If you’re sick of overpopulated malls and endlessly bustling shops, we have a word of advice for you: Abandon the mainstream bandwagon and get on board with quirky indie stores.
At first glance, Singapore seems to be endlessly composed of ubiquitous stores in malls selling similar outfits. But when you delve deeper like a true hipster, you’ll realise there are plenty of independent boutiques selling one-of-a-kind gems all around the island. It might be hard to know of all these places unless you’re consistently on the hunt for indie boutiques, but we’ve got you.
Away from the mainstream world, here are some cool, local shops for you to hit up if you’re into quirky outfits that make a fashionable statement.
1. Nana and Bird
Located in hipster cafe heaven Tiong Bahru, Nana and Bird was set up by fashion-loving besties, and offers some of the coolest local and international fashion pieces. Here, you can browse through one-of-a-kind items by fab Singapore label Aijek, Aussie brands C/MEO Collective and Malaysian designer Cassey Gan amongst others, including the store’s own in-house label.
Fashion-conscious ladies aside, guys, take note – it’s also the perfect place to shop for a present for your girlfriend or loved one. You’re sure to find a unique and truly original item here!
Address: 1 Yong Siak St, Singapore 168641
Opening Hours: 12pm – 7pm (Mon – Fri) & 11am – 7pm (Sat-Sun)
More details at Nana & Bird online
2. OliveAnkara
If you’re thinking of adding some spunk and colour into your wardrobe, this is where to go. Designed by Italian cancer researcher Ifeoma Ubby who has her roots in Nigeria, OliveAnkara carries vibrant wax-print fabrics from Africa and fun resort wear-esque silhouettes. They even carry Qipaos that can be worn well beyond Chinese New Year!
If you’re planning to start things slow when it comes to making a fashion statement, there are plenty of headbands, bracelets and earrings inspired by African fabric for you to take your pick from. It’s definitely hard to leave this indie boutique empty-handed!
Address: 79, Chay Yan Street, #01-02, Singapore 160079
Opening Hours: 12pm – 2pm, 5pm – 7.30pm (Tue – Fri) & 11am – 6pm (Sat-Sun)
More details at OliveAnkara online
3. Monument Lifestyle
Indie fashion is not just for the ladies and Monument Lifestyle is a perfect testament to that.
Part cafe, part lifestyle concept store for men, here lies a curated collection of menswear, an assortment of stylish yet functional homeware, grooming products, surfboards (yes you read that right) and an intimate cafe area where the missus can wait while you get the manly shopping done.
Address: 75 Duxton Road, Singapore 089534
Opening Hours: 8am-7pm (Mon-Fri)
More details at Monument Lifestyle online
4. Society A
SocietyA is not exactly tucked away in a hipster neighbourhood but it made it to this list because of the over 40 indie labels that it carries.
With fashion pieces from Singapore, Korea, Hong Kong, Jakarta, New York and Indonesia, anything from this shop will definitely help you rank high in the style label. SocietyA caters for fashionistas who care about unique designs and you’ll definitely find that across the Asian designers stocked here.
Talk about Asian Represent!
Address: 391A Orchard Rd, #03-14A, Singapore 238873
Opening Hours: 10am – 9.30pm daily
More details at SocietyA online
5. Pasar Peninsula
If a non-conformist and alternative attitude to fashion is what you’re all about, Pasar Peninsula is where you should be looking to shop next (unless you’re a true-blue hipster, this might be the first time you’re hearing this name).
This multi-label store is located in the quiet Golden Landmark and stocks plenty of cult brands like Label Dunno, Brotherhood, Aries Arise, Good Morning Tapes, and more. This indie boutique is for the fashionistas with a voice to express – you won’t be disappointed by the choices here!
Address: #01-34, Golden Landmark, 390 Victoria Street, Singapore 188061
Opening Hours: 12pm – 9pm daily
More details at Pasar Peninsula online
6. The Attaby Collective
Think herringbone flooring, bright white walls and high exposed concrete ceilings selling independent labels from fashion, accessories and lifestyle, all under one very stylish roof.
The Attaby Collective is a thoughtfully curated multi-label boutique and retail home to a group of creative, dynamic designers. Showcasing some of the best indie brands in Singapore, it’s mandatory to visit this boutique when you’re in the Joo Chiat or North Bridge area.
From massive gemstone rings by Elverd Designs, stylish Turkish towels from Tara’s World and climate-appropriate Cote + Badt espadrilles, something is bound to catch your eye (and heart)!
Address: 420 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427641 & 328 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 188719
Opening Hours: Varies according to different outlets
More details at The Attaby Collective online
7. Kapok
Running out of fashion-inspo? Head over to Kapok, where they’re well-known to be stocked with fashion items that are trending in Asia.
This super cool cult lifestyle and design boutique from Hong Kong delivers quality goods from an assortment of hip brands, sourced in Singapore and from around the world. You’ll find popular names like Daniel Wellington here but the real stars are the under-the-radar brands that scream niche and avant-garde.
Address: National Design Centre, Ground Floor, 111 Middle Road, Singapore 188969
Opening Hours: 11am-8pm daily
More details at Kapok online
8. Small
New arrival from Victoria shoes!
Posted by Small on Sunday, 5 June 2016
We didn’t forget the kids – this European lifestyle store tucked away in Tanglin Mall is chock-full of little treasures for ladies and littles alike.
It features cult label Sessun, which highlights ethnic prints, romantic dresses and breezy fabrics perfect for this weather, and you can also find jewellery, leather accessories and more here. With cool kid’s brands like Sunshild and Victoria Shoes, shopping for kids means ticking all the right boxes, for sure!
Address: Tanglin Mall, #03-08, 163 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247933
Opening Hours: 10am-8.30pm daily
More details at Small online
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