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.
This week, we turn our attention to accessories. It’s the details that matter, which is why these homegrown ateliers making shoes, bags and jewellery are our go-to places in completing our looks.
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 | Tsura Jewellery
Run by founder and designer Tara Thadani, Tsura is a buzzy local brand that’s gained the attention of international fashion editors and celebrities alike. Combining her Indian heritage with a thorough research process and fine, artisanal skills, expect to find one-of-a-kind jewellery that tells a story.
For more information, visit tsurajewellery.com
02 | LINGWU
Founded by Goh Ling Ling, LINGWU bags are synonymous with the idea of form meeting function. Often handfinished in small batches (read: very exclusive), her bags are best known for incorporating lusciously-coloured exotic skins and materials to create pieces that will serve today’s women well. There are roomy hobo bags and structured canvas totes for daytime use, and roomy clutches in shiny metallics that work perfectly for the night.
For more information, visit lingwu.sg
03 | Carrie K.
A stalwart in the local jewellery design scene, Carrie K. is best known for taking traditional ideas and connotations within jewellery design and flipping it on its head. See how she reinvents the idea of pearls by allowing you to mix-and-match your strands with additional pieces of chain, or how she takes on the traditional Peranakan tile and infuses it with her own modernist approach.
For more information, visit carrierocks.com
04 | Heads of State Millinery
Granted, a headpiece isn’t something you’re going to be grabbing from your wardrobe a lot. But in the happenstance that you find yourself needing one done, then keep Heads of State Millinery’s contact in your back pocket. Founded by self-taught designer Chee Sau Fern, many of her designs feature organic lines and sculptural shapes. Plus, Chee works with marginalised communities within Southeast Asia to provide stable jobs and incomes for her artisans.
For more information, visit headsofstatemillinery.com
05 | Ivonovi
Synthesising her love for architectural lines and simplicity, founder Ivon Wong’s brand Ivonovi is a must-see for hunters of unique jewellery. Her abstraction of form and shapes make perfect jewellery additions for both genders, and some of her designs reveal interesting details that are often hidden to the unbeknownst.
For more information, visit instagram.com/ivonovi_visionary
06 | Eden + Elie
Named after the founder Stephanie’s two children, Eden + Elie is a homegrown jewellery label focused on creating handmade designs. Taking bits of cultural history and mixing it with contemporary elements, each piece features an intricate weaving design that takes hours to complete.
For more information, visit edenandelie.com
07 | Anastasia by Raine
For guilt-free bags, look to Anastasia by Raine. Her pieces make use of vegan leather material that’s been treated to withstand moisture and humidity. Design-wise, expect to find plenty of clean lines in a myriad of colours, which is great for when you can’t decide which colour and piece to pick. They make great presents as well, and can be customised in terms of sizing, plus you also get the option of an added monogram.
For more information, visit anastasiabyraine.co
08 | The Tui Collection
If you describe your personal style as an eclectic mix of bohemian and urban, then you should add The Tui Collection to your shopping list. Housing a curated selection of handmade accessories that range from leather boots to ethnic-inspired jewellery, think of The Tui Collection as Bali vibes without having to leave your house.
For more information, visit thetuicollection.com
09 | Our Barehands
Since its inception into the market last May, Our Barehands have been steadfastly working to provide artisans in developing countries a fair and steady wage. By bridging small-community artists with a larger consumer base, these time-honed skills are turned into bags, shoes and accessories that are unique and going to a good cause.
For more information, visit ourbarehands.com
10 | ORSQ
Hypebeasts, this one’s for you. The next time you’re looking for box-fresh kicks to show off, drop by ORSQ for your next cop. Opened in 2017 by local designer-artist Orsqr, ORSQ’s designs slant towards futuristic, utilitarian styles. Sneakers come with a signature chunky sole design, and feature tactile materials for a fresh take on streetwear.
For more information, visit orsq-official.com
11 | Hat of Cain
When made well and cared for properly, genuine Panama hats can last you a lifetime. To get yourself sorted out with your perfect topper, drop them a note and have an appointment set up so you can go in and try on a few hat designs. Pick your fave, add on some customised details (to make it unique to you) and you’re all done.
For more information, visit hatofcain.com