IT’S NATIONAL Day tomorrow and patriotism is at a high.
And before the fireworks die off, we’ll be feeling patriotic again because we’re hosting the Youth Olympic Games.
That’s a lot of rah-rah in a month. My pom-poms have never been so overused.
The mood should be electric and hopefully, that will inspire you to look homewards when you are shopping.
It drives me nuts that when it comes to fashion, Singaporeans seem to have an aversion to Singaporean talents.
This is such a shame.
I think local names can co-exist fashionably with international labels and the support should start at home.
We have had local fashion labels for many years now but it seems the progress we have made is slow.
Right now, we are probably just past the infancy stage. It’s a growing industry but it’s a long way yet.
This week, on the eve of our country’s 45th birthday, I’ve found six local labels to highlight.
All are under a year old and let’s keep our fingers crossed that I’ll still be writing about
them a decade later.
The fashion spans the Singapore wardrobe: Casual, menswear, cocktail dresses, wedding dresses and office wear.
You may not agree on my choices, but the fact that we have choices to discuss makes me happy.
Promising Local Labels Under A Year Old
TWO OF US (main picture)
This label hit the streets last November.
Designed for women in their 20s to 30s, the dresses are for those who want something edgy but feminine.
The dresses are currently being sold at Egg 3. A spokesman for the label said support for local brands is, contrary to popular belief, strong.
“Many customers support brands like Bysi and Mphosis. It shows people are buying into local brands.”
SOPHIELLE
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Sophielle is designed by 37-year-old Kanwal Jit Kaur, who has noble intentions.
She said: “Big international labels are very expensive.
I would like to provide the same quality at affordable prices.”
Her clothes retail from $350 for dresses and $150 for tops, and are sold at Parco Marina Bay.
She said: “My designs are for modern successful women who lead positive lifestyles.”
PAULINE.NING
Temasek Polytechnic graduate Pauline Lim, 24, is the heart behind this label, also retailing at Parco Marina Bay.
Items from her collection start from $129.
Ms Lim said her garments have special touches and are not trend-driven.
“With intricate detailing, the garments are elaborate statement pieces by themselves.”
BELINDA ANG
This 30-year-old started out as an engineer in the government sector.
But fashion called out to her and she ended up in a local fashion company handling retail operations and international franchise management.
That drove her to pick up technical skills and now, she has her own online fashion business at www.belinda-ang.com.
PANDORA BOX BRIDAL
Bridal fashion is big business and Leroy Bakar, 37, an entertainer-turned-fashion designer, ensures that the gowns are slightly unexpected.
His target customer is someone who dares to be different who thinks out of the box.
Visit http://pandoraboxbridal.multiply.com to view the outfits and call for an appointment.
FREDERIC SAI
Menswear is another branch of fashion that is gaining momentum.
