43 Singapore fashion brands from A to Z you need to know

A.Oei Studio focuses on modern silhouettes, subtle details and original textiles. Inspired by art, nature and technology, each collection features prints that combine graphic and abstract textures that can be mixed and matched beyond seasons.

Founded by Angeline Oei, A.Oei Studio was envisioned as a contemporary womenswear label and creative platform to explore new print and design techniques. Angeline trained in Amsterdam Fashion Institute and designed for international luxury brands before starting the independent label in Seattle and Singapore.

Where: www.aoei-studio.com

Adlina Anis is no stranger to the world of fashion. Working for numerous fashion magazines after her graduation, she clocked 7 years in the fashion and media industry before leaving to start her own brand.

Seeing a lack in options for modest wear, Adlina launched her own namesake label, specialising in hijabs and headgear for the modern Muslim woman. Paying particular attention to the fit, fabric and richness of colour, she provides an array of styles from turbans to easy-going slip-on snoods. Since her hijab designs took off, she has designed a sports version called The Ninja Echo and more.

On top of her continued innovation, she also demonstrates how to style her pieces using her YouTube channel, raking over 2 million views.

Where: www.adlinaani.com

Wykidd Song is arguably one of Singapore’s most noted fashion designers. He’s often credited for putting Singapore fashion on an international platform when he created Song + Kelly—an internationally renowned womenswear label, alongside British graphic designer Ann Kelly. At the height of its success in the 1990s, the label’s collections were sold in international luxury department stores such as Harrod’s and Selfridges in London, as well as Barney’s in New York. The label’s closure in 2007, following the dissolution of the creative duo’s partnership, saw him leaving Singapore to pursue other creative interests.

In September 2020, the designer launched his new womenswear label called AKINN. The label focuses on creating structured yet comfortable designs for the globetrotting career woman.

Where: www.akinn.com

Gone are the days where pretty dress shoes come with the physical cost of shoe-bites and blisters. Thanks to home grown footwear brand Another Sole, now you can have shoes that fit as comfortably as they look good.

Made out of high-quality, unlined leather on top of a rubber sole and breathable sports footbed, the shoes function almost like comfy sneakers, with all the polish and style of a pair of oxfords. Best of all, 10% of their profits are repatriated to children’s charities and goes towards funding orphanages and feeding underprivileged children – so you can shop with a clean conscience that you’re paying it forward.

Where: www.sg.anothersole.com

Founded in Singapore in February 2017 by two mumpreneurs, Anseina (Ans) and Erlyn (Ein), Ans.ein is a fashion brand that offers products based on works of art for stylish woman and her little ones.

Whether that’s the strong, confident strokes of adults or the cute playful sweep of kids. You can even turn your own masterpiece into a wearable garment with Create Ans-ein, a bespoke service offered by the brand. Specialising in effortless kimono tops, wrap dresses and jumpsuits, the label also employs sustainable design techniques such as paperless pattern drafting and cutting that minimises waste, as well as multi-functional design.

Where: www.ans-ein.com 

Look no further than August Society for the perfect swimsuit for your next staycay. Created from sustainable materials (made out of recycled waste plastic that are broken down and woven into fabrics) and digital printing techniques that use less dye and ink, the label’s swimsuits are ethically produced in a small factory in Bali with reduced wastage. They also contain XtraLife Lycra® for shape retention; are chlorine, sun cream and oil-resistant; and have excellent UV protection.

Where: www.augustsociety.com 

For brothers Kenghow and Kage Chong, working with the best materials possible is their top priority. Launched in 2013, their minimalist menswear label Biro uses fabrics from Japan, and adheres to precise, Japanese-quality tailoring standards.

Some of the fabrics they use come from mills that use artisanal techniques, such as one from Kyoto that uses a yarn-dyeing process that is identical to that for making kimono fabric. The end result? Excellent colour-fastness and richer colours. Most of the materials used by Biro are also woven using vintage machinery, which in turn add character to each piece of clothing.

The brothers pride themselves as being able to work with some of Japan’s (or perhaps even the world’s) best garment factories and textile mills, and the fact that Biro’s products are made in Japan in order to ensure impeccable quality. Also, do check out SHOUTEN by Biro, their multi-label Japanese lifestyle store, which was built using naturally produced indigo-coated wood from Tokushima, Japan. This compact retail space stocks not only Biro apparel, but also niche and meticulously curated Japanese lifestyle items.

Where: www.birocompany.com 

Charles & Keith has come a long way since its establishment in 1996, having expanded beyond the shores of Singapore to the Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe and the United States of America.

