Contrary to popular belief, shopping in our little red dot isn’t just limited to international designer labels and high street brands in upscale malls. For retail therapy with a distinctly local spin, get clued in on top homegrown fashion designers who are putting Singapore on the global map.
Top local fashion brands in Singapore
1. Aijek
It’s hard not to notice Aijek: refreshingly and unapologetically feminine, this Singapore fashion brand is a breath of fresh air amongst the plethora of avant-garde labels in Singapore’s fashion scene. Designer Danelle Woo seems to know exactly what women want: easy, effortless, and elegant pieces that translate from work to the weekend.
Aijek, multiple locations including Tangs Orchard and Society A; also available online
2. Akinn
Those that are in the know about Singapore fashion would be familiar with the name Wykidd Song. Akinn, launched in 2020, is the noted designer’s return to local fashion. This label focuses on versatile and adaptable styles that suit modern, sophisticated women. The pieces are so chic, you’ll wish you could have them all!
Akinn, #03-09, Thye Hong Centre, 2 Leng Kee Road, Singapore 159086; also available online
3. Ans.ein
Imagine appreciating art in forms beyond the canvas… that’s exactly what the founders of Ans.ein set out to do. Anseina (Ans) and Erlyn (Ein) have used the best of their design and retail business backgrounds to bring you wearable art. We’re fans of the fabric prints and the iconic brush-stroke designs in the splash and blooms collection which you can find in the form of kimono and maxi dresses, jumpsuits, cardigans, multiway tops and pencil skirts.
Ans.ein, multiple locations including Design Orchard and Tangs; also available online
4. Attaby
The threads at Attaby are sleek, sophisticated, classy and, not to mention, perfect for Singapore’s climate. Founded by Claire Chahil, who’s also the brains behind multi-label boutique TheAC Boutique, you’ll find sizes from XS to UK18 here.
Attaby, TheAC, 420 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427641; also available online
5. Benjamin Barker
There are plenty of menswear stores around shelling out the same, heritage-inspired threads. But Benjamin Barker is a cut above the rest. Founded locally in 2009, the Singapore fashion brand gets our vote for its unpretentious yet dapper collection of dress shirts, bespoke suits, custom-made leather brogues, and handsome accessories that even ladies might be tempted by.
Benjamin Barker, multiple locations including Funan and Jem; also available online
6. Beyond the Vines
This contemporary womenswear label is blowing up all our feeds, and for good reason. The designs are best described as pared down essentials in soft hues and flattering contours. Prices are also pocket-friendly for quality basics – tops are typically priced up to $59, while bottoms average at $69.
Beyond the Vines, multiple locations including Funan and Takashimaya; also available online
7. Biro
If you love Japanese aesthetics, you’ll love this under-the-radar menswear label Biro. Named after the ballpoint pen, the brand is home to timeless wardrobe staples made from premium fabrics sourced globally and immaculately tailored by Japanese artisans. It’s “slow fashion” at its finest – instead of seasonal collections, expect new pieces only every few months. Everything you need is here, including silk cotton t-shirts, floral shirts, and chambray over shirts.
Biro, available online
8. By Invite Only
Okay, we know this isn’t clothing. But we can’t resist adding By Invite Only into this round-up. Its line of minimalist jewellery goes perfectly with everything, and we’re not exaggerating. If you’re building your capsule wardrobe, its earrings and necklaces are must-have essentials. We’ve got the gold wynn ear cuffs on rotation.
By Invite Only, multiple locations including Vivocity and Ion Orchard; also available online
9. Dark Horse Vintage
Dark Horse Vintage is giving us major throwback vibes with its vintage selections made right here in Singapore. Equal parts quirky and fun, the enticing colours and eye-catching prints are great for any occasion. Of course, all eyes will be on you. Honestly, we won’t mind the extra attention if we’re decked out in these one-of-a-kind, gorgeous pieces.
Dark Horse Vintage, available online
10. Depression
This unisex ready-to-wear brand makes no apologies for its moody and often clinical approach to design – think minimalist cuts in stark, monochromatic colours. The local fashion label is a favourite amongst edgy fashionistas and celebs such as Adam Lambert and The Black Eyed Peas. It’s also stocked internationally in Italy, Egypt and the UK.
Depression, #04-14, Sects Shop, Orchard Gateway, 277 Orchard Road, Singapore 238858; also available online
11. Duxton
Finding fashionable menswear in Singapore isn’t the easiest thing to do. If you’re tired of the usual Uniqlo t-shirt and shorts get-up, turn to Duxton for stylish ‘fits. The clothing offerings aren’t only timeless – they’re lightweight enough to withstand our country’s perennial summer. We’re eyeing that shadow palm shirt!
