Favorite Brand: Hansel
Balancing wearability and fun, Hansel’s Jo Soh consistently turns out seasonal collections with gorgeous details, frills and colorful prints that are a hit among the young and fabulous as well as working professionals. Read our interview with the intrepid designer, Jo Soh of Hansel. #02-14 Mandarin Gallery, Meritus Mandarin Orchard, 333 Orchard Rd., 6337-0992, www.ilovehansel.com.
Best International Label: Topshop/Topman
You can always count on British high-street label Topshop/Topman for the season’s choice cuts and trends at affordable prices, and their latest flagship store is the largest outside of the UK and US. #01-05/06 Knightsbridge, 270 Orchard Rd., 6733-8912, and other locations.
Best New Mall: ION Orchard
With choice new openings (Oroton) and classic staples (Dior) still packing in shopaholics, and a slew of lifestyle and dining choices, ION Orchard is Singapore’s best mall in a long, long time. 2 Orchard Turn, 6238-8228, www.ionorchard.com.
Best Indie Boutique: Blackmarket
Proprietor Jasmine Tuan has been peppering her indie fashion store with some of the freshest Asian labels like Nikicio and Sunday since her 2008 debut around hip Haji Lane. Proof of her success: The second, 1,500 sq. ft. space at Orchard Central, with even more new labels and finds. #02-10 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6634-5201, www.theblackmarket.sg.
Best Fashion Trend: Preppy
Chino pants, check. Oxford shirt, check. Madras shoes, check. Preppy is the look of choice for our fashionably forward readers this year.
Best Bookstore: Kinokuniya
The troubled Borders may offer more competitive deals, but it’s Kinokuniya’s wide range of hardcovers, paperbacks and magazines that bowled you over. So what if you have to pay a little bit more? Check back next year to see if Books Actually’s move to Tiong Bahru will finally see a triumph for indie retailers in this category. #03-09/10/15 Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Rd., 6737-5021.
