The Blackground
A bunch of young local designers have set up shop here to showcase their graphic works and doodlings on a series of affordable tote bags and T-shirts (all $18), notebooks ($14) and jewelry imported from Thailand ($18 onwards). The vibe here is definitely kooky and creative—peppered around the store are amateur photographic works and plastic cameras that retail for just $9.90.
The Attic
Run by cool cat Yap Chang Ten, The Attic is chockfull of everything and anything—from vintage vinyl players to hard-to-find 70s advertising signboards and cigarette cans, 60s Levi’s shirts and collectible sunglasses—you name it, the man has it.
The No Label Shop
OK, so no one is really supposed to know about this place (there’s no signboard whatsoever)—as with most shops that sell designer goods parallel-imported from China and other parts of Asia, where they are usually made. But it’s certainly worth a visit for the marked down evening dresses and shoes spanning labels like Prada, Issey Miyake, Chloe and Louis Vuitton.
Exhibit
Proprietors Angeline and Yoyo have an eye for trendy pieces sourced from Hong Kong and Taiwan. The layout of the shop is particularly attractive, with accessories ($49-69) clearly showcased inside a makeshift white drawer near the entrance and the clothes sparsely hung to create an illusion of exclusivity.
The Corner Shop
This vintage-inspired lifestyle store may not carry the real thing (the rare clothing and vinyls displayed around the counters are from the owner’s private collection), but they have some pretty cool berms and rock-inspired T-shirts ($59.90 upwards) that are available for sale. Oh, and if you’re a supporter of local photography, check out the black-and-white photo shots of rock stars and DJs by the likes of Eden Cai ($90 upwards).
Black Carpet
One of the best new stores here (and only one-month-old), art director Seelan Palay has come up with a noble concept. Works by local artists like Lee Wen will be showcased on its walls over the next few months, alongside a series of limited edition tees ($30 upwards), hats ($30), wallets ($100) and one-off backpacks ($300) for the design conscious.
A-Lodge
Owner Karen handpicks the gems here from Taiwan during her buying trips every month. Stocks are updated every week, ensuring fresh finds each time you visit the store. Some of the rarer gems here include flowy tops and dresses by brands Wonderment, Mix Sense and Noten Inc., with prices averaging between $59.90-159.90.