Duxton, multiple locations including Monument Lifestyle, Design Orchard and The AC Boutique; also available online
12. Elnadyah
Yes, batik prints can be modern and cool. Thanks to Elnadyah, we’re seeing more of these traditional prints beyond resortwear and travels; they’re paired with everyday casual looks. We’re fans of the wrap-pegged pants that go beyond batik prints and detachable skirts – you can wear them over a pair of pants. Or add minor touches with batik print chokers and head wraps.
Elnadyah, available online
13. Esse
Shake off that fast fashion and slip into sustainable fabrics and effortless classics that transcend trends at Esse. These lightweight and flowy pieces are made with breathable fabrics (great for our weather!) like lyocell, organic cotton, handloom tussar silk and cupro. Want to know more? Check out our full story with Esse founder Alicia Tsi as she gives us a crash course in sustainable fabrics!
Esse, #05-09, BizHub 28, 28 Senang Crescent, Singapore 416601; also available online
14. Ginlee
Known for its sophisticated colour palette and soft lines, this Singapore fashion brand creates some of the softest silk dresses we’ve ever owned. The secret? The fabric is silk habotai and hand-washed for a suede effect. Expect similar attention to detail with all of its designs, like intricate two-tone embroidery and crepe de chin fabric for you to keep cool in the blistering Singapore heat.
Ginlee, multiple locations including Great World and Tangs at Tang Plaza; also available online
15. Graye
What started out as a menswear label has now expanded to androgynous pieces that scream zen. The homegrown label takes a page out of Japanese minimalist fashion. Think bucket hats (our personal fave!), kimono jackets, as well as cupro and lyocell tees in muted colours like burnt orange, charcoal grey, mocha and sage green.
Graye, #02-13, Wheelock Place, 501 Orchard Road, Singapore 238880; also available online
16. Hher
Hher’s a great spot for stylish threads that’ll take you from the boardroom to the bar. Why? It’s got everything from formal tops to casual dresses. And don’t assume there are only minimalist lines, soft shapes and subtle details. The local boutique surprises with pops of colour and edgy silhouettes.
Hher, Design Orchard, 250 Orchard Road, Singapore 238905; also available online
17. In Good Company
We love a local label that bucks the trend instead of setting it. Designers Kane Tan and Sven Tan (of alldressedup fame)’s strategy is a clever one. They forgo the typical seasonal dictates of fashion and focus on creating capsule collections of wardrobe essentials that every woman needs. The brand’s aesthetic of sophisticated and classic silhouettes is tailored to Singapore’s weather. We can never resist snagging a creation or two!
In Good Company, multiple locations including Tang Plaza and Ion Orchard; also available online
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18. Josée.P.
It’s elegance personified at Josée.P. with dressy yet casual pieces that’ll take you through any occasion. There’s no shying away from colour here. Neck-tie dresses, pebbled puff-sleeved tops, sash tie skirts and blazer tops are clad in bold reds, blues, maroons and pinks.
Josée.P., stocked at Design Orchard, 250 Orchard Road, Singapore 238905; also available online
19. Klarra
After scanning through the items at Klarra, you’ll quickly notice a number of classics that transcend trends. Whether for work or play, the local fashion brand’s chic, muted-toned pieces will make your heart flutter. Oh, and the team has also forayed into footwear, so they’ve literally got you covered from head to toe.
Klarra, multiple locations including Ion Orchard and Raffles City Shopping Centre; also available online
20. Lisa Von Tang
Lisa Von Tang is all about east-meets-west style, in a reflection of the designer’s German-Chinese heritage. Blending power and sensuality, the brand champions empowered women with its cult, statement-making designs. Think drop-crotch harem pants, oriental silks and mandarin collars.
Lisa Von Tang, available online
21. Max. Tan
Monochromatic minimalism reigns supreme at Max. Tan, the avant-garde eponymous label that no edgy fashionista worth her salt can resist. Designer Max. Tan pays homage to deconstruction and transformation by playing with volume, quirky cuts, and unexpected silhouettes. The result? Refreshingly studied designs with the slightest hint of androgyny – they’re serious but never austere, minimal but never simple.
Max. Tan, available online
22. Minor Miracles
For a pop of colour and cheery vibes, it’s Minor Miracles to the rescue! Bold flower motifs, squiggly prints and colour block designs – you name it, the brand has it. Is a full-on printed dress too much for you? Start small with a drawstring bag or scarf.
Minor Miracles, #03-08B, Takashimaya Shopping Centre, 391 Orchard Road, Singapore 238872; also available online
23. Modparade
Florals for all year round? Groundbreaking Amazing. We love Modparade’s bright and fun motifs, and of course, the various floral apparel. Each piece is designed to be comfortably worn for a long time. There’s something for everyone here – that includes your little pawfriends too. You can even twin with them!
