Singaporean millennials are taking business into their own hands and curating products and experiences that toss convention to the wind. Here, the ones to know.
On the fickle runway of fashion, Sabrina Goh has steered her eponymous label towards greater heights. She bagged Elle Singapore’s Designer of the Year award in 2010 and was mentored by legendary Belgian-American designer Diane von Furstenberg. Today, her timeless, fuss-free pieces shaped by strong sculptural lines are carried by stockists in countries like Japan and the USA. Goh proves that homegrown fashion designers can hold their own against international establishments – a fact supported by her participation in Fashion Futures, a talent development programme in collaboration with the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers America.
Get the goods: Goh’s Capitol Piazza flagship channels indie vibes. Snag an asymmetrical crepe top or a Darth Vader cape dress from their respective exclusive Disney and Star Wars collab collections (above).
If you’re jonesing for new music and artists to discover, come hear – literally. Entering this vinyl den started by knowledgeable muso Tremon Lim, is to dive into an aural pleasure dome of more than 1,000 records. These cover everything from the hottest new albums to the obscure and out-of-print – think the first press of Nirvana’s landmark record In Utero. Even newbies without a record player are welcome, and will be patiently guided through how they can jumpstart their own collection.
Get the goods: Riding the sound waves of a nostalgic resurgence in LP records, both audiophiles and the curious will feel right at home choosing from Lim’s collection – which runs the gamut from Neo-folk to French Baroque pop.
Aside from the full range of manicures, pedicures and related treatments, social enterprise is also on the menu at this nail spa (above and main photo). Raised by a single mum, Monteiro dropped out of secondary school to help support her family. Her first job at a nail salon transformed into a lifelong passion for nail design, and she eventually became an advocate for underprivileged women in Singapore. A recipient of the 2015 President’s Challenge Social Enterprise Start-Up of the Year (Commendation), The Nail Social sponsors professional training for ex-convicts and single mums, some of whom work at the salon. In addition to encouraging sustainable self-sufficiency for underprivileged women, The Nail Social uses fair-trade products where possible.
Try it: On top of nearly 200 hues in regular and gel varieties, Halal options and foot massage are also available. Kick back with iPads loaded with movies, games and books, and enjoy treats from like-minded businesses such as Flour Power and Puro coffee and tea while you have your pedicure done.
At this yoga studio housed in a loft-like space, members enjoy complimentary use of the kitchen and juice bar, as well as shower facilities with toiletries by Belif and Benefit. You may recognise its creative director as one-quarter of popular local band The Sam Willows and her YouTube craft channel The DIY Project, but it’s her trademark Triple Threat Bootcamp (yoga, calisthenics and high intensity interval training) that really gets hearts pumping. Tang’s position on yoga is founded on principles of strength, flexibility and stamina, and driven by uplifting messages of self-acceptance and body positivity.
Try it: Passes starting at S$199 for 10 classes offer access to nine other programmes, from Back to Basics to more specific Ashtanga and Hatha yoga. There are also 10- and 50-hour immersion courses for more serious yogis.
This story first appeared on www.silverkris.com
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