Seven local labels, seven different sensibilities, each item under $500.
Seven local labels, seven different sensibilities, each item under $500.
Inventory Co.
For bespoke classics with a twist
A pair of jeans with Gurkha-style side buckles that eliminate the need for a belt. An update of the early 20th-century jacket worn by French blue-collar workers. One-off shirt collaborations with local creatives such as graphic designers Lydia Yang and Yah Leng Yu of branding agency Foreign Policy Design.
A dream of more than a decade by its founders, sisters Amanda and Olivia Lin, “Inventory Co. creates good, instead of new, items that are well cut and made”, says Olivia, 29, creative director and the older Lin, who used to work for Singapore Tyler Print Institute. Amanda, 27, was formerly from graphic design outfit Ffurious and is Inventory Co.’s MD.
“Military uniforms and vintage work wear – functional and aesthetically pleasing – are what inspire us,” they say. “We want clothes that can be worn every day, that are free of unnecessary embellishments, and made to your measurements.”
Eight Slate Studio
For fashion-forward styles
This is not just the premium line (or the older sister) of Eight Slate, but also one “which is more sophisticated and elaborate”, says Savina Chai, 23, creative director of both labels, who is also a fashion stylist and lifestyle photographer. Translation: Eight Slate is for practical basics, while Eight Slate Studio covers other needs of every woman regardless of her age and what she does.
“We wanted to create clothes that fit seamlessly into any wardrobe, that are made with luxury materials and more elaborate finishing – without focusing too much on cost restrictions,” says Chai.
Think an off-the-shoulder peplum shirt that is as good with jeans as with wide-legged trousers, or a ruffled toga dress that’s as wedding-appropriate as weekend-cool.
Anothersole
For funky lace-ups with a feel-good factor
Contrary to its name, Anothersole is, well, not just another shoe. Founded late last year by shoe veterans Benny Chee and Phoebe Charn (the duo racked up 20 years of supplying shoes to retailers worldwide prior to launching the brand), Anothersole specialises in forever-green lace-ups.
“We are determined to build a killer product where we don’t cut corners, and whenever possible, choose better materials even if it costs more,” says Chee, referring to how the brand’s shoes are made from Argentinian, Italian and Indian leathers that are batch-tested for banned chemicals while meeting stringent European Union standards. The shoes also have removable kid-leather footbeds that off er ergonomic support, and top-grade rubber soles for durability and flexibility.
The brand is currently in partnership with World Vision International in Vietnam for a #buy1feed1 campaign. Ten percent from the sale of each pair of lace-ups contributes towards feeding children and helping to prepare them for the future.
The Tui Collection
For boho-luxe shoes
A former fashion model turned dress designer, then shoe designer, Tui Pascale Arielle Sang, 39, started her label because she couldn’t find shoes that were both stylish and affordable, and would fit her size-40 feet.
The brand now boasts designs from sizes 35 to 42, and complimentary customisation (which includes customising the length of ankle or front straps, and bead details) that takes only two weeks.
Designed by Sang and produced by women – widows or mothers from underprivileged families in Bali – who have been trained by her, the shoes feature built-in padding for comfort and are designed to mould to the feet after just one wear.
“We line the shoes with genuine lambskin and suede which allow the lining to stretch to your foot size and ensure that you don’t blister.”
Even the ankle straps are thinner in front than at the sides and back to offer the illusion of longer, slimmer legs.
“My work with the women in Bali helps them learn a skill and gives them an income without their having to leave home – they are single carers for their children. Hopefully, as they become more skilled, they will be able to set up businesses of their own.”
Ultramarine Studio
For modern clothes that can be worn in different ways
Founder Winnie Li, 28, comes from a Canton-Chinese family with 40 years of experience in manufacturing clothes for high-end international labels. Which would explain why she’s a stickler for detail when it comes to the design and fabrics for Ultramarine Studio. “I’m extremely picky about materials,” says Li. “Sometimes, I’ll redo everything – even a final prototype – because I don’t like how the fabric looks on a woman’s body. My customers appreciate both material and method.”
The method is important as her clothes encourage the wearer to don them in a variety of ways via different fastenings. “More often than not, there are belts, bows or drawstrings to change the silhouette completely.”
A kilt comes pleated only on its right half but changes to one that’s fully pleated when belted; a shirt dress with elongated cuffs can be buttoned or folded up with D-ring hardware.
“I’m experimenting with upcycling now, and hopefully, my future collections will be made entirely of salvaged fabrics.”
Our Second Nature
For clothes with original prints
One of the two standouts of the five-month-old label is its prints. Every collection starts with an inspiration, translated into a print by a London-based designer.
The other: Customers get a small gift with any purchase. The point is to better customers’ lives. For example: The print on the kimono jacket here also appears on wrapping paper you’re given when you buy anything from Our Second Nature, to use as, well, wrapping paper or wall art, or fold into decorative origami.
“Many retailers are more sales-driven. We want Our Second Nature to stand for something different,” says Lauren Tan, lead creative of the label.
“These gifts are things that we enjoy ourselves, or that help us learn along the way. We want to treat our customers as we would friends, and create a community to share the things that make us happy.”
Nothing is priced above $109. “We really try to keep a strict eye on the quality of our clothes. These are clothes that we’re wearing ourselves, and we’re always looking for ways to improve the quality. But for now, at our price point, customers have told us that we’re doing a good job!”
Omitir Concepts (say Oh-mee-tier)
For Margiela-like leather goods
The under-the-radar label was founded in 2012 but only gained traction when co-founders Darren Loke, 27, operations manager for multi-label boutique L’armoire, and Bryan Teo, 31, regional visual display and space designer, started fronting it. “We couldn’t find a bag that met our requirements – minimalist and devoid of ostentation and logo,” says Loke. “So we decided to make our own in our favourite medium, leather.”
Hides are sourced from Australia (kangaroo), Italy (cow) and Indonesia (goatskin) and made into bags, pouches, hats and belts, all individually handwashed (sometimes even with pebbles and stones) for suppleness.
STYLING BRYAN GOH, ASSISTED BY CHIA YING NA
PHOTOGRAPHY VEE CHIN
HAIR DENNIS SEAH/ TONI&GUY @ THE STAR VISTA
MAKEUP LARRY YEO, USING CLINIQUE
MODEL ALEXA L/AVE
