Interview: Sarah Tan of Robe Raiders
Sarah Tan, co-founder of online and pop-up boutique Robe Raiders, talks about raiding fashionistas’ wardrobe, then reselling their designers’ goods.
How did Robe Raiders come about?
One of my partners, Resham Melwani (center; pictured), wanted to clear her wardrobe without having to give her designer clothing and bags away when they were still in good condition. She came to me with an idea of a luxury resale pop-up event—which I’ve done several before. Our third partner, Claudia Sondakh (who’s behind multi-label online store Retail Therapy, far left; pictured) was on the same page, so we all joined forces.
How did Robe Raiders become so successful?
What appeals to our customers is being able to own a Hermes top, Prada skirt, Bottega Veneta bag or Givenchy dress for a fraction of what it costs, though the bulk of our stock are past season. It also helps that most of our consignors are well-traveled and fashion savvy so we have managed to carry apparel from it labels like Azzedine Alaia, The Row, Alessandra Rich and Opening Ceremony, in addition to the more well-known designer brands. We also do stringent checks on brand, condition and desirability.
How often do you hold a physical pop-up sale?
We always aim for around three to four a year. During our pop-up sales we work with other vendors who we feel complement Robe Raiders—like Curated Editions, an accessories retailer and F&B sponsors such as like Swirls Bakeshop and La Tarte Tartin. Now that we have a permanent showroom, customers can also check out our goods in between pop-up events.
Any nasty experiences?
We almost sold a fake designer item! A new shipment came in from a consignor and before we could check it thoroughly, a customer, who was present at that time, wanted to buy it immediately. Thankfully, we hadn’t priced it yet, so we couldn’t release the product. Thereafter we scrutinized it, realized it was a replica, and returned it to the consignor who told her she wasn’t aware as it was a gift.
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You’re often described as deeply shy and introverted. How’s it like being popular?
It is a really weird concept to me because I still am that "deeply shy and introverted" kind from a small town. I don't think I will ever get used to the idea of people recognizing me and knowing my name outside my hometown.
Are you even a fan of fast cars?
Cars are actually a major passion of mine. Adding fast cars and racing together is a dream.
Excited to rub shoulders with the likes of Rihanna and Justin Bieber?
They are such major international stars that I am humbled to be sharing a stage with them.
How do you juggle between Owl City and your other solo projects like Port Blue and Swimming With Dolphins?
Currently, Owl City has taken the majority of my time. Everything else has just been side projects and different outlets for me to express different forms of music and art.
You have plenty of touring members. The more the merrier?
Creating the music has always been a singular task but when I perform, it’s a different experience. I wanted fans to get something they couldn't get from just listening to the album. I like that the live show is a bit more of a loud rock show.
Anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
Enya.
What’s on your playlist?
Right now, I’m so behind in music. I have just gotten off tour so I am not sure what new music is out.
What would you be doing if you’re not a music artist?
Probably working at a gas station, or still at my first job—loading boxes at the Universal Postal Service store.
Small town dude with a twist of fate that got you to where you are today. Inspiring. If there’s something you’d change, what would that be?
Nothing. I get to do something I love everyday. It’s not even work to me. It’s just fun and who wouldn't want that?
Most outrageous fan mail?
Someone sent me cereal once. That was pretty outrageous… outrageously awesome.
Owl City performs at The Closing Concert at The Padang on Sep 23. Tickets at $98 - $4226.50 from the F1 Singapore Grand Prix website.
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How did your journey begin?
In terms of starting to make my own music and becoming active, it was only in mid-2012 when some friends bought me a looper for my birthday. That excited the hell out of me because it offered so many possibilities. But it wasn't till local band Plainsunset found an old cover I did of their song that I become visible at all; I was invited to play a show alongside local musician Jon Chan and was generously given my own set time, which I used to debut my looper stuff. The response was great, and things have miraculously picked up since.
Where do you draw your musical inspirations from?
