This document provides recommendations and information for shopping for clothes in Singapore. It begins by addressing common concerns like determining clothing sizes. It then provides recommendations for local boutiques and designers to visit like Abyzz and Cayen, which offers bespoke and custom clothing. Online shopping options are also mentioned. The document aims to ease worries about shopping in Singapore and provide local knowledge on the best places to find fashion deals and unique items.

1. 24 Singapore American
August 2009 W E LC O M E B AC K / TO S IN G A P O R E
Are you a shopaholic?
Andrea Claire knows how to fulfull your wardrobe needs
I have been in the fashion industry for 20 years now
and coming to Singapore, from a fashion perspective,
was exciting for me. Asia has had a huge influence
over the fashion industry for many years. I have
worked with many talented designers, models and
photographers who have traveled in and around Asia,
returning to North America with images and stories
that I envied. Now it was my turn...
A
s a shopaholic, I must confess I have gotten (email.faz@gmail.com), a Singaporean fashion personal style, lifestyle and age. We take the time to
to know my way around Singapore – well, stylist/editor who knows her way around a mall and find out exactly what our customers want and work
the malls and boutiques anyway. I can say is very connected to all the fashion showrooms, has with them to develop their own personal style. Our
with great fashion authority that after two years of a gifted fashion eye. Collecting a folder of images of custom design and style service together with our
countless shopping research (don’t tell my husband), your likes and dislikes will help a stylist get a better huge stock of amazing fabrics enable us to provide
I can officially share with you the deals, steals and understanding of who you are and what you are the perfect style solution.”
must-haves. Hopefully in sharing this information looking for, and streamline your time with her. “At Cayen, we do much more for you than just
I can also ease any trepidation you may be feeling make clothes that fit. One of the ways we add value
about shopping for clothes in Singapore. Have credit card - will order is by helping you to build a stylish wardrobe in a way
One question you may be asking yourself is, “how Another option – ONLINE. There are many that is both practical and innovative - the capsule.”
do I know what size to buy?” Fear not. companies from various countries that will ship to The capsule is an integral part of good wardrobe
I’ll never forget my first Singapore experience Singapore. Contact some of your favorites or surf planning and is essentially a mini-wardrobe of items
shopping in a boutique for that “je ne sais quoi” – for new ones. One of my repeat ‘go to’ online shops: that all mix and match. All stylists recommend a
French for, “I just want to buy something I don’t JCREW. My four letter word of choice to click capsule approach to building a cost-effective and
really need.” Scouring through racks of one-off* on here? S-A-L-E. The deals are nothing short of wearable wardrobe. A carefully planned capsule of
dresses and tops, I found some beautiful things that amazing! The JCREW quality is top-notch and often eight items can produce unique outfits for a two
had amazing details. Holding a sample DVF (Diane you can find a US$300+ dress for US$50. Think of week business trip.
Von Furstenberg), I was told that it was in Asian sizing all the money you save! For online orders, check out Cayen developed a unique service called Business
and that I was “too big, lah.” I quickly grasped that Singpost for how to ship to Singapore (www.singpost. Class in response to demand from clients who want
not all shop owners are created equal. As a woman com.sg). to have a career wear wardrobe that is easy to mix
who tends to be an average North American size 8, And now, as promised, some of my and match and also suitable for the tropical climate
I know that I do not require “the biggest size.” This and the rigors of business travel. The process begins
local shopping knowledge that I am
ego-busting statement may ring true in truly local with a consultation to find out about your lifestyle,
happy to share:
shops and sizing, but it is simply not the case in the work environment, role and the image you want
many chains that have opened here: Gap, La Senza,
Marks and Spencer, to name a few. Whatever size
Abyzz to present. Your preferences about clothing styles,
fabrics and colors also go into the mix. Using all
Gap clothes you wear in the U.S. or Canada you will Local designer Desmond Yang of this information, the Cayen team then designs a
wear the same size clothes from Gap in Singapore. ‘It has a timeless appeal while always embodying customized wardrobe capsule to meet your individual
Likewise, designers such as Chanel, DVF, Chloe, some refreshing twist.’ needs and look. Cayen also applies this unique capsule
Dior, etc., have their muses and house models from I recently was working on a shoot for ELLE and planning method to casual and evening wear.
whom they build their sizes. While sizes will vary we used one of Abyzz’ dresses. I loved it so much that Cayen’s enormous range of stunning fabrics is a key
from one designer to the next (as they do from one the next day I went to his store to purchase one. I differentiator. You will be blown away by the choice
chain to another), a given designer does not vary was amazed to see the details he considered for every they offer. Always aware of the special demands of
sizes from country to country; it is simply not cost item; each piece is more wearable art than say, a mere a hot and humid climate they stock thousands of
effective. If you find a Chanel sample size 6, it is a dress. Every so often you come across a designer that fabrics that are perfect to keep you cool - including
Chanel 6 and not an “Asian” 6. you know is special, and I encourage you to check lightweight wools and cottons for business and casual
out his boutique with his friendly staff and stunning wear and Chinese brocades, Italian silks and French
Stuck in a time warp and need help? collections – you won’t regret it. Visit his website at chiffons for that fabulous evening look.