Founded with a vision to empower women around the world and celebrate the freedom of expression, the homegrown label constantly reinvents its footwear, accessories, and jewellery with a sleek, contemporary take. The brand also believes in social and environmental responsibility — its sustainability efforts include going plastic-free for all products packaging by 2022.

Where: https://www.charleskeith.com/sg/ or in-stores

DEPRESSION

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Feeling “depressed” with their day jobs, Kenny Lim and Andrew Loh created streetwear label Depression in 2006, where they started off as a small T-shirt brand. Heavily influenced by punk, goth, and Japanese streetwear elements, Depression subsequently became known for their unisex and predominantly black collections featuring deconstructed design and unusual cuts.

The label’s founders have been featured in Singapore’s design museum, judged fashion competitions, and were invited to show at Berlin Fashion Week and Seoul Fashion Week. Celebrity fans include Adam Lambert, the Black Eyed Peas and Kat von D. Be sure to check out Sects Shop, their multi-label concept store which stocks Depression’s pieces along with other cult streetwear labels from across the globe.

Where: www.depression.com.sg or at Sects Shop Singapore, #04-14 Orchard Gateway

Finalist of the Singapore Young Designer contest in 2006 and 2007, LASALLE SIA College of the Arts Fashion alumni Sabrina Goh launched Elohim in 2009.  In 2013, Goh was invited show at Vogue Fashion Night Out Bangkok in 2013. And in 2015, she received mentorship from top fashion designers such as Diane von Furstenberg and Thakoon, under the inaugural Fashion Futures program co-organised by Singapore Fashion Week and CFDA.

Known for her minimalist and structural silhouettes, Elohim is much sought after by women who want chic and fuss-free outfits with an edge. In 2018, Elohim collaborated with The Walt Disney Company Singapore to celebrate Mickey Mouse’s 90th birthday and released a capsule collection named the True Original Mickey Collection.

Where: Shop online at www.sabrinagoh.com or at SABRINAGOH Flagship Store (#02-36 Raffles City Shopping Centre, Singapore 179103), SABRINAGOH Concept Store (#03-46 Paragon, Singapore 238859), and SABRINAGOH at Design Orchard (250 Orchard Road, Singapore 238905) .

Tired of staring into a wardrobe brimming with clothes, with a sense of having nothing to wear, or throwing out clothes that fall apart after a few washes, designer and founder, Alicia Tsi left her full-time job and set out to pursue her passion in fashion and create quality classics that made women feel beautiful in them.

Esse — which means existence or to be in medieval Latin — was born out of a desire to redefine the way consumers approach fashion and interact with their garments by inspiring them to consider their garment’s purpose and lifecycle.

Where: www.essethelabel.com or book an appointment to visit its store at 28 Senang Crescent, #05-09

An Ethan K bag is no ordinary bag. It’s lightweight due to an 18-hour ‘hand staking’ process that ensures the softest skin texture. A pioneering patented technique gives the skin a shine like no other.

Ethan K is no ordinary brand, either. Finding “luxury” and “bespoke” overused, the designer only comes out with a collection when he’s ready, only produces a bag when he can find the suitable skin. The brand may be based in London but the Singaporean designer Ethan Koh grew up in a local tannery business, Heng Long Leather, that his great-grandfather had set up in the early 1990s which currently supplies a bulk of Ethan K’s crocodile skin.

The brand’s elusive bags are now in some of the world’s best stores like Harrods in London, L’Eclaireur in Paris, and Tsum in Moscow.

Where: www.ethan-k.com/

FREDERICK LEE COUTURE

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Frederick Lee is one of Singapore’s most recognised and sought-after couturiers and bridal designers. Known for his flamboyant and glamorous gowns, Lee is also a familiar name in the local theatre scene, having designed costumes for many productions and winning Best Costume Design at the 2010 Life! Theatre Awards. He was also named Designer of the Year at the 2004 Singapore Fashion Awards and appointed several times as the Director of Costumes for our National Day Parade. In 2013, he was also named as a member of the Asian Couture Federation. On top of national commitments and theatrical work, Lee divides his time between his fashion and bridal collections. If you appreciate the intricate details of couture, embrace diversity and individuality, be sure to check out his creations.

