Since its inception in 2020, SPADES has quickly solidified itself as a go-to shopping haunt for the Singaporean youth, cementing itself as a pillar within the burgeoning fashion community. With its diverse selection of emerging designers both local and regional, the bustling multi-label store has been well-received to say the least, and have played an undeniable role in spearheading the recent influx of concept stores popping up islandwide. “We have always felt that Singapore needed something more for the community; an outlet with greater outreach than everything else on our shores,” shared the team in a previous interview with Vogue Singapore back in 2022.
Fast forward four quick years, and unfortunately all good things must come to an end. Earlier this month, the SPADES team announced on Instagram that the retail space would be closing after four years of operations, with a clear-out sale and farewell party on the 18th of May. “It was a great feeling. The farewell party was, more than anything, a celebration of our time in the space. We saw people that have been to every single one of our events and customers that had never been to the store before,” remarks the team. “We’re glad they managed to create a memory at SPADES for the last time.”
Now looking back, the team reflects on its never-changing ethos: “We have always seen SPADES as not just a concept store, but a low-risk incubator for local designers. We’ve taken on the challenges of rising cost and rent, and have always looked to provide a platform and sanctuary for young creatives to showcase their works within a collective space.”
Looking ahead, the team is optimistic on the current landscape of the industry here. “Good things take time to grow, and our creative scene is nearly getting there. We hope that SPADES has provided a glimpse of the untapped potential that Singapore has, and we hope this fiery passion never dies out. Most importantly, we hope that the youth of today do not conform to international archetypes, and instead create something that they can truly call their own.”
While this marks the end of a significant run, members from the team will still be pursuing individual creative endeavours. “Our own brands Cherub & Flipside will be putting out more things now that we have the time, and interested parties can definitely stay connected with us there.” As for if there would be a possible revival of SPADES in the future? “No plans. See you if we ever see you again, if not, thank you for making our dream come true.”
Below, Vogue Singapore takes a trip down memory lane and revisits several of the most memorable community events held in the multi-label store.
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SPADES Archive Weekend
The first major community event hosted by SPADES, Archive Weekend saw a collaboration between the concept store and several local collectors and also marked the very first archive event in Singapore. Featuring many historic pieces from legacy brands such as Comme Des Garçons, Undercover and Helmut Lang, the event illustrated the store’s diversity in catering to consumers from all facets of fashion.
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Art@SPADES
In an effort to expand their reach and showcase more of what the local design community has to offer, Art@SPADES spotlighted the works of 13 emerging creatives, ranging from acrylic painters to tie-dye artists. An amalgamation of unbridled creativity and expression, the event closed with an exclusive live performance by movement artist Josh Tirados and musician Mervin Wong.
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NOISE
Perhaps the biggest hit and what the community would miss the most, SPADES NOISE was a music-themed event that featured local DJs and indie bands. From Halloween parties to electric raves, NOISE served as a celebration—and a safe space—of the vibrant underground music scene that has been slowly growing through the years.
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Anniversary Hangout II
Held at its two-year mark since SPADES’s grand opening, the second Anniversary Hangout saw tasty beverages and bakes from local cafe and roasters Bloom Coffee, accompanied by tunes from local artist Matty Judah. Alongside, there were new brand offerings and exclusive store merchandise available for all attendees to shop.
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SPADES Exhibition: Wong Kawaii
An ode to the famed Hong Kong director Wong Kar Wai, SPADES Exhibition: Wong Kawaii was a month-long affair that saw art and consumer culture come together. Featuring a gallery that composed of bold installations and various products inspired by Kar Wai’s iconic visual stylings, the space made for a fun and casual outing for film and art buffs.
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SPADES Garage Sale
In a similar vein to other preloved clothing pop-up events, SPADES Garage Sale sees various creatives and artists come together to sell pieces from their own wardrobes, offering a wide range of clothing and accessories to choose from. Held over the span of two weekends, each week sees a different set of six to eight vendors, each selected for their distinct personal style and aesthetic.
