From The Straits Times    |

ShopDesignOrchard

Shopping in Orchard Road is about to get a whole lot more exciting, especially with the opening of the new retail showcase, Design Orchard, where you’ll be able to find all things local under one roof.

Located at the junction of Orchard Road and Cairnhill Road, the 2 ½-storey building is hard to miss because of its sloping roof top with lush greenery and timber seats. The upper floors of the building are incubation and event spaces but if you like to shop, then head to level 1 — a retail space called ShopDesignOrchard, operated by homegrown retailer Naiise.

Here are five reasons why you should be the first to check out ShopDesignOrchard.

 

1. It’s a supersized experience of local brands
ShopDesignOrchard

Imagine around 9,000 sq ft of space dedicated to homegrown brands — over 60 to be exact. The best part? They’re looking to introduce more local labels over the next few months, so you’ll definitely be spoilt for choices.

There, you will be able to find items from fashion and beauty labels, small home furnishings, as well as lifestyle offerings. And whether you are local or a visitor to Singapore, you’ll be able to take home something uniquely local.

Some highlights include fragrance and candle label Artisan of Sense, known for their soy candles and home sprays that are made of natural and organic ingredients; as well as Onlewo (a local furniture label that gains inspiration from Singapore’s heritage for their old-school contemporary wallpapers, curtains and upholstery) and Singapore Memories (a perfumery brand that offers fragrances imbued with a localised twist), to name a few.

 

2. A new place for cool fashion finds  
ShopDesignOrchard

Out of the multitudes of new and emerging brands, the bulk are fashion retailers. So if run-of-the-mill clothing from fast fashion brands doesn’t quite appeal to you, check out the apparel from these local designers instead.

At ShopDesignOrchard, you’ll be able to get your hands on local fashion finds, such as Esse (an environmentally-conscious and ethical womenswear label that focuses on crafting elevated basics with sustainable materials such as organic cotton, tencel and bamboo), QLOTHÈ (an independent brand that combines the notion of “effortless and eclectic” into their garments) and The Missing Piece (a local designer brand that offers contemporary chic cut-out cheongsams).

3. It’s a retail space where brick-and-mortar meets technology
ShopDesignOrchard

ShopDesignOrchard
How often do you hold up a piece of clothing in front of the mirror to see how it looks on you while shopping? Very often. But this time, the mirrors at ShopDesignOrchard are interactive. Same goes for their cool table totems, where customers will be able to see and learn about the brand information of the fashion pieces, as well as find out if they come in other colours.

 

4. A chance to do good with The Animal Project or Eden + Elie
ShopDesignOrchard

It’s always a good thing to give back to society, and you’ll be able to do just that if you shop with The Animal Project or Eden + Elie at ShopDesignOrchard.

The Animal Project is a social enterprise started by a group of parents and friends. Animal-themed products such as art pieces, gift items, dinnerware and stationery are created by artists with special needs, who will earn a royalty with every purchase made.

Fashion lovers, if you’re looking to do good, Eden + Elie provides ethically-sourced, artisanal jewellery handcrafted by adults with autism. With every purchase made, you will be helping to empower communities in need and individuals from underprivileged backgrounds to support themselves and live independently.

 

5. You don’t have to travel far to #supportlocalSG
ShopDesignOrchard

Last of all, you don’t have to travel to different places around Singapore if you’re looking for a souvenir or knick knack made by a local artisan – you can find it all in one place at ShopDesignOrchard.

 

ShopDesignOrchard is located at the first floor of Design Orchard, 250 Orchard Road, Singapore 238905. Opens 10.30am to 9.30pm daily.