Retail
Graye, Tiong Bahru
Graye’s flagship is an all-in-one shop, showroom and workshop from husband-and-wife founders Calvin Sim and Xie Qian Qian. The pair craft modern twists on traditional Asian silhouettes, such as the bestselling cotton kimono coat. Browse off-the-rack, request alterations or customise looks.
Mud Rock, Tiong Bahru
Mud Rock founders Ng Seok Har and Michelle Lim have crafted ceramics and trinkets for diplomats and royals (including Queen Elizabeth II). Its handmade vases, crockery and colourful decorative tiles make charming and distinctive gifts – and they’re royally approved.
Dylan & Son, Chinatown
Travellers with a few days to spare should make a beeline for menswear maker Dylan & Son, a family operation offering highly personalised made-to-measure and fully bespoke tailoring. Owner Dylan Chong relies on his perfectionist three-person team that specialises (one man each) in trousers, shirts and jackets.
Sifr Aromatics, Kampong Glam
Third-generation perfumer Johari Kazura runs Sifr Aromatics, an independent perfume boutique that sources natural ingredients such as patchouli and vetiver – and he’s always present in-store to craft you a custom scent.
Supermama, Bukit Merah
Head to the flagship outlet of independent design shop Supermama for stylish souvenirs, gifts and home decor. Here, you’ll find no shortage of variety, including patterned plates and porcelain spoons to illustrated botanical prints, aprons and innovative art objects from craftspeople such as Singaporean designer Hans Tan.
Book Bar, Tanjong Pagar
One of the newest additions to Singapore’s roster of independent bookshops, Book Bar stocks fiction and nonfiction, with an emphasis on Singaporean writers and topics. Grab a coffee at the counter and settle down to read.
Manifesto, Central
One of the city’s pre-eminent select shops (and a hybrid art gallery) for offbeat designer wear, Manifesto boasts an impressive list of labels, featuring menswear and womenswear that tend toward minimalist looks.
Crafune, Kampong Glam
Leather-goods maker Crafune opened its second shop in New Bahru, an indoor-outdoor retail and dining complex in River Valley. Stop in for meticulously designed wallets, purses, tags, card holders and leather-bound journals; stay for a custom-craft workshop.
In Good Company, Central
An independent Singaporean label offering capsule collections of menswear, womenswear and jewellery. The flagship shop also houses an outpost of Plain Vanilla bakery; grab a latte to sip while you shop.
Yumumu, Katong
Womenswear label Yumumu was founded by Yilin Lu, who sketches, designs and oversees production of each piece in her collections. Her clothing encompasses work-to-evening ensembles in neutral tones and are impeccably cut. Browse her looks at this bright, spacious shop.