If, despite the following list of places below to check www.abyzz.com.sg or the boutique at Isetan Scotts, Contact Carol by email at carol@cayen.com.sg or
out, you truly feel stuck here in Singapore for clothes, 350 Orchard Rd., Level 2 Shaw House. visit Cayen at 54A Club Street.
don’t fret as you do have other options. You can enlist
the help of a local stylist who can either shop with
you, or bring racks of clothes to your door. Fazillah
Cayen ALLDRESSEDUP
Bespoke wardrobe, affordable prices
and loads of places to go!
Ready-to-wear is not always easy. Cayen is a unique
*One-off is a term used for an item that is rare and fashion and styling boutique offering consultative ‘The spring summer 2009 collection finds perfection
original. In fashion it implies that it would be the only wardrobe planning and custom design and tailoring in imperfection, drawing on the elemental magic of
one like it. Some designers will have pieces that don’t services. Carol Randall, director of Singapore’s Cayen, the fleeting seasons, from the fresh bloom of delicate
make it into their collection, possibly due to lack of has taken personalized service to a new level. spring flowers to the stark colors of winter.’
interest from buyers or fabrics that did not come in on “At Cayen, we understand that all women are Colors range through the seasons, from spring’s
time, resulting in a unique garment. unique: with diversity of body shape, coloring, delicate hues, summer’s glowing citrus bursts,

2. W ELCO ME BACK / TO SI N G AP O R E Singapore American
August 2009 25
photo by Claire Voon
autumn’s earthy greens and maple browns to the
cool, pale tones of winter. Silhouettes are light and
Far East Plaza
the shopaholics dream
relaxed with textures combined with wrinkled fabric,
adding abstract dimension that suggests movement Don’t shy away from this regularly teen and local
and asymmetry. filled mall. Far East Plaza (at 14 Scotts Road) is shop
Two Singapore locations of ALLDRESSEDUP: after shop, styles, sizes and one-offs to suit all. Start in
on the second level at Isetan Scotts and at Paragon, the basement – a stylista’s paradise.
290 Orchard Rd., #02-37. Visit the website at www. One shop I adore, My Wardrobe, has cute cocktail
alldressedup.com. dresses where I found a LBD (little black dress). Ok, I
bought two, but they were just $45 each! A warning:
I did need to buy XL. I just cut the size tags out when
CHANGE I got home so the blow to the ego was minimized.
Lingerie from latest trends to basics The friendly staff here actually apologized to me that
Danish-designed lingerie, nightwear, swimwear, I had to try on larger sizes and reminded me that it
beachwear and sports bras - all in European cut - 65 was more ‘local’ sizing.
cm to 100 cm (UK sizes 30-44). The always-smiling,
cheery owner, Mette, is a firm believer in customer COTTON ON
satisfaction. “I have everything from a great everyday Cheap and cheerful casual cotton clothes that I highly
bra to a beautiful exclusive bra at very reasonable recommend you try on, as sizing can vary. Sadly, the
prices.” The quaint shop in Holland Village may not line for the changing rooms can be a nightmare. If
have loads of elbow room but, “we do our best to give you are like me and don’t have the patience to queue,
all our customers the best service, letting you try all shop early as the rooms seem to be quite free upon
styles and models possible for you.” store opening. FYI the shorts and t-shirts will stretch
At CHANGE they are dedicated to offering the out so choose wisely on the size and ignore opinions
best possible combination of design, functionality of your needing the biggest.
and price. Whether you are an A-cup or a J, you There are a number of locations in Singapore - visit
will find your fit here. Approximately every second www.cottonon.com for a complete list.
month, new colors and styles arrive with a yearly
offering of four different collections to choose from.
At Holland Village Road Shopping Centre #03-23 Other shops to check out:
(above Cold Storage). www.change.com Mphosis
Dorothy Perkins
CLUBMARC Zara
I recently spoke with the public relations department
at CLUBMARC who confirmed that their clothes
Mango
have been resized to fit the Asian body. Keep that TopShop
in mind, but don’t be afraid to shop at stores with River Island
more ‘local sizing.’ I personally am a US 8 and have
shopped successfully here. Some styles and fabrics Forever 21
naturally have a looser fit, thus having a broader ‘fit’
appeal. A point to note: CLUBMARC does carry P1
which stands for Plus 1, equivalent to XXL or a UK
16. Canadian hair and make up artist Andrea Claire
There are several locations in Singapore. Check recently left Singapore for Austin, Texas. Her website
out their website for details: www.clubmarc.com. is: www.aclairebeauty.com