Why you should go to KL in March
And a full cheat sheet on what else to do when you get there.
This multi-label store and online boutique stocks cult and emerging labels from around the world including Addison, Bec & Bridge, Cameo, Keepsake, Mawi, Self-Portrait, Stylestalker and Vita Fede. All the pieces are handpicked and the store only stocks a limited number of pieces for each design. It also carries local skincare brand Mandy T.
What started out as a pop-up concept store is now a regular haunt for trendy, clued-in shoppers. Their second outlet retains the intimate, homey vibe as with its sister outlet in the same neighbourhood but offers different labels spanning ready-to-wear, accessories and home wares such as Los Angeles-based Building Blocks and British brand Falcon Enamelware.
Multi-label establishment Rockstar by Soon Lee might have just closed its second store that's housed within the restored Orchard 22 building, but there's still shopping to be done at their Cineleisure outlet. You'll find everything from big international labels like Toms and Daniel Wellington to cult labels like Poler Bags and Hypergrand.
A collaborative effort of four local brands—Sylvia Lim of Triologie, Ana Vu of Ana Boutiques, Timothy Chen of AsiaFashionInc.com and Ellen Allen of Gaia Living—this multi-label boutique is brimming with fasion and gift-worthy knick-knacks from the founders' brands, as well as independent emerging designers including IndyK, Stones that Rock and Desino.
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Known for its pared down, vintage-inspired pieces, this label’s beautifully restrained new collection takes its cues from the nineties. Its feminine pieces pair bold, ethnic-influenced prints with minimalist silhouettes to create an air of easy sophistication.
Hansel
In Good Company
Helmed by Sven and Kane Tan, In Good Company might be only two years old but they’ve already got polished casual style down pat. Their clean, yet striking designs give a nod to luxe sportswear in the form of wide-legged shorts and cotton tops that are cut to look like neoprene. Expect classic shapes with a modern twist, all elevated by some superb tailoring.
Elohim by Sabrina Goh
Designer Sabrina Goh looks to the architectural form for her inspiration, resulting in a strong yet sensual silhouette aimed at the edgy, fashion forward crowd. Her latest collection draws inspiration from the corvid family of birds (think crows, rooks and jackdaws) and their fearless and bold nature. References to these birds can be seen in the overlapping and layering as well as the angular cut and oversized sleeves.
Heads of State Millinery
This label’s head-turning hats are not only handmade but also crafted from sustainable raw materials. Designer Chee Sau Fen shapes the hats by folding, weaving and hand-sewing and the latest collection Ultramarine, takes its inspiration from jellyfish. The results are exquisitely crafted hats that bring an understated elegance, allowing wearers to look effortlessly chic.
Carrie K
Local jeweler Carolyn Kan combines artisan-crafted jewellery with playful designs. Her ethos is to reinvent nondescript objects and turn them into coveted pieces of jewellery as with the latest collection, Reborn. Kan re-imagines everyday objects, turning a needle and thread or a boring nail into exquisite pieces of jewelry.
Dzojchen
Dzojchen (pronounced doh-jen) is best known for its edgy and androgynous designs. The label offers both men’s and womenswear and specialises in denim and leather. Eschewing the done-to-death motorcycle jacket and boring blue jeans, you’ll find unexpected zippers and unlikely cuts coupled with sharp tailoring and super sleek styling.
Lingwu
What sets Lingwu’s luxe leather bags apart is the unique treatment of the exotic skins. The new collection features its signature python skin which has been updated with a rubberising technique, giving all the bags a velvety soft touch. These timeless totes are sure to add instant edge to your outfit.
Gnome & Bow
For its debut collection, which consists of a range of man bags from briefcases to backpacks alongside wallets and luggage tags, founder Quanda Ong focuses on the tale of The Hare and the Flying Tortoise. That translates into quirky details like a start and finish line as well as thumbnail-sized hare and tortoise motifs.
Code Deco
Founded by Gauri Garodia, Code Deco brings artisanal perfume to Singapore. Gauri spent three years perfecting her three debut collections—Jazz, Féminité and Detour— which offer a total of 12 fragrances. The inspiration behind these distinct scents comes from her love for literature, travel, music and art.
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