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 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.
This week, we’re focusing on the best womenswear fashion brands. From the minimalist daywear at rye to the flattering swimsuits from Align, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
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 | rye
Think minimalist, modern everyday clothing. When it comes to rye, designer and founder Bessie Ye approaches her collection with an idea of a complete wardrobe for the modern women. Fuss-free, easy and versatile, style them however you feel.
For more information, visit r-y-e.co.
02 | Sabrina Goh
With over a decade in the business, Sabrina Goh’s eponymous womenswear label has gained a loyal following who count on her to deliver contemporary, oft-quirky clothing. Be it through her signature exploration of fabric manipulation through interesting ruching, pleating and folding, or her choice of fun prints and bold colours, Goh’s line of separates will serve women well.
For more information, visit sabrinagoh.com.
03 | Align Swim
Handcrafted in Singapore, Align is the latest label in a growing number of homegrown brands offering swimwear made for Asian figures. Each swimsuit is cut from Econyl, which is an environmentally-friendly fabric that’s made from salvaged fishing nets and recycled plastics, to ensure that their swimwear doesn’t just feel good and look good, it’s also good for the earth.
For more information, visit alignswim.com.
04 | Matter Prints
In providing work to textile artisans and producers in rural corners of the globe, Matter Prints is helping to keep time-honed skills alive through their selection of joy-inducing printed garments. From comfortable trousers to dresses that you can wear to brunch, these pieces are both fashionable and a way of celebrating artisanal know-how.
For more information, visit matterprints.com.
05 | Max Tan
Can one ever have too much black? With Max Tan, the answer is no. Known for his sculptural explorations of drape, cut and form, Tan’s creations are often visually arresting and fascinating to explore.
For more information, visit max-tan.com.
06 | Shirt Number White
A newly-launched label that has caught the attention of several industry insiders, Shirt Number White is building a repertoire on the idea of deconstructing a simple shirt. Whether it’s playing with scale and proportion, or extracting elements of the classic tailored shirt and reworking it in new dimentions, Shirt Number White presents a fresh take to working women everywhere.
For more information, visit shirtnumberwhite.com.
07 | GINLEE Studio
Known for her work with pleats, designer Gin Lee creates great pieces for today’s modern go-getter. In an array of colours spanning bright shades of cobalt and marigold to neutral tones of beige and white, Lee’s pieces are very versatile, so you can style it with whatever you have hanging in your closet already.
For more information, visit ginleestudio.com.
08 | Stolen
A stalwart in the local fashion community, Elyn Wong and her label Stolen have become known for their stunning backless designs. Perfectly suited for date night or a party, Stolen holds a range of different separates like jumpsuits and pants. However, their knack lies in creating backless dresses that feel timeless and modern.
For more information, visit stolenstolen.com.
09 | Pinksalt Swim
If colourful, printed swimwear is your thing, why not check out the wares at Pinksalt for a start? With original textile prints that are developed by the founders Belinda and Su May, Pinksalt stocks a range of different swimwear styles including one-piece suits, bikinis and swim shorts, so customers of all shapes can find their perfect fit.
For more information, visit pinksaltswim.co.
10 | The Missing Piece
You’ve probably seen their cheongsams on your social media by now. Recognised for their flattering fit and the cheeky cut-outs on the sides of the cheongsams, The Missing Piece combines heritage and tradition with a modern twist. The local brand is started by Dr. Fock Ee-ling, who understands that the women of today want pieces that they can move in and feel perfectly comfortable.
For more information, visit iwantthemissingpiece.com.
11 | In Good Company
Clean, minimalist, simple – these are some of the guiding principles that have led designers Sven and Kane Tan of In Good Company. Peruse their webstore to find a whole range of women’s clothing and accessories, each one featuring a clean, structured cut that can work with a multitude of items and designs.
For more information, visit ingoodcompany.asia.
12 | Akinn
Remember the local brand Song + Kelly from the ’90s? Well, since then, designer Wykidd Song has struck out on his own, with Akinn being his foray back into producing a local womenswear label. The designs, as with so many homegrown businesses, largely cater to a contemporary vision of today’s woman. Therefore, expect plenty of 9-to-5 options that include separates and no-frills day dresses.
For more information, visit akinn.com.
13 | SocietyA
Though technically not a fashion label, Society A is a great multi-label boutique to discover some under-the-radar local talents. Homegrown labels that they stock include accessories brand Amado Gudek and womenswear label Whole9Yards, and they also boast a huge variety of South Korean and Southeast Asian brands that you won’t find anywhere else.
For more information, visit society-a.com.