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1. ONE OF A KIND TOY
There’s nothing more cute or cuddly than one of these handmade Maki Squarepatch soft toys. $73 from www.makisquarepatch.com.
Get this if: You’re a softie at heart.
2. HOT SEAT
This gorgeous black rattan chair from Asylum is the piece de resistance for any home. $1,380 from Asylum.
Get this if: You think you have good taste, period.
3. GET YOUR HANDS ON THESE DECKS
In the mood for a card game or two? These beautiful playing cards by David Redman are a must have. Price on application from Vanilla Home.
Get this if: You want to keep up your winning streak.
4. POST BREAK-UP WITH BOYFRIEND FILM
This short film DVD directed by indie queen Zoe Cassavettes about men who drive women crazy is fun and captivating. $70 from Front Row.
Get this if: You’re into all things indie.
5. PIN THIS DOWN
Here’s your last chance to get your hands on this lovely Rosetta brooch from Asylum. It’s the last one in store. $52.50.
Get this if: You’re looking for one of the more affordable cool things around.
6. A TROTTING GLOBE
Never mind that Christmas is over. This limited edition Comme des Garçons snow dome is essential for any collector. $101 from Comme des Garçons Guerilla Store.
Get this if: You’re a self-respecting Comme des Garcons fan.
7. LIGHTS UP
Can’t wait for the real thing? Get your hands on these special Taxi lights by Local designer Casey Chen. $138 from Asylum.
Buy this if: You want to stop traffic.
8. BOOK THIS NOW
Those in the know will tell you that these ultra rare Arkitip books will make or break any hipster. This edition, with free socks designed by Melbourne duo PAM, is the hottest in the series yet. $28 from Basheer Graphoc Books.
Get this if: You don’t want to be left out.
9. SHOE IN
It’s OK if you can’t afford her artworks. This one-off canvas shoe, specially hand-drawn by Singapore-based, French artist Agathe de Bailliencourt is highly coveted. And at $280, it’s pretty affordable too. From Comme des Garçons Guerilla Store.
Get this if: You’re a sneaker pimp.
10. THE TIE THAT BINDS
Can’t get enough of your other half? This lovely neck rest, which comes in a pair, by local designer Aiwei, is cool and collectable. $80 from Asylum.
Get this if: You’re suffering from love or neck fatigue.
11. HUG THIS MUMMY
Skull motifs are all the rage right now, and this bolster cum toy by Japanese label Neighborhood is definitely larger than life. $270 from Ambush/Surrender.
Get this if: You’re looking for a bedside companion.
12. DRINK UP
Shaken or stirred? Have it both ways with this ultra luxurious and ultra gorgeous cocktail shaker from Vanilla Home. Price on application, but be prepared to pay a thousand buckaroos or so.
Get this if: If you’re an aspiring bartender.
13. SOMETHING TO SUCK ON
Be careful where you put your mouth, as this David Redman straw is made from sterling silver, and is
strictly for the well-heeled. Price on application from Vanilla Home.
Get this if: You want to pay lip service.
14. WEDGE YOUR NOSE INTO THIS
We’re lost for words. This “deconstructed” hardcover book by local design collective 10am also works as a door stopper. $89 from Asylum.
Get this if: You’re a book worm, and are into books of any form.
15. COMIC RELIEF
You don’t have to be a comic fanboy to appreciate the coolness of the uber-hip series The Sandman. For $150, you can pick up this awesome hardcover collection at Absolute Comics.
Get this if: You have trouble sleeping or just love your stories with pretty pictures.
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1.NOT FOR GETTING WET IN
Who cares if summer’s here already? This raincoat from Comme des Garçons is the ultimate showstopper. $3,903 from Comme des Garçons Guerilla Store.
Get this if: The weather doesn’t get to you.
2. IT’S NOT AN ORANGE
Whoever thought paper weights could be so eye-catching? This little baby from Vanilla Home is not to be taken lightly. Price on application.
Get this if: You want to weigh yourself down.
3. COTTON ON
Nothing is quirkier or cooler than this Comme des Garçons plastic women’s handbag, designed by French artist Christian Astuguevieille, and adorned with rows of cotton buds (you heard us right). $441 from Comme des Garçons Guerilla Store.
Get this if: Your ears are itching for it.
4. IT’S NOT DETERGENT
This original Dynamo light (termed the Dynaglo) by local designer Casey Chen will light up any room. $98. Email iam@caseychen to purchase.
Get this if: Washing is your thing.
5. MUSIC TO BOOGIE TO
Dance around in style when you put the needle on this cool vinyl produced by French fashion label APC. $40 from Front Row.
Get this if: If you’re a trendy vinyl junkie.
