Founded by the sharp-witted sexagenarian Lee Woon Chiang, Uncle Ringo can be said to be Singapore’s pre-eminent – and longest-standing – carnival specialist that’s been bringing pop-up fun fairs to neighbourhoods all across the country since 1984.

Cotton coat and leather derby shoes, Alexander McQueen. Brass and crystal necklace, Givenchy. Gloves throughout, stylist’s own

Two years ago, it took over a sprawling 15,000 sq ft space on the multi-purpose site of the youth and community-focused non-profit organisation Social Innovation Park dubbed Social Entrepreneurship and Eco-park Development (or Seed for short) in Punggol.

Viscose-blend boucle top, and matching pants and mules, Bottega Veneta

New world fantasy: Among the most popular attractions on Uncle Ringo’s site at Seed are the animatronic dinosaur figures and sculptures of mythical creatures such as unicorns scattered throughout.

Viscose dress and viscose-blend turtleneck top (worn as innermost layer), Balenciaga. Cotton and nylon knit top with feathers, Salvatore Ferragamo

Two years ago, it took over a sprawling 15,000 sq ft space on the multi-purpose site of the youth and community-focused non-profit organisation Social Innovation Park dubbed Social Entrepreneurship and Eco-park Development (or Seed for short) in Punggol.

Cotton-blend sweater, lace and fishnet dress, silk slip and leather boots, Burberry

Linen dress, Loewe. Leather loafers and cotton socks, Prada. Tights, stylist’s own

It’s a small world: According to a representative of the Social Innovation Park, there are plans to increase the attractions on Uncle Ringo’s site at Seed to make it an “inclusive social playground where families, the young and the old can gather to experience a vision of a sustainable and mindful world through play”.

Triacetate-blend jacket, embroidered polyester dress, embroidered tulle gloves, viscose-blend socks and studded leather pumps, Givenchy. Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello satin lace briefs, Saint Laurent

For now, there’s the ferris wheel – one of the few rides that can accommodate both adults and children (one each in each of its hot air balloon-shaped cars) – that reaches a relatively friendly 6m at its peak.

Silk dress and beaded glass necklace, Dries van Noten

Much of Uncle Ringo’s romantic charm stems from founder Lee’s dedication to keeping things traditional. The models of all of its rides that include six carousels, for example, are intentionally retro. Says Lee: “Just like how a merry-go-round moves, carnivals like this keep bringing to people lots of fun and happiness.”

Viscose jacket and matching vest, silk shirt and matching necktie, tweed pants, cotton socks and rubber sandals, Gucci

The show must go on: Uncle Ringo spent most of 2020 shut due to the pandemic, but bounced back this April (it usually opens Thursdays to Sundays, 5-9pm; for updates, visit its Instagram account @uncleringoclub).

Polyamide-blend swimsuit, Louis Vuitton. Leather slingback pumps, Salvatore Ferragamo. Corset, stylist’s own

For all the flux it faces, its mission remains, says Lee: “To bring fun and happiness to families and to promote kindness.”

Cotton-blend patchwork jeans and matching boots, Dolce & Gabbana

Photography Stefan Khoo, assisted by Alif Styling Damian Huang, assisted by Nicole Fong Hair Sean Ang, using Kevin.Murphy Makeup Clarence Lee, using M.A.C Cosmetics Model Kaigin Yong/Now Model Management Special thanks to Social Innovation Park (50 Punggol East)  & Uncle Ringo 

This article first appeared in FEMALE‘s June 2021 Fashion Activity Book