[Sponsored] Orchard Road is arguably the apex of fanciness in Singapore. With its endless rows of supermalls and impeccable shrubbery, it has a pretty decorous image. But every now and then, something exciting happens that shocks, scandalizes and generally shakes things up. Here we look back on some of the more unusual and exciting things to happen on Singapore’s shopping belt.

Photo by Sheryl Woo

Ankle Deep Flash Floods
Who could forget those apocalyptic hours in December 2011 when Orchard Road fell victim to a biblical deluge. Ok, it was just ankle-deep, but everywhere from H&M to Liat Towers to United Square saw some water. The citizenry was so traumatized that the PUB got to work right away and announced flood prevention measures so we would never have our shopping interrupted ever again. The day was saved!

Breastfeeding Flash Mob
Yes, you read correctly. This was no dancing and/or marriage proposal flash mob. This was 15 breastfeeding moms and their infant children assembled outside Ngee Ann City in August 2012. The move was to raise awareness about and encourage breastfeeding in public as a natural and socially acceptable act. Public response was mixed, but that didn’t stop these ladies from being out there for a whole 20 minutes. Go feminism!

Sexy Zuits
In the name of alternative Japanese art, in May 2015, a procession of people clad in shiny, form-fitting zentai suits hit Orchard Road for Zentai Walk. The parade of some 50 people left little to the imagination. Best part: that was actually the second time the walk took place, so if you missed it, chances are it’ll happen again. Hooray!

Topless Celebrities
Maybe it was a promotional stunt (actually it probably was) but in June 2015, Ah Boys to Men actor Wang Weiliang was spotted around Somerset MRT station wearing nothing but pants, a GoPro camera and…the flag of Singapore painted on his naked torso. Wow, that’s a lot of SG50 patriotism, Weiliang. The public was duly tickled (and scandalized) and—no surprises—the news made the rounds on Stomp

A PG13 version of the OverEasy Orchard ad

Abominable Bums
The most recent scandal to rock Orchard Road was probably the raciest. Local casual bar and bistro OverEasy outraged innocent denizens with a salacious billboard for their Orchard Road branch at Liat Towers. The, um, artwork sported a row of bare lady bottoms and the slogan “Seriously Sexy Buns”. There was STOMPing, there was uproar and a few days of scandal. And now, you can go chomp on some burgers and buns at OverEasy Orchard, which is now open.

OverEasy Orchard is now open at Liat Towers (541 Orchard Rd.) and heroically rolling out the Save Orchard Road movement. What does it entail? Just flash your shopping bags before 6pm and get a free lemonade.

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