From The Straits Times    |

The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands will host over 300 retail and dining outlets. Spanning an extensive 800,000sqft over four levels, it’s larger than the retail spaces at Ngee Ann City and ION Orchard. It also house an impressive collection of over 15 luxury brands under one roof, including Yves Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Franck Muller and Tiffany & Co.. Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Ralph Lauren and Chanel will have duplex stores.

Shopaholics will be happy to know there are brand new labels at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands – American denim maven True Religion, jewellers De Beers and Leviev, Italian luxury menswear Stefano Ricci and leather goods specialist a. testoni, high-end lingerie brand Wolford, French fashion designers Zadig & Voltaire and Anne Fontaine, as well as three Chinese labels Marisfrolg, iRoo and Moiselle.

A ‘floating’ Louis Vuitton island? Yes, it’s a fantasy come true for fans as the brand will have a first-of-its-kind store in one of the two Crystal Pavillions (the other will house two nightspots), which extend out from the main shopping area onto the water in the bay. To up the cool factor, entry to the stunning glass and steel structure will be via an underground pass.

Here’s what to expect from some of these new labels:
iRoo (read ee-row): This is the 11-year-old Taiwanese womenswear label’s first and largest overseas flagship store. Known for its affordable runway-inspired separates and accessories that are launched weekly, there are three collections – City, for work; Casual, for weekends; and Party, for special occasions – to help customers zoom in on what they’re looking for.   

Moiselle: The Hong Kong high-end fashion label stocks elegant and feminine designs that are wearable and timeless. There are office-chic separates like pretty blouses, pencil skirts and tailored pants, and gorgeous printed cocktail dresses with fabulous structure and draping. Prices are a tad steep (dresses cost over $1,000), but what you get are quality fabrics and great designs that fit like a dream.

Marisfrolg: Don’t let the European name fool you, Marisfrolg is an established 17-year-old high-end womenswear label from China with 360 franchised stores all over the country. What we like about this label is that it adapts the latest trends for the smaller Asian frame. Come here for well-tailored casual separates, work wear and formal eveningwear.

Anne Fontaine: This 17-year-old French brand began with a strong focus on white shirts for women. While it still rolls out about 1,000 shirt designs every year, it also offers a full collection of tops, knits, home wear and accessories. Look out for fabulously constructed shirts with dramatic collars and cuffs, which are fab for work.

Zadig & Voltaire: The French label is known for its refined, casual designs made with delicate fabrics such as cashmere, washed silk and a specially developed cotton jersey. The collection of t-shirts, skinny jeans and delicate sweaters have a rock and roll edge with gutsy slogans, metal and leather details. Also available are shoes and accessories.

Leviev: Located within the Marina Bay Sands hotel, come here if you’re after some serious bling. The world-renowned Jewish-owned American jewellery brand owns a third of the world’s diamond mines, which explains its exquisite and exceptionally-sized diamonds and coloured diamonds. Since the diamonds speak for themselves, designs are simple yet elegant. Smaller diamonds and customisation services are available upon request. We like that the store staff are all well-trained in gemology too.

Other highlights of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands include a skating rink, central canal complete with sampan rides and Makansutra Masters premium foodcourt featuring top-rated hawker food. While only more than 30 stores are opened now, sections of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands will continue to open in phases, and the majority of the stores are expected to open later this year.