Where: https://www.facebook.com/FLBridalSingapore/

In 2011, NAFA and Central Saint Martins graduate Gin Lee established her eponymous label in Israel, which was hardly a conventional choice for a Singaporean brand. Winner of the Emerging Designer of the Year at the 2016 Singapore Fashion Awards, Lee is known for her love of lightweight fabrics such as silk, as well as clever use of pleating to give structure and create movement. Besides pleats, Gin Lee’s designs also often incorporate the use of translucent fabrics, sheer panelling, and slits to create an airy and ethereal feel to her creations. Lee’s laidback and flattering silhouettes are perfect for both a casual weekend, as well as a sensual date night.

Where: Shop online at www.ginleestudio.com or visit their boutique at #02-35 Raffles City Shopping Centre, and #01-145 Great World City

Singaporean Milliner Chee Sau Fen spent 15 years as a self-taught designer in the visual art and events industry before taking part in a competition for sustainable fashion design organised by the Textile and Fashion Federation of Singapore. Subsequently, she developed her own label and focused on creating handmade statement headwear. Chee constantly looks to nature for inspiration and champions sustainable fashion and fair-trade practices.

She gives back to society by working with marginalised communities in the region and creating employment opportunities for them. For example, most of the millinery’s creations are made using abaca fibres, which are collected and handwoven on traditional looms by women from the Bukidnon tribe in Southern Philippines. They are then hand-sewn into hats by a group of housewives in Cebu, in addition to Chee and her two assistants in Singapore. No stiffening chemical sprays are used, and the fibres are coloured using natural plant dyes.

Where: https://www.instagram.com/headsofstatemillinery/

h h e r is a modern ready-to-wear fashion brand with a focus on design, comfort and quality. This homegrown label was just newly launched in May 2019. Clean lines, soft shapes and subtle details. Expect wardrobe essentials with clean lines, soft shapes and subtle details, as they reinvent classics with a hint of quirk.

Drawing inspirations from everyday life, the collections are defined by a minimalistic, eclectic, feminine yet androgynous style with an emphasis on tailoring, material and construction. Every piece is thoughtfully designed to last beyond seasons.

Where: www.herstudios.com

In Good Company has contemporary elegance written all over it⁠—with a twist on timeless, modern wardrobe essentials as the cincher. Alongside an affinity for sharp silhouettes, even their softer looks have a structural beauty to them that reflect the brand’s expertise in combining thoughtful design with the technical finesse of tailoring and drapework. Since their launch in 2013, this homegrown womens, mens, and kidswear brand has stayed consistent with its edgey cuts and clean color palettes while still keeping in mind Singapore’s sweltering weather.

Where: Shop online at www.ingoodcompany.asia or in stores at the following locations: #B1-06 ION Orchard Singapore 238801, Level 2Tangs at Tangs Plaza Singapore 238864, #B1-65 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands Singapore 018956, #01-214/215/216 Jewel Changi Airport Singapore 819666

Launched in 2016, Inventory specialises in bespoke and made-to-measure for both women and men. It is the brainchild of sisters Olivia and Amanda Lin, who found their niche in the local made-to-measure market. While Olivia has a background in menswear tailoring, Amanda manages the brand as well as the numbers. Besides custom-made shirts and suits, what’s interesting is that Inventory also specialises in streetwear, which means you can tailor denim jeans, chinos, Gurkha trousers, bomber jackets and other styles to your exact specifications. So far, Inventory has collaborated with local creatives such as past President Design Award winner Theseus Chan, as well as leather goods designer Darren Loke; they’ve also dressed members of local band TOMGIRL for their gigs.

Where: http://www.inventory-co.com/store 

Designed with discerning women in mind, Josée.P's creations look elegant and feminine. Free from over-the-top details, these pieces will fit any sophisticated and stylish person's wardrobe effortlessly. Depending on your mood, you may wish to wear them on their own, or style with statement accessories or bags to add a touch of glam to your look.

Where: www.josee-p.com or www.styletheory.co/sg

Goh Lai Chan has been making cheongsams for more than 30 years and is hailed as the nation’s grandmaster of cheongsam. He has clients from all over the world, and even some coming from China, where the cheongsam has its roots. Goh’s eponymous label is not only famous for this traditional form of Asian dress, but also contemporary evening and bridal gowns.

Laichan’s cheongsams are cut on the bias, which allows the fabric to drape more easily and give the final product a softer silhouette. It is also more practical for the modern woman as it follows the curves of the body whether she’s standing up or sitting down and provides a more forgiving fit. Many of his cheongsams are also made using Japanese kimono fabric and embellished with semi-precious stone buttons. Besides made-to-order outfits, off-the-rack cheongsams and cheongsam tops are also available- those crafted with printed fabrics come as unique pieces so that you’ll never run into anyone with the same outfit.

