Say what you will, but the experience of physically shopping in a brick-and-mortar store is one that remains hard to beat. Despite the industry-wide shift to e-commerce that has been conveniently attuned to cater to the consumer’s every need, there is an undeniable element of thrill and excitement one is able to glean from the physical experience that somehow goes amiss during one’s online shopping ventures. Whether it be the ability to whisk your way through your coveted selection in fitting rooms or the satisfaction derived from walking out of a store with a paper bag in hand. It is entirely understandable then, that the most recent talk of town has been none other than the physical store launch of Nordic cult label & Other Stories in ION Orchard.
Marked by a vivacious mood of versatile designs by means of its three different ateliers, namely Los Angeles, Paris and Stockholm, the garment offerings of the H&M-owned label ranges from bold, playful prints to more elevated and minimal silhouettes dreamed up for the chic city girl. And when compared to its well-established sister brand COS—that has already found its home in three physical outposts in Singapore—one can definitely imagine how & Other Stories seamlessly contributes to the style needle of the local landscape. Its emergence onto this side of the world is also hardly one that comes unprecedented, considering how loyal fans of the cult label have longed its occurrence, via a steady stream of orders placed online.
But as we bask in the descent of the Swedish retailer onto our shores, we can’t help but imagine a time when we can have all of our other favourite go-to labels within our immediate reach, by means of a physical store. Below, we round up a scintillating wishlist of all the brands we’ll wait on as we pore through their online catalogues, anticipating the day they decide to set up shop on our little island. For the uninitiated, we say happy browsing.
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Reformation
Setting the precedence for style and sustainability in one—Reformation is every summer girl’s dream. Known for their eco-friendly ethos and transparency surrounding the labour conditions of their workers, the LA-based label is a standout pick amidst many for their ability to produce a seemingly endless slate of flattering dress silhouettes, alongside their other ready-to-wear offerings. From floral frocks to vibrant hues, there’s something here for everyone that’s sure to bring you from a typical brunch with the Sunday squad to the evening dinner occasion.
Shop Reformation online here.
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Arket
Positing itself as a lifestyle destination, Arket is & Other Stories’s and H&M’s sister label: a high street brand that helms from Stockholm, Sweden. Its signature design needle is characterised by quality fabrics and considered details that imbue a mood of elevated functionality, effortless simplicity and the quiet of everyday life. Apart from womenswear, menswear and children’s wear, the lifestyle label also offers a range of homeware, travel accessories and all its physical outposts also house a cafe section. If anyone’s asking—it would be the whole package that we’re looking to have on our shores.
Shop Arket online here.
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Everlane
If you’re looking out for modern basics with an occasional vintage touch, Everlane is your girl. Also another one with an ethical approach when it comes to their labour management, the San Francisco brand has made its name known for simple, easy staples such as the essential white tee or a silky workwear shirt that clings in all the right ways. Yet they keep it fresh: infusing a touch of retro polo details or a ’90s cut of jean every now and then. On top of that, their sizes do run pretty large as well, making it a go-to for all those curvy women out there.
Shop Everlane online here.
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Re/done
A cult favourite label of the most fashion-forward—think Hailey Bieber, Kaia Gerber and Bella Hadid—it’s clear that Re/Done has undeniably made a name for itself amidst fashion insiders. The label’s main ethos initially focused on upcycling denim, especially vintage Levi’s, but has since expanded into a wider range of categories. Whilst not all of their clothes are upcycled anymore, they remain dedicated to sustainable and responsible methods, finding ways to incorporate recycled fabrics into their production instead.
Shop Re/Done online here.
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Assembly Label
What started off as a men’s fashion brand has since grown; and Assembly Label’s women’s line is quite possibly every minimalist’s dream. Born in Sydney and led by a capsule wardrobe concept, the garments embody the pared-back, coastal lifestyle of its people—in crisp, clean silhouettes. Of refined shirts with well-considered proportions and comfort-led essentials that speak of effortlessness in one’s everyday.
Shop Assembly Label online here.
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Oak + Fort
Where sartorial classics are thoughtfully reinterpreted for contemporary design. From denim essentials and oversized knits to breezy dresses, Vancouver-based label Oak + Fort is the ideal go-to for finding a good mix of both timelessly classic shapes and pieces playfully updated for a sense of bold, youthful energy. From short minis to cropped tanks, their collection also presents a summer-fresh range that’s ideal for our climate.
Shop Oak + Fort online here.
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Kowtow
We love a sustainable label when we see one. Committed to making a positive impact, the New Zealand-based label Kowtow subscribes to the use of renewable fibres for the production of clean designs: where silhouettes of a generous hand feel and considered details are met by nature-inspired prints—from dynamic florals to luscious hues.
Shop Kowtow online here.
