Shops to visit in Singapore

Photo from Sup's F/W 09 Lookbook

In a closer to perfect world, I would be able to make it down to Singapore at the end of every year for some post – Christmas shopping. However, due to some foreseen circumstances, this plan will have to be put on hold. Still, there’s no harm in preparing a shopping list beforehand. After all, time is of the essence while in Singapore.

New ventures:

Uniqlo

I have yet to get the chance to check out one of Japan’s popular inexpensive basics label. Judging from the magazines I read, their products appear to be miles better than Giordano or Padini, their HK and Malaysian equivalent. I hope their Singapore store does not disappoint.

Hope to see: Up-to-date fashion basics with a good price point

Front Row

I keep missing out this shop during my trips south, for some inexplicable reason. So much so that I learn that they are moving from their current location in Ann Siang Hill to the Raffles Hotel Arcade next month.  I MUST make it the next time I am down.

Hope to see: APC, United Bamboo, Doc Martens, alternative designer clothing

Locally Designed Streetwear

Anyone who shops in Singapore would know that after Japan and Hong Kong, they are the next in line for being the hub of all things Western. Singaporean shoppers are definitely in the know of global fashion trends, probably attributed to their strong dollar and high(er) spending power.

So in the midst of all the imported labels, it was refreshing to discover several Singaporean homegrown streetwear labels. I came across these two while browsing through Streething: Geseho and Sup. While Geseho’s style is more workwear/biker oriented (the shop used to be run in a garage), Sup’s designs lean more towards the skater/fixie aesthetic. I would love to pay these shops a visit in future.

(I am particularly into Sup’s simple yet effective designs. Check out their F/W 09 lookbook here.)

Retracing my steps:

Leftfoot

I visit this sneaker institution every time I visit Singapore ever since I knew of its existence. Almost like an homage. The next trip would be no different. Love their Cathay store, where I got my Converse JP Marine Sea Crisp.

Expect to see:  A sneaker haven, wide range of brands and models: the latest, the limited and the classic all in one roof. Attracts all sorts of buyers: rockers, hypebeasts, collectors, skaters, fashionistas, man on the street.

Queens Couture, the Heeren

This place stocks many of the denim labels that I only read about in superfuture: April 77, Nudie, Ksubi, Cheap Monday and the highly regarded Sugar Cane. These labels are not easy to find in our part of the world, and with the exception of Cheap Monday none of them are available in KL.  This unpretentious shop also stocked many well-designed tees the last time I was there.

Expect to see: A denim lover’s playground (provided he has the moolah for it). Both specialist (Skull, Sugar cane) and popular denim brands (Nudie, April 77, Cheap Monday).

Surrender/Ambush, Devonshire Rd

I came here to gape and gawk at Henrik Vibskov Hammer pants, b store shirts, Cassette Playa neon jackets, Bernhard Wilhelm and Jeremy Scott then go up the stairs and gape and gawk further at the display of Head Porter bags and some Visvim sneakers. Can’t wait to do that again.

Expect: Uber cool, uber pricey stuff. Cutting edge, post modern, nu rave, downstairs. Hype hype hype upstairs  ( + Band of Outsiders, oddly). Unless things have changed since the last time I was there.

Haji Lane

How can I not come here again?

Expect: Hipster boutiques- left, right and centre. Vintage, designer, indie, skater, alternative, sneakers, etc.

HMV/ Whichever good music store

To get my Soulwax: Part of the Weekend Never Dies DVD.