Where: www.laichan.com/ or shop in store at #03-20 Paragon, Singapore 238859

Homegrown label Lily & Lou aims to empower women to create their own unique clothing that will last for a long time. Customisation takes centre stage, while quality eco-friendly fabrics — such as Tencel, bamboo and deadstock fabrics that will otherwise end up at landfills — are thoughtfully sourced. Fabric scraps also are retained and made into other products as part of the brand’s up-cycling initiative to eliminate wastage.

Where: www.lilyandlou.com or shop in store at Isetan Scotts, Singapore 238868

For luxurious handmade bags crafted from fine Italian leather, Lingwu is the local brand to look at. While the brand offers several avant-garde and unconventional pieces for more daring fashionistas, what Lingwu truly excels at is creating classic and timeless bag silhouettes updated with modern features like tortoiseshell top handles or crocodile-skin textures. Founder and designer Goh Ling Ling subscribes to an ethos of sustainability and slow-fashion, which means that each bag is made with time and care, while any exotic skins used are ethically sourced from Indonesia. As an added bonus, Lingwu’s boutique doubles up as a chic apartment, where you are welcome to browse leisurely in a pressure-free environment.

Where: www.lingwu.sg/

Lisa Von Tang was born in 2015 with a strong and unique point of view. The East meets West leitmotif, which is the brand’s selling point, only the start of what’s to come. Since then, their signature silk Warrior Bomber jacket has been worn on the backs of Mick Jagger, Eve and others whom further exemplified Lisa Von Tang’s edgy, cool, sexy styles.

Where: www.lisavontang.com/collections/shop

LivingWear was co-founded by Desmond Pheh in 2018 on the ethos that premium daily essentials, such as t-shirts and underwear, should not come with premium price tag. What started out as a humble Kickstarter project, LivingWear is now one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing lifestyle fashion brands. Crafted from supple and environmentally sustainable Austrian Tencel™ Lyocell, LivingWear’s range of undergarments is wrinkle-resistant, breathable, anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic. The brand is also Asian size-conscious—if undergarments from major fashion retailers have always been too small or too large for you, there’s a good chance that you’ll find that fits just right.

Where: www.livingwear.co

After graduating at the top of this class in 2006, NAFA Fashion Design alumni Max Tan went on to debut during Singapore Fashion Week 2007. Max Tan’s very own label launched in 2010 and became the first Asian label invited to showcase at the prestigious Modefabriek in Amsterdam. His androgynous creations have since been sought after and retailed in Italy, Norway, USA, China, and the Middle East. Tan describes his signature style as “Serious but never severe, minimal but never simple, fragile but never weak”, and is renowned for his sculptural and voluminous silhouettes. He also almost always works with a monochromatic colour palette. Max Tan also recently launched a Chinese New Year capsule collection in collaboration with socialite Paige Parker.

Where: www.max-tan.com, or contact MAX.TAN Studio (29 McNair Road Singapore 328528) for an appointment

MICHELLE SCHULZ

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Michelle Schulz seeks to inspire conscious shopping through structured, casual-chic pieces that are thoughtfully designed and crafted for the modern woman. The eco-friendly label makes measured efforts to reduce their carbon footprint — all garments are made from sustainable, organic, recycled or rescued materials under acceptable working conditions.

Where: www.michelleschulz.com

With the myriad of cheery colours and playful prints, there are hardly any boring designs at Minor Miracles. From printed face masks to weekend-ready maxi dresses, the label is big on #PrintingHappiness which is a dedicated hashtag that the brand uses on Instagram. Over at its online store, you'll find plenty of maximum impact designs that are perfect for fashion lovers whose motto is to go big or go home.

Where: www.minormiracles.shop or www.styletheory.co/sg

Born and raised in Abu Dhabi, designer Nida Tahir Shaheryar set up her very first atelier in 2008 in Dubai under another name, after she graduated from the Parsons School of Design in Paris. Back then, she was already commissioned to create outfits for high profile sheikhas in the region. Before all that, the Economics graduate from University of Manchester was, in fact, working in banking. Upon moving to Singapore with family, she officially launched Nida Shay in 2012 and has presented her collections at Singapore Fashion Week. Nida Shay’s extravagant, heavily embellished and embroidered pieces celebrate intricate craftsmanship. All her creations are made in Lahore, Pakistan, by a specialised team of artisans which are experts in traditional handiwork.

