maroon ($72). A durable and flattering high-waisted piece that hugs and stretches with each yoga pose.

Peranakan Floral Tile Teak Stool from Onlewo

Peranakan Floral Tile Teak Stool from Onlewo

See Singapore’s history and culture unravel through Onlewo’s fabric designs that come printed on curtains, wallpaper, furniture and even stationery. Founder and designer Mike Tay might not be a trained designer or artist, but he draws on motifs like Peranakan tiles, blue Chinese porcelain and shophouse windows to create brilliant pieces.

What we have our eyes on Peranakan Floral Tile Teak Stool ($335). A cute talking point in any room, this modern looking stool is covered in a Peranakan tile-inspired fabric, adding a pop of colour to any space.

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Bumboats on Singapore River Silk Twill Scarf from Binary Style

Bumboats on Singapore River Silk Twill Scarf from Binary Style

Don’t write off this one-product brand just yet. The brainchild of twin sisters Santhi and Sari Tunas, Binary Style’s whimsical scarves capture the Singapore story – from scenes of Little India to the lush Botanic Gardens. These statement scarves come in lightweight cotton and silk. Throw them on and rep your local pride.

What we have our eyes on Bumboats on Singapore River Silk Twill Scarf ($98). Subtle and easy-to-match but also attractive enough to catch an attentive eye.

Pew Pew x The Moon: Destiny Hands from Pew Pew Patches

Pew Pew x The Moon: Destiny Hands from Pew Pew Patches

There’s nothing like bold and colourful patches to spruce up a bag or an outfit. Named after the sound lasers make, Pew Pew Patches was founded by illustrator Dawn Bey, who’s made this item of the ’80s is cool again. Check out this quirky and witty collection of bright patches in designs of cats, robots, pop culture figures, doughnuts, catchphrases and more.

What we have our eyes on The dreamy Pew Pew x The Moon: Destiny Hands ($7.90) – an example of how Pew Pew Patches aces the collab game.

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Cleo Swimsuit from Pinksalt

Cleo Swimsuit from Pinksalt

Don one of Pinksalt’s swimwear and you’ll make a splash even before dipping your toes in the pool. Modern, fresh and modest – without being too stuffy – the label by avid travellers Su May Ng and Belinda Lee is perfect for when you want to spend a long, lazy afternoon by the beach while looking chic enough to drop by the bar.

What we have our eyes on Cleo One Piece Swimsuit in black ($129) has a flattering scoop neck and low back.

Dog-print Espresso Cup Set from The Animal Project

Dog-print Espresso Cup Set from The Animal Project

A social enterprise that showcases the artistic talents of individuals with special needs who are exceptionally good at illustrating animals, hence, the name The Animal Project. What you’ll find is a range of practical products like mugs, tumblers and cushion covers with polar bears, dogs, penguins and even dragons printed on.

What we have our eyes on The Monochrome Dog-Print Espresso Cup Set ($49.90) with a bamboo saucer.

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Age Miracle Cream Moisturiser from Pera Skincare

Age Miracle Cream Moisturiser from Pera Skincare

The world’s first skincare brand inspired by the traditional wisdom of Peranakan wellness secrets. Pera Skincare’s line uses ingredients like liquorice root, coconut oil and cucumber. Created by Raphael Jiang, the brand aims to promote the heritage of the Straits Chinese to the younger generation.

What we have our eyes on The Age Miracle Cream Moisturiser ($40) is packed with loads of good stuff like liquorice root, rice, turnip, clove flower and carrot but the hero ingredient is Asiatic ginseng root that’s used in traditional Chinese medicine.

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