Musically, it's hard to say. I grew up on Bach and The Beatles, spent my teenage years with everything from Eminem to Death Cab, Justin Timberlake to Radiohead, Zero 7 to The Strokes. I also am tremendously inspired by various people that I've worked with in the local scene. We've got some really amazing musicians, poets, and playwrights.
How do you feel being in an entertainment lineup with the likes of Rihanna?
It feels pretty darn weird. Never in my wildest dreams did I think it would happen. I’m way more stoked about The Killers though! But I doubt we’ll be on similar stages nor share holding rooms, or anything like that. So I’ll be spending all my off-stage time slinking around tents to stalk them down.
Weish performs on Sep 21-22 at various locations around Zone 1 and 4 of the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix. For tickets and more info on the entertainment lineup, log on to the Singapore GP website.
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Pilates as physiotherapy—how does it work?
The primary purpose of Pilates in healing is to provide a more stable inner core for the spine and limbs, permitting safer, better function and facilitating a return to physical activity.
What are some Pilates-related exercises readers can do in the office on the days they can’t make a class?
The Standing Hip Extension—an Xtend Barre exercise—is great for strengthening your glutes. Stand at the desk with your feet hip-distance apart. Check that your ears, shoulders, hips and ankles are in alignment. Using your desk or chair as support, extend your right heel behind while keeping your back straight. Engage your glutes—lift and lower on eight counts. Repeat on the other side. Do four sets of this.
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What’s new and upcoming at Gillman?
Just opened is Yeo Workshop by Audrey Yeo who studied in Columbia as well as Sotheby’s Institute. With her extensive contacts and expertise, the gallery will play a developmental role to grow the local art cycle’s system and industry. I am also looking forward to the Centre for Contemporary Art which will open in October. This special project by the Nanyang Technological University will hold various residency programs with nine studio spaces for artists to produce new works. Then there is Pearl Lam opening in November, which will be concentrating on Chinese art are informed by Western art forms.
Are you making any changes based on the last year?
Based on the feedback that we’ve received from visitors, one of the main issues is connectivity throughout the belt. Right now, discussions are ongoing to fill the existing spaces. So once that is sorted, walking through Gillman Barracks will feel less of a stretch. We also want to keep the nature element here, which is why we’d rather not have too many walkways connecting the different blocks, but we have just created new sign postings so that new visitors will have a better sense of where the galleries are located. There might also be more F&B outlets here in the near future.
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The dance music industry is… thinking big.
What moves me today is… simple raw music and good drama.
Nightclubs today are… the same as they've always been.
Modern music today is… too compressed and manicured.
The last time I got drunk I…listened to the 40 part motet by Tomas Tallis while sitting round a camp fire watching a meteor shower. It was a real moment.
Orbital plays Sep 20 at 1 World Music Festival, which takes place Sep 20-21 at the Marina Barrage. $98-188 from the website.
#1WorldFest has been cancelled. Much regrets, but many thanks for believing in us. For tix refunds, pls contact your tix agent from 25 sept.
— 1 World Music Fest (@1WorldFest) September 18, 2013
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What is the current state of Indonesian contemporary art?
The young have a lot to offer and it’s all very interesting because the art scene is continually evolving and keeping pace with the times and our political developments.
What is your working process like?
I always start with communication, whether it's physical communication or communication with myself.
Who or what are you influenced by?
People that I’ve met, places I've visited, situations I've found myself in, things I’ve learned and the issues that I've encountered.
What can you tell us about your current show?
I worked with a lot of different techniques and media like paper-making, sewing, sculpturing, printing, drawing and photographing. I carried out what I would call "small communication" about Singapore's culture and society. It was very interesting for me as an observer because the issues that occur in Singapore are similar to the situations in Indonesia. I hope that this little “research” I’ve conducted can be accepted by artgoers here.
What's your pet peeve about art?
The tricky art market and various gallery trappings.
Who would you like to work with?
Everyone and everything. I am very flexible.
We Are What We Mask is on through Oct 9 at the Singapore Tyler Print Institute. Free.
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