Where: www.nidashay.com

Known for her contemporary and innovative take on the Asian dress, lawyer-turned fashion designer Priscilla Shunmugam has received many positive press reviews and won several accolades since the launch of her label Ong Shunmugam in 2010. Besides being invited to exhibit and retail at the National Museum of Singapore, it was also one of the only two Singaporean fashion labels selected by fashion portal Future Fashion Now to present at its show at Paris Fashion Week in 2012.

In 2013, she won the Grand Award at the prestigious Design For Asia Awards. Though Ong Shunmugam may be best known for its modern reinterpretation of the cheongsam/qipao, a well-received collection for Hari Raya, inspired by traditional Malay costume was presented in 2018; this goes further to establish the brand’s identity as a creative guardian of Southeast Asian heritage.

Where: www.onshunmugam.com

Dissatisfied with the lack of well-fitted lingerie she could find on the market, Kate Low decided to take matters into her own hands by starting local online lingerie boutique, Perk by Kate. At the very beginning, it was retailing indie lingerie brands sourced from around the globe.

After noticing that bralettes (bras without wires and structured cups) were her bestsellers, Low decided to come up with her own designs, which sold out within weeks. Comfortable and uber-feminine padded bralettes are the label’s signature. These come in sizes suited for smaller or fuller busts. They even make maternity bralettes so that pregnant and breastfeeding mums do not have to suffer from the discomfort of ill-fitting lingerie. You can also opt for custom-made lingerie, for which special appointments must be made.

Where: www.perkbykate.com or drop by their studio to at 134A Telok Ayer Street Singapore 068600

Encapsulating the philosophy of modest style for the modern woman, PINKSALT is a local boutique fashion label that creates contemporary resort wear and swimwear. Established in 2017, founders Belinda and Su May started the label with the hopes of making stylish swim and resort wear versatile, modest and comfortable for any woman’s lifestyle. Much like the Himalayan salt’s rare and unique qualities the label merges fashion and functionality. This time around, the girls have come together in their latest capsule collection to deliver elegant pieces that intertwine sleek silhouettes and fresh colour block patterns that are perfect for everyday wear.

Where: www.pinksaltswim.co, www.styletheory.co/sg or visit them at Level 2, 16B Haji Lane, Singapore 189209

Founded in 2013 by Mumbai-native Mrs. Rajul Mehta, Queenmark specialises in cashmere shawls. Mrs. Mehta completed her art degree in Israel and was an accomplished artist. In 2005 she was even chosen as one of Israel’s cultural ambassadors. It was during a later trip to Mongolia that she discovered the beauty of cashmere shawls, and subsequently, admirers of her artwork suggested the idea of printing her work on the shawls, which marked the start of Queenmark. Since then, Mrs. Mehta has presented her creations in Singapore, Dubai, and Paris among other regions. The brand has also expanded their collections to include stoles, Islamic women’s headwear, capes, bags, and even resort wear.

Where: www.queenmark.com

The brainchild of Afton Chen, Louis Koh, and Ruth Marbun, Reckless Ericka presented its first collection in 2009 during BLUEPRINT featuring Blackmarket at the Audi Fashion Festival. It is known for their relaxed silhouettes and draping techniques using soft, fluid fabrics like jersey, as well as their love for adding practical touches such as constructing deep pockets into some of their designs.

The brand also makes it a point to source for quality fabrics that are less prone to pilling and creasing, which make them perfect for the frequent traveller. In 2016, Reckless Ericka created 148 unique costumes for renowned director Ong Keng Sen’s theatre production, The Incredible Adventures of Border Crossers, staged in Paris. This first foray into theatrical costume design also won them Best Costume Design at the M1-Straits Times Life Theatre Awards that same year.

Where: www.recklessericka.com/

Fuss-free in design and minimal in hues, the pieces from Salient Label are simplistic, forever stylish and understated. The designs from Salient Label are catered to women who value the beauty of slow fashion. It's also big on sustainability, partnering with Handprint.Tech — a software company that helps businesses adopt green practices — to plant a mangrove tree in Indonesia with every purchase made on its online store.

Where: www.salientlabel.com and www.styletheory.co/sg

Homegrown label Stolen was founded back in 2007 by Elyn Wong after she left a career in advertising to re-start as a fashion designer. Now, her brand is known for minimalist pieces with a signature exposed back – subtly sexy while remaining elegant. Elyn believes in crafting timeless pieces that resist the influence of fleeting trends, and thanks to her love for architecture (in particular, the Brutalist movement), her pieces are often infused with a sculptural, architectural twist. For well-made dresses that stand out during dinner and drinks, or elegant yet comfortable pieces for the office, Stolen is the chic and artistic woman’s go-to brand.

