Jalan Besar may be better known for its lighting shops and late night food options but in recent years, it’s quietly become a hotspot for all sorts of creative types and cafes – think of it as a creative “kampung” of sorts for the modern day.
Celebrating that spirit is 1KM – a four day event (October 5 – 8) this weekend that aims to invite the public on a walk to discover the rich trove of various creative disciplines and cafes in and around the Jalan Besar area.
From popular stalwart cafes such as Chye Seng Huat Hardware and The Refinery to private creative studios opening their doors to the public for the first time, there’s frankly a lot going over the four days – 21 events in total. Here, we’ve rounded up some of the ones that have caught our eye:
Unearth Asia is where you head to for artistic furniture and interior design products that aren’t run of the mill. Or even if you simply appreciate good design.
Jointly curated by Design Pier and Industry+ – the latter of which produces award-winning furniture and lifestyle products (read our profile of the company’s founder here), designed for Industry+ by local and Asian designers and entirely made in the region.
There will also be a talk by British-Japanese design firm Takenouchi Webb (they’re behind some of Singapore’s most distinctive restaurants and establishments, such as Whitegrass, Loof, Potato Head Folk and The White Rabbit).
Where: Industry+, 1A Tyrwhitt Road
When: Opening party on October 5, from 7pm – late.
Biro is a stand-out in Singapore’s menswear design landscape – founded by Singaporean brothers Keng How and Kage, all of their pieces are made in one part of Japan or another. I adore the label and its well-made designs and for the 1KM event, they’ll be showcasing their latest collection – all of which are made in Japan of course (the distinction matters to some people – myself included).
Japanese craftsmen from the Tokushima prefecture will also be on hand to explain the history, application and the usage of Japanese cedarwood (prized for its sweet-smelling wood) in its designs.
Where: Biro, Kitchener Complex Level 3
When: October 6, 7-9pm
Everyone knows Chye Seng Huat Hardware – they’re one of the earliest pioneers (in Singapore anyway) of the industrial-chic cafe movement. For the 1KM event, they’re inviting the public to join in a coffee-cupping session (i.e. where you observe the taste and aroma of a variety of coffee).
This time however, you can also expect to learn the backstory of three exotic types of coffee from different parts of the world – and take home a bag of coffee beans after the session.
Where: Chye Seng Huat Hardware, 150 Tyrwhitt Road
When: October 7, 11am – 12pm (opening reception)
How much: $45 per pax
Scene Shang is a popular homegrown Chinoiserie-chic furniture line by founders Pamela Ting and Jessica Wong – located along Beach Road, this is surely one of the prettiest furniture stores in Singapore – there is even a skylight that allows natural light to flood the store.
For the 1KM event, they’ll be staging a special installation with modern Asian teaware and accent table pieces that pays tribute to the traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn festival.
Where: Scene Shang, 263 Beach Road
When: October 5, 6-9pm
A creative studio that specialises in the art of creating sustainable environments using light, Light Collab has collaborated with Darak_An Attic of the Mind to hold workshops that teach participants to create their own light-based artwork using everyday materials. There will also be a roof-top party featuring the luminous (literally) artworks and a sharing session with the founder.
Where: Light Collab, 85 Maude Road, #03-01
When: Various times. Register for the workshops here.
One of the top architecture firms in Singapore, the award-winning WOHA (they’re responsible for SOTA School of the Arts, Bras Brasah train station and the eye-catching Parkroyal on Pickering hotel, among others), WOHA is coming up with its own line of homeware and furniture for the very first time.
If you’re a fan of their stylish works (who isn’t?), head down to The Refinery cafe for a session with WOHA co-founder Richard Hassell, who will be sharing on how the furniture line came to be.
Where: The Refinery, 115 King George’s Avenue #01-02
When: October 6, 3-4pm
How much: $10, including one drink
Like this? Check out Prada’s newly opened pop-up store in town that stocks limited edition merchandise, our recommendations on what to watch at Singapore’s most stylish film festival, the Design Film Festival and all the cool events to check out in October for all you cultural types.