13 local and female-owned brands you should be supporting

We are paying homage to the girl bosses behind the trendiest brands in Singapore. Whether it’s industry veterans or young entrepreneurs, these women have showcased their drive and talents in every way possible, culminating in these female-owned brands that we know and love today. From fashion to beauty, here are some Singapore-based labels you’ll want to support.

BabeCave Swim

Driven by Amy Yuan in 2018, BabeCave Swim is a slow-fashion label that weaves batik designs into apparels and accessories that are ethically and sustainably made. If you are seeking modern garments with an Asian twist, the brand focuses on showcasing the beauty of the unique fabric to create a vintage feel on a modern silhouette.

BabeCave Batik is available here.

Haikini

Established in 2017, Haikini is the brainchild of founder, designer and national surfer Beckie Liu, who felt there was a need to fill the gap in the market for functional, stylish and affordable swimwear. Today, the label offers everything from consciously-designed swimsuits to longboards that empower the female community they lovingly call their “Seasters”.

Haikini is available here.

Lisa Von Tang

At its core, Lisa Von Tang‘s eponymous label—established in 2015—champions her East-Meets-West identity. From the brand’s trademark kimonos and loungewear essentials to its hand-beaded face masks, Lisa Von Tang continues to deliver quality styles that are sustainably and ethically made with premium fabrics.

Lisa Von Tang offers appointment-only personal styling services. You can also shop the collection here.

OliveAnkara

After completing her PhD in Human Molecular Genetics in Italy, Ifeoma Ubby got an offer to work in the field of cancer research in Singapore. She had difficulty accessing traditional African fabric while designing her wedding dress here, which inspired her to start her own fashion label, OliveAnkara. The brand integrates traditional African fabrics with modern designs and boasts a wide array of womenswear, menswear and childrenswear.

OliveAnkara is available here.

SANS FAFF

If you’re looking for a label that puts minimalist design and sustainability at the forefront, meet SANS FAFF. Founded by Brandy Dallas, the brand aims to create a responsibly-made Singapore line of long-lasting essentials that prioritise simplicity in design and conscious fashion consumption. From the expert tailoring to the timeless silhouettes, invest in these wardrobe staples to enjoy a quality garment for years to come.

SANS FAFF is available here.

Rawbought

Rawbought’s sleepwear doesn’t compromise on quality or comfort. Launched in the midst of the pandemic, three sisters—Soukaina, Boutaina and Amira Faruq—decided to create sustainable-friendly and fashionably-designed sleepwear options. Made with buttery soft silks, Rawbought has a variety of options for all your sleepwear preferences, including slip dresses, long-sleeve options and more.

Rawbought is available here.

Love, Bonito

Rachel Lim, co-founder of Love, Bonito, has gone from running a preloved clothing fashion blog shop to one of Southeast Asia’s leading online retailers, with footprints in key markets across Asia, Australia and North America. The Singaporean entrepreneur has focused on creating the ideal fit for the proportions of an Asian woman and empowering women through various collaborations and product lines. The brand has also launched its social impact arm, LBCreate, as a commitment to tackle women-related issues.

Love, Bonito is available here.

Plop Apparels

Founded in 2020 by Jermaine Ho, Plop Apparels was born through her love for vintage clothing. Previously a small online store selling curated vintage pieces and now a well-known business occupying an impressive two-story space at 17 Haji Lane, the brand is a haven for streetwear and Y2K lovers, boasting a extensive collection of curated vintage picks, niche labels and Plop’s very own designs. Their physical store is set to move out of their space on 24 March, so visit while you can.

Plop Apparels is available here.

Good Addition

Started by Singaporean lifestyle and fashion influencer Andrea Chong and property developer Joan Chang, the two entrepreneurs have honed their individual talents in fashion and business to create Good Addition. The brand focuses on creating wardrobe staples and simple silhouettes with a modern twist, as seen in designs such as their colourful takes on a classic button-up.

Good Addition is available here.

Beauty: Bskin

For former corporate lawyer Chia Su-Mae, acne was something she used to struggle with until she found a solution after tapping into the expertise of HDI, her family’s wellness business. She then set up Bskin, formulating her own line of bee-derived and propolis-based skincare together with a team of South Korean scientists. The result? A line of skincare that is gentle, rich with antioxidants and effective in combating skin woes like pimples and acne.

Bskin is available here.

Glowfully

Charlene Sim was determined to find non-toxic skincare ingredients that are gentle yet effective for her mother, who was undergoing rounds of chemotherapy. In addition, Sim was dealing with sensitive and acne-prone skin as well as eczema, which spurred her to start her own beauty line Glowfully in 2018. Today, Glowfully has a range of products that are naturally-derived and free from harsh ingredients like parabens, phthalates, sulfates and formadelhydes.

Glowfully is available here.

Sigi Skin

Xenia Wong started Sigi Skin because she wanted to combine her degree in marketing and her beauty course pursuits from the Jung Saem Art Academy and Makeup Forever. Wong’s vegan skincare label carries an array of products powered with superfood-ingredients such as purslane, kale and soy extracts, providing a straightforward skincare routine for all.

Sigi Skin is available here.

RE:ERTH

Toh Ziling believes in working with brands that matter. Having assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of RE:ERTH, she has been able to make this dream a reality. The brand carries skincare products that focus on helping customers achieve healthy, mochi-like skin.

RE:ERTH is available here.

This article was originally published in Harper’s Bazaar Singapore.