Denim Demon
The Swedish label aims to protect and serve the rich historical value of blue jeans and their latest collection is heavily inspired by the Sami culture (the nomadic people from Northern Europe—you know, the guys that made Luhkka winter garb all the rage). Regular, slim and loose fits are all given a twist with their cross European and Japanese denim materials and stitches. Teach yourself some Sami words while you’re at it, as the jeans are given indigenous names: Aajja (Grandfather), Aahka (Grandmother), Juvvie (Belt) and Niejte (Girl).
Available at The Denim Store, #03-09/10/11 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Rd., 6733-3608.
Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair
The fashion house duo of Astrid Olsson and Lee Cotter (more Swedes!) founded the acclaimed label with the aim of reintroducing traditional tailoring and pattern making. As always, the devil is in the details: The label focuses on using only the highest quality textiles and garments for its creations, which are pieced together in a well-layered and brilliantly crafted ready-to-wear collection of dresses, shirts and pants. Prices start for $299 for clothes and $229 for accessories.
The flagship store is located at #02-13/14 Hilton Shopping Gallery, 581 Orchard Rd., 6836-8413.
Kitsuné
Famous for both their fashion and their music, super-cool Kitsuné are currently the 
label to beat. The preppy-chic French brand has risen to notoriety not only with their stable of artists like Hot Chip, Two Door Cinema Club and Digitalism; they have also shaken up the clothing scene with their bold and outspoken line of T-shirts, knitwear, sweatshirts, coats, jackets, trousers and accessories (phew!). Thankfully, for all of us here who felt like we were missing out, these offerings are now available at multi-label store Blackjack.
Blackjack, #01-10 Forum The Shopping Mall, 583 Orchard Rd., 6735-0975.
MoMA by Y-A
Inspired by architectural trends, South Korean designer Ju Y-A has been turning heads with his latest collection. By adapting the flexibility of sportswear and the swanky style of semi-suits, and tailoring a perfect silhouette, his designs really stand out from the crowd. The ready-to-wear series of jackets, one-piece dresses and trousers are made for those who prefer to avoid the hassle of overtly-technical dressing without compromising the need for style—perfect for the modern executive. Prices start at $475 for dresses and $425 for jackets.
Available at Actually Actually, 16 Purvis St., 6336-7002.
Sidian, Ersatz & Vanes
Three American friends decided to rework their everyday shirts, and in the process 
created one of the hottest new menswear labels around. Designers Sidian, Ersatz & Vanes first hatched the idea while driving down the winding open roads of Cape Mendocino, and the designs hint at their inspiration back then: simple cuts and geometrical, color-blocking and tonal schemes—it’s the Jack Kerouac look updated for the modern age. From $400.
Available at Surrender, #02-31 Raffles Hotel Arcade, 328 North Bridge Rd., 6733-2130.
