In the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic that is still sweeping across the globe, many consumer brands are facing a challenging road ahead in achieving business stability and recovery from the financial upheaval that has followed strict border controls and a drastic dip in consumers’ willingness to shop.
At A Magazine, we know that some businesses — particularly small and medium local retailers — will need all the help they can get. To help you find the best that our local fashion scene has to offer, we will be curating a list of homegrown brands that you should have on your radar.
After covering the best in men’s, women’s and accessory brands, we’re putting services into the spotlight. Less recognizable in their branding, but no less important in perfecting your outfit, these services will have your back when it comes to sprucing up your bags and getting your hems falling at the right places. Add them to your black book, stat.
To check out other homegrown fashion brands and businesses — including menswear, womenswear and style services — you can find a collection of curated lists here.
01 | Dr Bags
Your designer bags and leather shoes are precious to you, which makes the upkeep a necessity that shouldn’t be skimped on. Given the wear and tear that will eventually happen over time, check them in at Dr Bags every few months to get them spruced up again. From deep cleaning to re-colouring and polishing, Dr Bags will have your items returned looking good as new.
For more information, visit drbags.com
02 | Style Theory
Clothing rental platforms allow you to try out different styles, without having to worry about sinking a huge financial commitment to an item that you can only wear once. One of the good ones in Singapore happens to be Style Theory, which lets you borrow RTW and designer handbags from their inventory. Translation: more clothes for you to try on, guilt-free!
For more information, visit styletheory.co
03 | Haute Alteration Initiative
Never heard of Haute Alteration Initiative? Well, you should. Working with disadvantaged women in Singapore, the social enterprise wants to equip them with useful alteration know-hows so that they can then establish an independent and adequate source of income for their familes and themselves. The team behind this initiative promise that women are given the best training, so your designer threads are in the safest of hands when it comes to quality alterations. Look good, and do good at the same time.
Alterations are done on a by-appointment basis only. To set up an appointment, call 8228 002o.
04 | Holystics
Holystics is here to help you maintain that coveted box-fresh appearance for all your sneakers, no matter how long you’ve had them for. Located in Orchard Road, the cleaning service is dedicated to giving your sneakers a thorough clean-up by removing unsightly scuff marks, hard-to-remove dirt streaks and restoring the brilliant white colours back to your kicks.
For more information, visit holysticsg.weebly.com
05 | Tang Cottage
For more than three decades, May Tang of Tang Cottage has been providing top-notch alteration services for her customers. Tucked away in the sleepy Albert Centre, Mdm Tang is known for her cheerful demeanour that puts you at ease as soon as you walk into her shop. Still, no one knows how to work a strange hemline or overly fitted jeans into submission like she does. Her deft alteration skills come with plenty of experience, so you’re always in safe hands.
Tang Cottage is located at #03-35 Albert Centre
06 | Astoria Dry Cleaning
This fourth-generation family-run business has been helping Singaporeans avoid laundry woes for more than two decades now. Cleaning everything from delicate lingerie and business suits to curtain drapes and even your bags and shoes, this dry-cleaning service is dedicated to giving your beloved clothing plenty of TLC. Plus, they also have a relatively speedy turnaround time of about three to four days, so you’re not stranded with nothing to wear.
For more information, visit astoriadrycleaning.com.sg