Malls in Singapore are often accused of being cookie-cutter – but here’s one that’s doing something a little different – Paragon.
Cue an influx of four new stores: MCM, Stella McCartney, 45R and Brooks Brothers – each offering a different niche – MCM for fun and youthful designs, Stella McCartney’s sophisticated interpretations of sustainable fashion, 45R for a uniquely Japanese take on “slow fashion” and Brooks Brothers for preppy attire that’s everyday-friendly. Hardly cookie-cutter material.
Here, we break down Paragon’s new offerings:
Japanese label 45R is known for espousing a “slow” approach to fashion – they prioritise quality fabrics and hand-dyeing pieces in their signature indigo dye. For those who take a more conscious approach to consumerism, theirs is an idea place to start – the cloth is dyed up to a year prior to the final garment and with each wear, gradually acquires a patina unique to each wearer. The new Paragon store, the brand’s second in Singapore, is a 730 square foot space located on the second floor (#02-04/05) that’s decked out in distinctive wooden panels. Fans of the label will be glad to know that 45R’s designer Yasumi Inoue has designed an orchid-printed T-shirt that’s exclusive to Singapore.
Stella McCartney’s making the headlines for all the right reasons lately. Most recently, she dressed Meghan Markle, the new Duchess of Sussex, in a halter-style silk crepe gown for the royal wedding’s evening reception. Of course, McCartney is also best known for being one of the earliest champions of a sustainable and cruelty-free approach (she does not use fur or leather) to luxury fashion. The brand has just opened its second store in Singapore, a 1,160 sq ft space located on the first floor (#01-06) that will stock a T-shirt ($390) that was created exclusively for its opening.
American stalwarts Brooks Brothers is the reportedly the country’s oldest clothing label, having started in 200 years ago in 1818. Yes, their history’s a bit mind-boggling, especially when they’ve dressed everyone from former US president Barack Obama to regular guys on the street. Though best known for their men’s oxford and seersucker shirts, women were apparently so enamoured with the menswear offerings that they demanded that the brand make women’s wear way back in the ’40s. Today, the women’s wear collection is headed by none other than Zac Posen. The Brooks Brothers store is located on the second floor (#02-06/07), conveniently besides 45R.
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