Hello, Goodbye
Last month, we broke the news that multi-label store Blackmarket ceased operation. Now multi-label boutique Hide & Seek at Kampong Glam has folded too. On a happier note, cool furniture showroom Fred Lives Here (108 Emerald Hill Rd., 9641-7727, www.fredliveshere.com) is moving into Orchard Central, which means no more calling ahead for appointments to visit. Besides stocking more brands and products, the store will also have a coffee truck for your daily dose of caffeine.
Take a Ride
Lifestyle web store HipVan (ww.hipvan.com) is barely six months old (its soft launch was in April), but founders Danny Tan, Deborah Wee, Kevin Vo and Shobhit Datta are already counting a five-figure membership base as it celebrates its official launch this month. Their recipe for success: A user-friendly flash-sale site (similar to Groupon and The Luxe Nomad) that is packed with affordably-priced fashion, art, home wares, and knick knacks from labels like Joseph & Joseph, DUSK till DAWN and Strangely Yours.
Coat Red
Keep your Chanel, Prada and Louboutins in tip-top shape with leather care specialist ColorWash’s new High-Density Transparent Coating, a protective treatment that incorporates silicone to protect your luxury possessions against accidental stains, water and oxidation. Breathable and moisturizing on leathers, the barely-there coat also works great on other fabrics including silk and suede. $120, at various outlets including #B1-05 Marina Square, 6 Raffles Blvd., 6337-9181, www.colorwash.com.sg.
Homegrown Heroes
Emerging local designers of PARCO next NEXT’s (2/F PARCO Marina Bay, Millenia Walk, 6595-9100, www.parco.com.sg) Class of 2013 have released their latest Autumn/Winter collections, each carrying its brand’s signature. Noteworthy are accessories label Foon Foono’s first menswear capsule line ($89 upwards) inspired by marine life, and the return of alumni members including Mae Pang ($159 upwards) and Max Tan ($189 upwards).
Artist’s Impression
Make tea time that bit more special with beautiful tableware from Taiwan-based home décor chain Franz Collection, which recently opened a new boutique (#01-01A, 137A Telok Ayer St., 6536-4889, www.franzcollection.com). Its latest collection of porcelain wares ($180 upwards) features intricate and realistic three-dimensional nature-inspired designs and is sure to add a royal touch to an intimate party.
