After closing down for six months, the indie lifestyle boutique Asylum has reopened its doors at its former location at Ann Siang; but this time, the guys have brought in even more obscure European brands. “The new retail concept is more fashion-focused with ongoing efforts to source for new, inspiring labels to bring to Singapore,” says marketing manager Cheryl-Ann Lee. “Most of the labels that we’ve sourced were previously unavailable here … including brands like Commune de Paris and Our Legacy.”
While mainstays like hip French collective Surface to Air’s trendy mens and womenswear remain alongside the edgier T-shirts from Aussie brand Chronicles of Never, there are at least 10 new brands in stock here, including Lyle and Scott, the Scottish menswear label that rehashes vintage designs with a modish twist; funky rock ‘n’ roll music inspired T-shirts from UK’s Tuesday Night Band Practice, featuring images of bands like The Sex Pistols and Guns N’ Roses; Stockholm’s avant garde label Nakkna and its geometric-inspired (but very wearable) pieces, and the tailored allure of Australian outback style from Whillas and Gun.
“The new store design is divided into two distinctive looks: The main floor is dedicated to interesting casual brands such as Lyle & Scott, Acne, Whillas & Gunn, Our Legacy and Commune de Paris, so the design reflects this edgy alternative attitude,” says Lee. “The shelves are quite raw with exposed plywood finish on the edges, while the main display area is made from crates that are stacked up. The lower floor houses darker dressier labels like Nakkna, Drkshdw by Rick Owens, Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair and Chronicles of Never.”
Certainly one of the highlights at the store is Commune de Paris, founded by Frenchmen Alexandre Maisetti, Sebastien Lyky and Edouard Lounay, which specializes in well-made mens’ shirts, polo tees, cashmere knitwear, rings and bags which exude a quiet sense of elegance and sophistication. Also look out for the special limited edition collaboration T-shirts with design collectives Munchausen and musician David Herman Dune while you’re here.
“Our target crowd is basically anyone and everyone who’s looking for quality apparel or for new alternative labels that help inspire or complement their wardrobes,” says Cheryl-Ann Lee. Owner Chris Lee adds: “We’ve always aimed to provide an alternative shopping experience where we bring in new to market brands that we like. Our customers are always diverse: From creative types to anyone looking for something different.”
Asylum Shop is located at 22 Ann Siang Rd., 6325-3019. Open Mon-Sat noon-8:30pm; Sat noon-6:30pm.
