Shopping has never been more exciting. From new-to-Singapore brands, largest-in-Southeast Asia flagship boutiques, and revamped concepts that prioritise new kinds of retail experiences, here’s a look at the cool new spaces that have impressed us in the last couple of months.
1. THE ONITSUKA™
THE ONITSUKA’s first-ever Southeast Asia flagship boutique is a sleek and sweet showstopper with its striking colour palette of black, white and red, which mirrors the edgy yet elegant style of the dress shoes that are on display.
The brand specialises in tastefully-done dress shoes, handcrafted in Japan by local craftsmen, and made with high-quality Japanese leathers such as Kobe leather. Distinct aesthetic details include an iconic ‘red line’ along the soles of the shoes, and a unique shark-toothed sole that’s both lightweight and durable, on key styles like the classic Bit Loafer and utilitarian Lace-Up Boot.
[click on the images below to expand.]
At #01-14A, ION Orchard.
2. Gentle Monster
Just right around the corner, get ready to enter the quirky world of cult-favourite Korean eyewear brand, Gentle Monster. The newly-revamped ION Orchard boutique bears a new concept, ‘Awakening’, via futuristic and larger-than-life artwork and video displays scattered throughout the spacious store.
In brilliant chrome finishes that contrast against vivid blue and orange, sculptures such as a giant ant and a robot imagine the fragmentation and reinterpretation of data, and “a new order of creation”, though you’re free to interpret them in your own way too. Of course, these are go alongside the brand’s famous eyewear, of bold acetate frames and just-as-futuristic silhouettes.
At #01-13, ION Orchard.
3. Acne Studios
Joining the line-up of stores at MBS is contemporary fashion label, Acne Studios, complete with what they’re calling a ‘minimalist tech’ aesthetic of glass and metal. A modular system of stark glass panels make for maximum visual impact, which then contrast against plush and tie-dyed beanbags, done in collaboration with furniture designer Max Lamb. Even the in-store mannequins are a work of art — these are custom-made by British sculptor Daniel Silver, casted and coated in a glossy black finish.
Head over to peruse through the Swedish brand’s SS23 collection, which imagines a wedding celebration done in their celebrated irreverent style; think soft fabrics and tulle paired with denim and leather. One of our coveted pieces though has to be the Musubi bag, an icon in various sizes, colours and finishes, and inspired by traditional Japanese obi sashes, hence the musubi knots on each side of the soft leather style.
At #B2-81 – 83, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.
4. Swarovski
Swarovski recently unveiled their New Retail Landscape concept at their Paragon store, with the prominent use of blue, plush walls and metallic finishes, as well as octagonal product displays all over the fresh-looking space.
True to its name, the Discovery Table is where you get to pick up new jewellery and explore them up close, whether it’s examining pieces under a magnifying glass, or figuring out multiple ways to wear earrings and necklaces. We love the new bold direction that the jewellery brand has been on too; note the playful coloured crystals and oversized silhouettes here.
At #02-36A/37, Paragon Shopping Centre.
5. Christian Louboutin
For the feel of stepping into a luxurious holiday house, there’s the new Christian Louboutin boutique, filled with cosy wooden furniture, exotic plants, arches, and a plush red carpet that further add to the store’s homely effect. That iconic red accent, seen on the house’s signature red lacquered soles, is also carried over to the exterior of the store, thanks to a dramatic array of glossy red tiles that definitely warrants a second, or third, glance if you happen to be walking by.
Inviting arched windows give us a glimpse at what’s within as well; the first room is dedicated solely to women’s styles, so you’ll spot plenty of stilettos, pumps, boots and more, while there’s also boutique space set aside for the men, which houses everything from casual sneakers to upscale dress shoes.
At #01-17, ION Orchard.
6. Charles & Keith
Back in December, homegrown brand Charles & Keith gave us a look at their brand-new, refreshed boutique at Takashimaya Shopping Centre, a pleasing modern space that also boasts the brand’s first-ever in-store personalisation service. Let’s first talk aesthetics though. The clean, bright space is intentionally designed to highlight their contemporary-style bags and shoes, hence the choice of stainless steel fluted panels and flattering warm light.
Our favourite features have to be the set of feature tables that greet you at the store’s entrance, inspired by raw granite and its natural texture, along with a cosy little space circled by boucle couches that invites us to shop at a more leisurely, unhurried pace. The new personalisation space is a fun concept too, and allows us to add a more personal touch of embroidering names, initials, and small motifs on recycled polyester totes or dust bags, perfect as both keepsakes and gifts.
[click on the images below to expand.]
At #B1-25/26, Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Ngee Ann City.
7. Levi’s®
There’s one major thing you need to know about Levi’s® largest store in Southeast Asia (well, two now) — the latest 3,400 sq ft space is home to our first Levi’s® Tailor Shop! Whether you’re looking to make simple length alterations, or want a fun way to customise a pair of jeans via embroidery and patches, this is the place to go to in order to let skilled Levi’s® Tailors work on your favourite denim pieces.
The boutique also incorporates the brand’s NextGen Indigo store design format, which pairs warm wood aesthetics with digital tools and LED screens that give customers a more informed shopping experience. Store-exclusives include an extensive range of Levi’s® premium collections, the Levi’s® Vintage Clothing that references archival designs from the past, and the Levi’s® Made & Crafted, which is where you’ll find their Made In Japan denim line that boasts the superior quality and craftsmanship of Japanese artisans. In short, this is where you’ll want to head to next if you appreciate good-quality denim.
[click on the images below to expand.]
At #B2-23/24, ION Orchard.
8. Nespresso
Frequent users of Orchard Road’s shiny new TEL station would have noticed Nespresso‘s new flagship boutique by now, but here’s a brief introduction to their latest concept space.
The brand goes big on both immersive coffee experiences and sustainable design; a ‘Window to Farm’ installation, for instance, has us transported to a balcony that overlooks the serene landscape of a coffee farm, while Coffee Specialists are on hand to brew a cuppa by the bar, including a latte where you’ll see a motif of the ION Orchard boutique atop creamy foam. A soothing palette of rich coffee browns and crema-inspired golds are subtle nods to coffee and its origins, just as sleek lamps come inspired by those at actual coffee bean sorting tables.
On the sustainability front, we get textured table tops that are, interestingly, crafted with used coffee grounds from the Nespresso factory in Switzerland, alongside recycled aluminium shelves and wood that has been sourced from reforestation programmes. And finally, for a local touch, the boutique is also home to ‘Imaginary Orchids’, a colourful art piece by Chee Sau Fern of blooming orchids carefully handcrafted from used Nespresso coffee capsules — surely, a reminder that we can be just as creative when upcycling everyday objects.
[click on the images below to expand.]
At #B1-34, ION Orchard.
You must be logged in to post a comment.