It’s been a past year of foreboding reports about Singapore’s weakening retail sector, and just last week, an article in The Straits Times suggested that retail sales will continue to be a challenge, even for luxury brands. But not all is lost: there are still a couple of local designers launching stores in town, joining others like womenswear label In Good Company and independent multi-designer boutique Mporium. These are the newest arrivals:
Maison Thomas Wee
Fashion stalwart Thomas Wee launched his eponymous boutique at Mandarin Gallery recently. Occupying a 700 sq. ft space, the veteran womenswear designer does what he’s best known for—sharp pieces with a strong focus on tailoring and cuts. Prices may not be as wallet friendly (his debut collection ranges from $240 for a top to $860 for a dress or coat), but it may be worth investing in quality and exclusivity as he oversees every aspect of the garments’ construction and only produces each design in very limited quantities.
SabrinaGoh
Elohim by Sabrina Goh
For a moment, we weren’t sure if her departure from Orchard Central was another shocking closure (a la Front Row), but we’re glad the local fashion designer has moved on to the new and swanky Capitol Piazza. While the store concept hasn’t changed much (think minimalist decor, with racks of the brand’s Elohim and Light labels), there are a few other independent lifestyle brands stocked there. Skincare labels Rough Beauty and Frank Skincare, desginer eyewear brand Karen Walker and stationery specialist The Paper Bunny are just a few names on the list.
#02-14 Capitol Piazza, 13 Stamford Rd., 6385-2185.
Supermama @ Esplanade
The independent purveyor of all-things quirky and local has come a long way from it’s hole-in-the-wall digs in a rickety shophouse and now, they have opened their second outlet at the Esplanade Mall, with another launch at Beach Road come March. The goods sold here are pretty similar to its flagship at the Singapore Art Museum, so you’ll still find home decor items and the store’s signature ceramic ware featuring graphics of Singapore icons.
#02-04 1 Esplanade Dr., [email protected].
