10 Unique Singapore Labels to Inspire You to #supportlocal

Who doesn’t love retail therapy? Especially when you can make your shopping experience even more meaningful by choosing to purchase from a homegrown label. Plus, you get bragging rights for uncovering a one-of-a-kind label that you can introduce to your friends and family!

To bring the joys of discovering the wide variety of Singapore brands right to your doorstep, we have teamed up with Singapore Tourism Board as the exclusive e-commerce retailer for Design Orchard, the largest one-stop shopping destination for home-grown brands on Orchard Road. Now, you can browse and buy local with just a few clicks, anytime and anywhere.

To get you started, here are 10 Singapore brands to check out.

Unlike many perfumes in the market, this all-vegan plant-based fragrance brand offers carefully hand-crafted scents in small batches using laboratory-made ingredients chosen for their safety and efficacy. The brand discloses the source of all its ingredients for full transparency. Its bestsellers include the fresh tea leaf, bergamot and lime scented Earl Grey as well as the subtly spicy Ginger, which has a woody mix of vetiver and cedarwood notes. Plus, its sleek minimalist packaging is the cherry on top.

Take the guesswork out of your skincare routine with clean beauty brand Rooki’s fuss-free superfood-inspired range of products that are made to nourish your skin like a nutritious smoothie or salad. The Singapore-based brand uses anti-oxidant, vitamin and nutrient-rich superfoods such as matcha, royal jelly and chia seeds in its skincare formulations. Its products are 100 per cent cruelty-free and are not tested on animals. They also do not contain artificial fragrances, making them suitable for sensitive skin. Newcomers to the brand can consider starting with its Superfood Starter Kit, which comprises a simple three-step routine of cleanser, creme and face masque to achieve a hydrated and glowing skin.

For intrepid explorers who are on the lookout for a timepiece that is built to last, Boldr might just be the brand for you. It specialises in building tough watches that can withstand the rough and tumble of bold adventurers. For example, its sleek Odyssey Freediver watches, which have luminescent hands, can be worn during dives for maximum visibility in low light conditions. True to its ethos of making a difference, the brand works with organisations like the Mission Aviation Fellowship to support communities in need and endorses inspirational individuals from all walks of life, including professional freediver Lim Anqi. Additionally, Boldr has set a target to use 80 per cent sustainable and environmentally-friendly materials in the making of its products and packaging.

For a meaningful way to #supportinclusion, consider the quirky animal-themed products by social enterprise The Animal Project for great gifting ideas. Created by artists with special needs, the brand’s range of lifestyle products include vacuum flasks, espresso cups and tote bags. Each product features the artists’ delightful hand-drawn illustrations of animals including flamingos, hippos and penguins. With the artists receiving royalties for every product sold, this is certainly a meaningful cause to support.

On the hunt for ethical jewellery? Look no further than Protesta, which makes its jewellery from recycled metals such as brass and aluminium. The sharp, clean lines of each piece, like its minimalist bracelets, are versatile and timeless enough to complement any outfit and will look equally stylish worn alone or as part of a bracelet stack.

For a modern take on Asian cultural motifs, check out Forbidden Hill, a jewellery and lifestyle brand known for its lacquer homeware and silk-based accessories.  Every piece created pays tribute to the rich culture, history and craftsmanship of Southeast Asia such as the legend of Sang Nila Utama, the prince who named Singapore, and the Garuda, a mythical bird found in Hindu and Buddhist lore. Even its name is a reference to Fort Canning Hill back when it was a place of residence for royalty in the 14th century and was said to house gold, glass and other artisanal workshops. The brand also works with traditional craftsmen in Southeast Asia to ensure that their crafts continue to thrive in modern times.

Immerse yourself in the exotic scents of the lush tropics with Temple Candles’ range of botanic scents. Proudly made in Singapore, the luxury fragrance brand is inspired by tropical island living and memories of romantic travels to the Far East. To effortlessly elevate your living space, check out its range of diffusers such as the Hibiscus & Sea Air fragrance which is infused with tropical beachy aromas of hibiscus and palm leaves or the Singapore Orchid diffuser, with elegant notes of orchid, gardenia and jasmine.

For womenswear that won’t weigh you down in Singapore’s humid climate, look no further than Weekend Sundries. This clothing studio specialises in wardrobe staples in stylish relaxed fits and lightweight fabrics such as organic cotton and linen to ensure comfort. Its founder Michelle Chan also designs the brand’s whimsical textile prints that are inspired by Singapore. For instance, she has designed a graphic Five Stones print based on the traditional game as well as an abstract Lychee Drops print featuring the popular tropical fruit. The brand also uses ethically-made textiles to minimise its impact on the planet.

For chic activewear that can be worn effortlessly from the yoga studio to the streets, check out Yumi Active. The brand blends fashion trends with sportswear to create stylish pieces such as strappy sports bras and high waisted leggings that are flattering yet functional. In a nod to its Asian heritage, its designs also feature popular regional motifs such as mandala patterns and Peranakan tile prints. Yumi Active products are made with high quality technical textiles that are moisture wicking, quick-dry and odour free and have four-way stretch properties for maximum comfort. There is also a range of accessories including exercise mats, yoga blocks and water bottles to complement the activewear.

Gem enthusiasts, it is time to get to know Alexandra Alberta by Alexandra Yeo. Named among the Top 5 Emerging Designer Collections in the United Kingdom, the label has been featured in magazines including Elle and Harper’s Bazaar. Yeo, who draws her inspiration from Singapore and other cities she has travelled to, is beloved by those in-the-know for incorporating colourful gems such as malachite and carnelian in her designs. For a chic yet playful accessory that will surely turn heads, don’t miss out on the Exotica earrings, which are shaped like the king of fruits in Singapore - the durian.

Discover more local brands under the KrisShop x Design Orchard collaboration on The Modern Singapore Collective.