Nestled on the fourth-floor attic of a shophouse located along the bustling street of Tanjong Pagar Road, a new creative venture has slowly emerged to the forefront of the local landscape. Aptly named Upstairs Garments, the brick-and-mortar retail store opened its doors in March this year, and has quickly blossomed into a hotspot for industry insiders and fashion enthusiasts.
Boasting close to 150 pieces of archival garments across legacy designers such as Maison Margiela, Comme Des Garçons and Undercover, the store is managed by fellow archive lovers—and longtime friends—Adrienne Chrisdee, Ong Ker Hsien, Xavier Eger and Vegas Lee. Shares the group on their motivation behind launching a physical retail space: “Upstairs was born out of years of collecting clothing. We realised that we all had a similar passion for garments that told a story, and wanted to create a space where we could showcase these clothes meaningfully.”
The store interior is one that is homely and intimate, with racks lining the four walls of the space, each filled to the brim with clothing. Administrative and logistical responsibilities are evenly split amongst the four members, with each member having an equal say in the curation of the store’s items. “Our curatorial process is a team effort, we come together to discuss which pieces are fitting for the store, often putting it to a vote,” muses the group. “Each of us has a distinct style which parallels our curation, and that adds flavour to the selection. We believe that there is something for everyone here.”
Despite its early successes, running a small business certainly comes with its own challenges. “Given that everyone on the team is working or studying full-time, one of the main challenges we faced was balancing running the store with our other daily commitments,” the group admits. Managing logistics, tracking expenses and growing their social media presence were also hurdles the quartet had to overcome.
Eger, and Vegas Lee. Kiong Wei Zhong
Nevertheless, they remain ever-optimistic, driven by their common goal to make archive fashion accessible to wider audience. “People are definitely becoming more experimental and adventurous with their style today, but there is still plenty of room for growth”, the team notes. “While we may not be a fashion city, there should be more efforts to cultivate individuality, along with a deeper appreciation for the heritage and quality that archive garments bring.”
Below, the team speaks to Vogue Singapore on their store’s ethos, their experience with running a physical space and what they wish to see more of from emerging local businesses.
To the uninitiated, how would you define the ethos of Upstairs Garments?
If you look beyond the surface, Upstairs Garments is less about retail and more about cultivating appreciation. We see it as a safe space to explore, discuss, and develop a personal relationship with clothing and fashion. Our page serves as an open library for people to reference off from, and we hope to shed light on why certain pieces have been pivotal in shaping a designer or brand’s trajectory in fashion.
Who is Upstairs Garments’ target audience?
Anyone interested in fashion or curious about archival clothing is welcomed. We especially enjoy when people outside the fashion world visit, try things on, and learn about different brands and pieces—it’s rewarding to introduce them to this realm. We also aim to reach individuals beginning their fashion journey, helping them discover and appreciate new styles and designers they might not have encountered before.
“We see the store as a safe space to explore, discuss, and develop a personal relationship with clothing and fashion.”
Why a physical retail space instead of just an online one?
Having a physical space was partly luck, but it was crucial for us. A physical location allows for interaction that an online store simply can’t replicate. Customers can touch, feel, and try on garments, creating a deeper connection. We were inspired by how Japanese archive stores operate; they are always genuinely enthusiastic and actively encourage customers to try pieces on, with no obligation to buy.
What are several of the team’s favourite pieces in-store?
Current favourites in-store include an Undercover Autumn/Winter 2002 Witch’s Cell Division runway sample jacket, Maison Margiela-era painter pants (which recently sold), and several other sought-after pieces that appeared in runways.
If there is one reason someone should shop at Upstairs Garments, what would it be?
Community. Upstairs is more than just a store—it’s a space for people to connect over a shared love for fashion. While not everyone may wear the pieces we stock, we believe everyone can appreciate the stories and history behind them.
What would you like to see more of from emerging local businesses?
We would love for there to be more collaborations within respective industries. Businesses that share a similar ethos or products should embrace partnerships rather than viewing each other as competition. By fostering interconnected relationships, they can grow alongside one another and strengthen the community they are building. This collective approach not only benefits the businesses themselves but also creates a richer, more vibrant local scene that supports everyone involved.
Lastly, what can we expect to see from Upstairs Garments in the near future?
Our short-term goals include expanding our inventory to showcase more designers, including more budding and obscure labels, to cater to every taste. Long-term, we hope to open the store full-time and transform it into a creative hub, integrating art forms like music, woodworking, and more.