6. KEEP YOUR COINS SAFE
It’s a bird, it’s a plane; no, it’s a coin pouch from uber hip Japanese label Porter. Going for a cool $120 at Ambush/Surrender, this is strictly for the coolest cats in town.
Get this if: You have lots of coins to spare, in which case, you’d probably need one of these.
7. PSYCHEDELIC CULTURE
Ketna Patel’s colorful and effervescent artworks effortlessly fuse elements of East and West. And this piece, entitled “Tailor Made Asia,” is as cool as it gets. Price on application from Michi Artists.
Get this if: You want to spruce up your dull living room.
8. COLLECTIBLE ART
US-BASED KOREAN Rostarr is one of the fastest rising street artists, so this limited-edition silkscreen print by the man, titled “Siamese Antichrist,” is highly coveted. $300 from Ambush/Surrender.
Get this if: You want to up your street cred.
9. KEYED IN
This McQ by Alexander McQueen keychain with a clown motif is eye-catching and outstanding, and certainly, no laughing matter. It also works as a funky necklace. $399 from Blackjack.
Get this if: Clowns make your world go round.
10. HANG THIS AROUND
This one-off necklace by local label Argentum is a bold piece du jour.
Get this if: If you want to support local designers.
11. FROM THE STREETS
No doubt about it. This vinyl figure by streetwear brand Superdeux’s B*Shit is simply da s**t. $50 from Urban Junkie.
Get this if: You want to prove that you’re the bomb.
12. A DOG’S LIFE
Art connoisseurs will let you know that this Yoshitomo Nara battery-operated PupCup, which swirls and twirls, is a must have. $199 from Urban Junkie.
Get this if: You can’t afford paintings by Yoshitomo Nara, which fetches up to seven figures.
13. REST YOUR HEAD HERE
One word rules them all: KAWS. Everything this graffiti artist touches turns to gold, and so is this groovy pillow by KAWS’s new fashion brand Original Fake. $120 from Ambush/Surrender.
Get this if: You’re decorating your living room and looking for something aside from IKEA.
14. ADULT TOY
Ever wanted to play with Christian Bale? Now you can with this 18-inch action figure of Bale from the cult thriller American Psycho. $100 from Absolute Comics.
Get this if: You have a weird fascination for all things Christian Bale or you’re just a very warped kid at heart.
15. SLIP ON THIS
Channel your inner B-boy when you get your hands on this limited-edition skateboard (minus the wheels), designed by acclaimed American visual artist and cartoonist Gary Baseman. $149 from Urban Junkie.
Get this if: You really really can’t skate, but are just into cool things.
Cool Speak
We asked three Singaporeans if they are willing to pay for cool factor.
Agathe de Bailliencourt shoes $280
“The shoes are cool because they’re creative and individualistic. I would buy it because I think it’s worth it. Probably no one would have the exact same pair.” Melissa John, student
“They are so cool!!! I would definitely buy something this unique as they are hand-painted!” Nimin Liao, executive
“These shoes are the coolest! It’s design is so exclusive!” Penny Tan, student
10 AM Doorstopper $80
“Very imaginative; but I wouldn’t buy it because it’s overpriced.” John
“It’s good to see that ‘books’ have other usage after so many years of grilling in school! I would buy it as a gift for someone who will appreciate it.” Liao
“The door stopper is, unique at least, but unnecessary to my needs.” Tan
Neighbourhood Skull cushion $280
“The skull cushion is morbidly funky. It’s unique and a little warped at the same time. I wouldn’t buy it though.
It’s also overpriced.” John
“It’s good as a Halloween gift. Too bad it doesn’t glow in the dark.” Liao
“The skeleton cushion is lame, really.” Tan
Skateboard $149
“It’s a nice decorative piece but I wouldn’t buy it because it doesn’t appeal to me.” John
“I think this is a must for someone who appreciates the art of skate-boarding. I would buy this for an avid collector.” Liao
“It has no wheels, so I don’t see the point.” Tan
Address book
Absolute Comics, #03-13 Parco Bugis Junction, 230 Victoria St., 6333-3193.
Ambush/Surrender, 119 Devonshire Rd., 6732-2744.
Asylum, 22 Ann Siang Rd., 6324-2289.
Basheer Graphic Books, #04-19 Bras Basah Complex, 231 Bain St., 6336-0810.
Blackjack, #01-10/13-15 Forum The Shopping Mall, 583 Orchard Rd., 6735-0975.
Comme des Garçons Guerilla Store, #01-540 Blk. 113, Bukit Merah View, 6224-3226.
Front Row, 5 Ann Siang Rd., 6224-5502.
Michi Artists, 35 Jalan Puteh Jerneh, Chip Bee Gardens, 6479-3736.
Urban Junkie, #02-110 Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Rd., 6732-8839.
Vanilla Home, 48 Club St., 6324-6206.
