Everything you need to know about & Other Stories in Singapore

Fashion can be a fickle thing, especially when it comes to style. Because of how personal it is, many of us use it as a tool of expression, a vessel to describe who we are stylistically through the clothes we wear. What we put on today is a story of who we want to tell the world about ourselves, and that’s exactly how the concept of & Other Stories was born.

True to its name and its storytelling roots, Stories (as it’s affectionately referred to by its fans and employees) wants to help customers tell fashion stories through their collections. Founded in Stockholm in 2013, & Other Stories is not shy to say that it targets the "fashion-loving women who don't go unnoticed". And while the collections are definitely trend-focused, what sets the brand apart from its other sister brands such as H&M, COS and Arket (the H&M group owns all brands) is that they have three design ateliers — Stockholm, Los Angeles and Paris — that work independently to create separate, but cohesive collections for the brand. As most of us don’t define what we wear to one singular style, the separate ateliers give customers a chance to shop according to their ever-changing style or mood.

While each atelier’s collections are inspired by the city's vibe, all three will be available to shop in stores regardless of where you are in the world. Feeling bold and glamorous? You’ll want to peruse the colourful and texture-heavy racks of Los Angeles. Is your style minimalist with an edgy touch? The slouchy and laidback silhouettes of Stockholm is the one you want. Feeling romantic and feminine? Then whisk yourself off to Paris.

Though each atelier has its own distinct identity, all three are created with the core customer in mind — someone who loves fashion isn’t afraid to be noticed and wants to keep these pieces as timeless treasures in her wardrobe forever.

In town for the Singapore launch, we caught up with Shawna Trunk, Concept Designer for the Los Angeles atelier on the brand’s ethos as well as some of her key picks from the collection.

How would you describe your own personal style, and does that influence your designs for & Other Stories?

I have two contradicting sides to my style approach. I would describe myself as a tomboy but I also love to feel girly. That’s my favorite thing about expressing yourself through fashion, you can be whoever you feel like being day to day, there are no rules. I tend to mix feminine pieces with polished and tailored pieces which are especially easy to do within the 3 different atelier collections at & Other Stories. The majority of my wardrobe is neutrals but I love to play with a bold colour or print once in a while. While I may vary on my fashion identity day to day, one thing is for sure — you’ll never catch me without my gold jewellery.

As the Concept Design for the Los Angeles Atelier, do you take any inspiration from the city when it comes to creating the collections?

Having design ateliers in 3 different cities brings a genuine diversity to our expression and collections. A big part of the inspiration comes from the cultures in each city. Where I’m based, the Los Angeles Atelier collections capture the sassy, stylish and joyful LA girl. The collections are flattering and feminine and can be dressed up or down, ranging from modern classics to bold statement pieces.

How would the designs for the Singapore store differ from & Other Stories LA or Paris?

The new store and Zalora will feature the & Other Stories’ assortment of endless styling choices from the three ateliers, which include ready-to-wear, shoes, bags, selected beauty products, jewellery and accessories. We mainly communicate our collections and inspiring fashion stories on a global level. However, there are some local adaptations regarding selected campaigns and assortment, to be even more relevant to our customers in Singapore.

What do you think of Singaporean style vs LA style, and how do you think Singaporeans can incorporate the collection into their own personal style here?

As a cross-cultural cosmopolitan city, fashion in Singapore is diverse and takes on many forms. Singaporeans in general dress comfortably for its warm, humid climate, but many still find their unique sense of style despite the weather. I think this is generally a similar approach to style as the women in Los Angeles. LA style features many dimensions of Californian living, mixing of the city’s glamorous and occasionally gritty persona. Sometimes free-spirited and casual, sometimes polished with an attitude.

Describe the Bold Hues collection in three words.

Glamour, bold, and sophisticated.

What’s your favourite piece from the collection?

My favourite piece is the orange dress in the satin jacquard with cutouts at the side and back of the dress. I love it because you can wear it with heels as an occasional piece or you can wear it with sandals as a more relaxed look. I also love that the dress has ties at the back of the bodice making it adjustable for many body types.

For those that are new to & Other Stories, how would you describe the brand to them and why should they shop there?

We love to tell fashion stories through inspiring collections for fashion-loving women who don’t go unnoticed. We aim to create curated spaces as a one-stop styling destination offering women a wide range of long-lasting products including shoes, bags, accessories, beauty and ready-to-wear pieces. With our diverse collections of loveable circular fashion, we hope to be a great match to the way Singaporean women create their personal style.

Here's some of the key looks of the collection:

Printed Bubble Mini Dress, $229, & Other Stories

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Strappy Crop Top, $89, & Other Stories

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Floral Bead Mini Skirt, $229, & Other Stories

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Crocheted Tank Top, $149, & Other Stories

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Fringed One-Shoulder Midi Dress, $229, & Other Stories

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Leather Mini Tote Bag, $149, & Other Stories

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Braided Leather Crossbody Bag, $189, & Other Stories

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Grainy Leather Tote Bag, $199, & Other Stories

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Crocheted Head Scarf, $55, & Other Stories

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Angular Cat Eye Sunglasses, $45, & Other Stories

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