Where: www.stolenstolen.com, or book an appointment and visit them at their private atelier space at Far East Shopping Centre

A relatively newcomer to the local lingerie retail scene, Susy and Bae was launched in 2017 by ex-marketeer Sheryl Lim. The label specialises in loungewear and lingerie that are produced in small quantities (around 40 pieces per design) to ensure consistent quality. Lim also retails at special pop-ups around Singapore, such as the Boutique Fairs at the F1 Pit Building. Its website even features a Men's Guide section for the guys who wish to gift their SOs the perfect lingerie — how thoughtful!

Where: www.susyandbae.com

Homegrown label The Missing Piece is by mother of three Ee-Ling who creates soft, breathable, and timeless pieces with a flattering silhouette. They pride themselves as a brand that makes clothes that not only make you feel and look good, but are also practical for the woman on the go. Their handpicked fabrics are mainly imported from South East Asia and the US. Each piece is lovingly handmade and paired with handpicked details to ensure customer satisfaction.

Where: www.iwantthemissingpiece.com or book an appointment to visit them in store at Level 3, Cluny Court, 501 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 259760

Touted as tropical tailoring for men, The Prefecture is your one-stop shop for all things bespoke menswear. Helmed by former Zalora in-house menswear designer Mr ‘Q’, the brand offers shirts and suits for both formal and casual occasions. What sets The Prefecture apart from similar brands are their use of unique prints and premium hard-to-find fabrics. Mr ‘Q’ considers his label a purveyor of gentlemanly dress.

“I am creating identities, or rather, I refine identities in the way I dress.” he adds. If you’re on the lookout for well-made novelty suits or just a short-sleeved collared shirt for whiling away at a beach club, The Prefecture is your best bet.

Where: In-store at 100 Duxton Road, Singapore 089544

With a tag line like "Slow down, nourish, and let it all begin here", it's clear that Rye's ethos is about questioning our relationship with fashion, and slowing down our consumption with it. A Singapore-based womenswear label offering transitional capsule collections of pared-down and timeless pieces, expect minimalistic pieces with dramatic silhouettes that are anything but boring. With the philosophy of less-is-more, they aim to liberate and inspire women to buy responsibly by really choosing to fill their wardrobe with pieces that they will love for years to come.

 

Established in 2018, Vilry.Co has been described as one of Singapore’s best-kept online fashion secrets. Besides creating feminine and romantic pieces for ladies, they also make statement accessories such as bold drop-earrings with resin, acrylic, and shell. Vilry.Co also prides themselves on being able to offer quality, fashionable designs at affordable prices. Shoppers who are worried about fit are also welcome to drop by their cozy showroom for personalised fitting session (by appointment only).

Where: www.vilry.co

WHOLE9YARDS

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Launched and headquartered in Singapore, Whole9yards was founded by China-born Widelia Liu and has Malaysian designer and winner of the 2010 Audi Young Desginer competition Daniel Ngoo as its creative director. It has participated at shows in Singapore, Paris, Australia, and is stocked in more than 18 countries around the world. Whole9yards’ signatures include lace, embroidery and floral motifs, and aims to push boundaries by being super feminine without being overly girly.

Where: www.society-a.com/brand/whole9yards/

Simple, yet detailed. Unassuming, yet innovative. That would probably be how one would describe Kmi Huang’s label, Womb. Launched in 2003, the Singapore brand prides itself as a fashion concept brand with innovative designs which are both stylish and understated. Be it a pair of pleated pants, asymmetric top, or paneled dress — no cut of drape is placed by chance, for everything is well-thought for down to a single stitch.

Where: www.womb.com.sg/ or in store at #03-26 Raffles City Shopping Centre, Singapore 179103, and #01-01 Design Orchard, Singapore 238905

If you love art, be sure to check out this label, which marries fashion and art beautifully. Fuelled by her immense passion for painting, ex-banker-turned-fashion designer Phuay Li Ying translates dreamy watercolour paintings into clothing by digitally printing them onto quality fabrics sourced from Japan, Korea, and Indonesia. Creating outfits using her own designs in small quantities also ensures exclusivity and better control over quality. Ying also does customised apparel, and home accessories using one-of-a-kind hand-painted fabrics. Her creations have also been worn by ministers during National Day Parade.

Where: www.yingthelabel.com; email info@yingthelabel for customisation requests.



This article was first published in Harper's Bazaar Singapore, and has been updated subsequently.