Modparade, available online
24. Ong Shunmugam
Those familiar with the name will know that Ong Shunmugam is one of the most original homegrown Singapore fashion brands around. Designer Priscilla Shunmugam is known for creating modern, wearable interpretations of traditional wear – be it the cheongsam, sari or samfu.
Ong Shunmugam, multiple locations including Chip Bee Gardens and Beach Road; also available online
25. Our Second Nature
Inspired by intangible everyday moments, Our Second Nature works with a London-based designer for every collection to create an original print that sets the theme for each. Our favourites have got to be the crisp, button-down dresses.
Our Second Nature, multiple locations including Chip Bee Gardens and Great World; also available online
26. Reckless Ericka
If your mood ranges from ‘pop of colour’ to ‘better in black’ within the week, Reckless Ericka’s just the place for you. The Singapore fashion brand promises a range that’ll take you from day to night. Think stylish jersey dresses with Chinese collars, asymmetrically layered dresses, and figure-flattering jumpsuits with vibrant prints. We love how all creations are ethically made with quality materials that don’t wrinkle.
Reckless Ericka, #05-09, Biztech Centre, 627A Aljunied Road, Singapore 389842 (by appointment only), also available at Design Orchard and online
27. Rye
Rye is named after a grain, which should give you an idea about the brand’s direction. The up-and-coming local fashion label in Singapore puts out capsule collections of timeless classics. Aesthetics-wise, the designs are best described as comfy chic: almost all the dresses, for instance, are roomy and come with an oversized fit.
Rye, #02-03, Cluny Court, 501 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 259760; also available online
28. Sabrina Goh
Minimal, conceptual, structural: it’s easy to whittle down Sabrina Goh to just three little words. But make no mistake, it’s so much more than that. Drawing inspiration from architectural silhouettes, the local fashion label in Singapore offers strong, sensuous designs that constantly push the envelope. Check out the structured slip dresses with asymmetrical hems, boxy overcoats with textural details, and the perfect vermillion two-piece inspired by ancient rock formations in China.
Sabrina Goh, multiple locations including Raffles City Shopping Centre and Paragon; also available online
29. Salient Label
Vibing modern silhouettes with understated designs and minimal hues? Salient Label is totally your scene. Yes, the collections heavily depend on black, navy and grey (with pops of more colourful hues). But the clever asymmetric cuttings, big-cuff hemlines, two-tone colour panel designs and draped details make all the difference. They’re also totally versatile for styling.
Salient Label, stocked at Design Orchard; also available online
30. Stolen
At Singapore Fashion Week in 2016, Stolen bucked the tradition of a typical runway show. Founder Elyn Wong’s showcase was a performance art spectacle, with models switching between standing stock-still and sprawling on chairs. The enchanting show was equally matched with breathtaking designs of neutrals and soft draping juxtaposed with architectural pleats. The designs have evolved over time, but they continue to be inspired by Elyn’s love for architecture and structure.
Stolen, stocked at Nana&Bird and Trixilini; also available online
31. The Form
No matter how big our wardrobe is, there are those few pieces that we keep reaching for over and over again. Well, the folks at The Form create pieces that fit that criteria. Think elevated classics with muted palettes and a subtle edge to let your personality shine.
The Form, multiple locations including Tangs at Tang Plaza and Raffles City Shopping Centre; also available online
32. The Shirt Bar
Leave it to this local fashion boutique in Singapore to bring you an unlimited supply of shirts – it’s called The Shirt Bar, after all. Fancy a mix of printed shirts, basics and dapper formals? You’ve come to the right place. Complete the look with a blazer designed with a contrasting under-collar and printed inner lining.
The Shirt Bar, multiple locations including Isetan Scotts and Suntec City; also available online
33. Weekend Sundries
If you’re looking for thoughtfully-designed, sustainable clothing, look no further than Weekend Sundries. We love that it utilises natural fabrics from Japan, and its in-house seasonal textile prints all hold meaning and story. Throw on the Liz jumpsuit for a casual brunch with friends, or slide into the Lydia midi dress in eggplant red for a fun day out at the beach. We can’t get enough of it!
Weekend Sundries, #02-108, Great World, Kim Seng Promenade, Singapore 237994; also available online
34. Ying the Label
Love watercolour paintings on your dress? Trust us, you’ll have to add this to your wardrobe. Ying the Label’s swoon-worthy hand-painted drawings perfectly blend colours, textures and intricate brush strokes to create wearable art pieces for work and play. High-quality fabrics from Japan, Korea and Indonesia are used to retain those vibrant digital prints even after several washes.
Ying the Label, #01-18, 9 King Albert Park, Singapore 598332; also available online.
