Singapore’s fashion landscape is a vibrant tapestry, interwoven with multicultural influences, cutting-edge creativity, and a deepening commitment to sustainability. Once known primarily for luxury retail and international fashion imports, Singapore has emerged as a breeding ground for local designers who are pushing boundaries and redefining Southeast Asian style. As the world increasingly turns its gaze towards Asia, these home-grown labels are asserting their place on the global stage with compelling narratives and distinctive aesthetics.
This article highlights some of Singapore’s most influential designers and emerging talents, providing a closer look at the individuals and labels who are shaping the nation’s fashion identity today.
The Rise of Singapore’s Fashion Scene
Fashion in Singapore has evolved beyond functional dressing in a tropical climate. Today, it embraces a conscious blend of artistry, cultural heritage, and modern sensibility. The city-state’s fashion ecosystem has benefited from institutions such as LASALLE College of the Arts and Raffles Design Institute, which have produced many of its top talents. Moreover, platforms like Singapore Fashion Week and the Asian Civilisations Museum’s fashion exhibitions have offered critical exposure.
Government initiatives through DesignSingapore Council and Enterprise Singapore have also helped by supporting creative entrepreneurs, allowing small independent labels to flourish despite stiff competition from global brands.
Established Labels Making Waves
1. RAOUL – Timeless Luxury with Local Roots
Founded in 2002 by husband-and-wife team Douglas and Odile Benjamin, RAOUL quickly became a beacon of Singaporean luxury fashion. Though now on hiatus, its influence is deeply entrenched. Known for its polished tailoring and minimalist aesthetic, RAOUL was one of the first Singaporean labels to be stocked internationally—in high-end retailers such as Bloomingdale’s, Selfridges, and Harrods. Their collections, often inspired by architecture and geometry, resonated with working professionals seeking understated elegance.
2. Max.Tan – Experimental Elegance
A household name in Singaporean fashion circles, Max Tan is synonymous with avant-garde yet wearable design. His eponymous label, max.tan, founded in 2010, is lauded for its sculptural silhouettes, androgynous lines, and poetic minimalism. Tan often challenges gender norms, playing with proportions and volume in ways that echo Japanese deconstructivism. His designs have graced runways in Paris and Berlin, and he remains a staple at fashion trade shows across Asia and Europe.
Designers Bridging East and West
3. Ong Shunmugam – Modernity Meets Tradition
Founded by Priscilla Shunmugam in 2010, Ong Shunmugam has carved a niche by reimagining traditional Asian garments—such as the cheongsam and sarong kebaya—into contemporary fashion statements. The brand is known for its meticulous craftsmanship and bold reinterpretation of heritage textiles. Each collection is a cultural dialogue, blending elements from across the Asian continent. Ong Shunmugam’s designs resonate strongly with Singapore’s cosmopolitan women, and the label has even been featured in the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.
4. Time Taken to Make a Dress – Couture Craftsmanship
This bespoke label, launched by the talented duo Sharon Tang and Baoyi Wong, is renowned for its deep commitment to handcrafted couture. With an emphasis on process and patience, Time Taken to Make a Dress lives up to its name by creating custom gowns that celebrate individuality and artisanal detail. The designers also run a fashion atelier that nurtures new talent, positioning themselves not only as designers but also as educators within Singapore’s fashion ecosystem.
Sustainable and Ethical Trailblazers
5. ELOHIM by SABRINAGOH – Minimalism with Purpose
Sabrina Goh’s label, ELOHIM, explores the intersection of architectural form and personal identity. Launched in 2009, the brand is known for its sharp lines, clean palettes, and structural silhouettes. Goh is also a strong advocate for sustainability, incorporating organic fabrics and ethical manufacturing into her design ethos. Her collections speak to individuals who value quiet strength and understated power.
6. Matter Prints – Fashion for Change
While not a traditional fashion house, Matter Prints deserves mention for its ethical and artisan-led approach. Co-founded by Renyung Ho, the brand focuses on sustainable textile production, working with artisan communities across India to revive traditional block printing techniques. Its mission—to connect heritage and modernity through travel-friendly apparel—has made it a favourite among conscious consumers. Matter Prints exemplifies how fashion can be both beautiful and socially impactful.
Next-Gen Designers to Watch
7. Gin Lee Studio – Fluid Femininity
Founded by LASALLE graduate Gin Lee, this label emphasises versatile pieces for the modern woman. Known for its “LIVINGWEAR” philosophy, Gin Lee Studio promotes garments that adapt to the wearer’s lifestyle, offering both beauty and practicality. Lee often uses pleating and layering techniques to create movement and breathability, ideal for Singapore’s climate. Her innovative “Press On-Demand” system also minimises waste by making pieces only when they are ordered.
8. DEPRESSION – Streetwear Meets Subculture
Founded in 2006 by Andrew Loh and Kenny Lim, DEPRESSION started as a concept store and evolved into one of Singapore’s most distinctive alternative fashion labels. With its dark palette, theatrical designs, and subcultural references, the brand has cultivated a cult following both locally and internationally. Their work blurs the line between fashion and performance art, offering a stark contrast to the more minimalist ethos of other local labels.
9. Ying the Label – Watercolour on Fabric
Artist-turned-designer Ying Lim brings a painter’s touch to fashion with Ying the Label. Her collections feature prints based on her original watercolour paintings, printed onto silk, cotton, and other natural fabrics. Each piece is treated like a wearable canvas, resulting in truly unique garments. The label has found success among art lovers and individuals seeking statement pieces that tell a story.
Retail Platforms Supporting Local Fashion
Singapore’s fashion designers thrive in part due to platforms that promote and retail local creations. The Editor’s Market, TANGS at Tang Plaza, Design Orchard, and Zerrin (an ethical fashion platform) offer local labels a space to reach wider audiences. The government-backed Textile and Fashion Federation (TaFF) also plays a crucial role in driving industry growth through initiatives like The Bridge Fashion Incubator and Singapore Stories.
Design Orchard, in particular, is a game-changer. Located along Orchard Road, this hybrid space—retail shop, incubation centre, and co-working studio—acts as a launchpad for emerging designers. It offers visitors a curated experience of Singaporean creativity, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking locally designed fashion.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite growing recognition, local designers face numerous hurdles. High rental costs, limited production infrastructure, and a relatively small domestic market can make it difficult for labels to scale. Moreover, Singaporean consumers often favour international brands due to brand prestige or perceived quality.
However, a shift is underway. Gen Z and millennial consumers are more value-driven, prioritising authenticity, sustainability, and cultural relevance. Social media, too, has democratised fashion marketing, giving local designers direct access to their audience.
With international collaborations on the rise and events like Paris Fashion Week increasingly open to Asian designers, Singapore’s fashion scene is poised for greater visibility. The resilience, ingenuity, and creativity of its designers ensure that the industry will continue to thrive—on its own terms.
Final Thoughts: Why It Matters
Supporting local fashion isn’t merely a trend—it’s a commitment to cultural identity, ethical consumption, and community growth. Singapore’s designers are not just creating beautiful garments; they are telling stories, challenging norms, and building a sustainable future for fashion.
Whether you’re drawn to sculptural minimalism, handcrafted couture, or streetwear that speaks to rebellion, there’s a Singaporean designer out there whose vision aligns with yours. By embracing these local labels, we do more than update our wardrobes—we invest in the future of fashion, rooted in authenticity and innovation.
