Local Fashion Rules
Our local fashion homeboys and homegirls are really making their mark in the local shopping scene. In researching this week’s cover story, I was absolutely amazed by the sheer amount of new local labels that have become available over the past few months, with some designers, such as Trixie Khong from accessories label By Invitation Only, still in her early 20s—wow! These young upstarts aside, there have also been a slew of great local happenings over the last couple of weeks—such as sneaker customizer Mark Ong a.k.a. SBTG’s “Garage Days” pop-up store at Blackmarket (#02-10 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6634-5201), running through the end of this month—lots of one-off shoes and punk-influenced T-shirts and outerwear available here, while the new mammoth Ashley Isham store which has just opened three days ago at Orchard Central. Look out for the report on the store back here next week.
Asia Bagus
While we’re on the subject of local talents, we shouldn’t forget about our neighbors in Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Korea—many of whom will be showcasing their latest collections at the Blueprint Emporium next to our local counterparts on May 21 at the Marina Bay Sands. To be honest, I have absolutely no idea what some of these newer labels look like, but going by some of the names—Indonesia’s SOMEARETHIEVES, Hong Kong’s Wear and Tear and Bangkok’s Missile—I expect nothing less than original, one-of-a-kind creations that are as edgy as they are affordable. Bloody exciting.
Latest Arrivals
Denim lovers absolutely must check out the lovely Visvim Social Sculptures coveralls and denim jackets at Surrender (#02-31 Raffles Hotel Arcade, 328 North Bridge Rd., 6733-2130), which remind me of good ol’ vintage Levi’s but with a more contemporary slant (check out its beautiful lining and textured wash); the constructed Greyhound womenswear Spring/Summer collection at Front Row (#02-09 Raffles Hotel Arcade, 328 North Bridge Rd., 6224-5501); prior to its Autumn/Winter showing at the upcoming Audi Fashion Festival; and cool new graphic tees from Original Fake by street artist Kaws at Ambush (#03-14 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Rd., 6836-7667), coupled with some limited edition new toys. Get down there with your credit cards ready.
