The circuit breaker measures implemented on April 7 have confined many to their homes. Amid all the doom and gloom, perhaps some retail therapy might be in order, plus you can support local designers and showcase #localpride while you’re at it.
Here, we’ve rounded up five Singaporean labels that you might not have heard of, but definitely should.
Founded in 2018 by Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (Nafa) graduate Chin Shiying, Senkoubou specialises in handcrafted leather accessories. Despite being just two years old, this label has been recognised by many talents in the local market, collaborating with them on various projects, including one with local fashion retailer The Corner Shop (杂货店), where Chin reimagines our iconic paper bag in leather.
Sustainability is a huge factor for Chin’s label. Each accessory is only created when an order is received, so as to minimise wastage of fabrics and materials.
Plus, it’s extremely affordable for leather, with a coin case priced at just $39 and a large hobo bag at $169.
Chin also offers leather repairs (by appointment only) and workshops that teach the construction of small leather goods.
Senkoubou is at #01-98 The Promenade @ Pelikat, 183 Jalan Pelikat, and online at www.senkoubou.co.
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twin 「 roots 根 」 backpacks off to play. size customizable to fit your laptops~ 👩🏻💻
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If you’re a fan of minimalist fashion, this local womenswear brand is for you. Founded in late 2015 by Lim Yi Chin, Salient Label offers simple and highly versatile designs that can be made different through personal styling.
Lim also takes local market needs into consideration. You’ll spot cross-back tops and billowy pants that are perfect for Singapore’s balmy weather, all while retaining a sense of sophistication.
Plus, the label prides itself on ethical and sustainable practices. Its fabrics are dyed with inks approved by Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), which are free from toxic chemicals, and it has also been reducing its carbon footprint by working with manufacturers and fabric suppliers from the same cities within Asia.
Salient Label is available at several stockists including Naiise and Isetan, and online at www.salientlabel.com.
We love this jewellery label for its delicate yet unique pieces. Founded by Melissa Tong in 2015, Myrrh offers eclectic, silver-toned accessories at wallet-friendly prices, ranging from $22 for an earring to $75 for a chain necklace.
Tong also offers customisation services that allow you to engrave your initials on three of its accessories (Venus earrings, and Ahava and Star necklaces), with an additional charge of $10 to $12.
Myrrh is available online at www.myrrh.co.
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𝐒𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞 ᵃᵗ ᵗʰᵉ 𝕾𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖒 008— Singular Vessel Necklaces (Black on Gold & Clear on Gold)
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Myanmar-born designer Wai Yang graduated from London College of Fashion and interned at several big industry names like Giles Deacon, but she chose Singapore as the place to launch her eponymous label. That’s because she grew up in this Little Red Dot since she was 12.
Since 2016, she has been focusing on realising unconventional materials as contemporary ready-to-wear, with a tinge of masculinity. Our favourite look: This velvet green cropped jacket paired with camel wide-legged pants.
Wai Yang is available online at www.waiyang.co and www.notjustalabel.com.
Some activewear can only be worn to the gym, but these ones from local athleisure label Outfyt prove otherwise. Founded by Swedish-Singaporean Stephanie Colhag Yeo in 2017, the brand offers activewear inspired by Yeo’s take on Scandinavian culture: stylish and minimal.
Made from sustainable materials such as econyl regenerated nylon made from abandoned fishing nets, the clothes are guaranteed to last you for years. The label has also committed to donating 1 per cent of its profits to Healthy Seas, a non-government organisation that keeps the oceans clean.
Outfyt is at 35 Haji Lane and online at www.shopoutfyt.com.
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LILLY V 2.0 // A multi-tasking crowd favourite!
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