Basheer has raised generations of creatives within its walls. Hidden on the fourth floor of Bras Basah Complex, its shelves are lined with a vast selection of books and magazines that run the gamut of art and design. Over the years, it has become a haven for the curious as they get lost in between shelves.
No copy is there by chance. Each book, issue and volume is personally hand-picked by the second-generation owner Abdul Nasser, whose discerning eye has shaped an expansive catalogue that leaves every visitor more fascinated than before.
Since its founding in 1892, Vogue has done the same. Sitting at the forefront of fashion, its pages of revolutionary image-making, sharp journalism and eye for fresh, new talent has earned itself authority over the sartorial world. Over time, its finesse for beauty, culture, entertainment and the arts has garnered a community of dreamers and luminaries.
In the same vein, Vogue Singapore has carried the torch in nurturing creativity, curiosity and technology in this corner of the world since 2020. For our sixth anniversary, we delve into the land of homes and interiors in our next editorial chapter: Vogue Living, complete with an in-book supplement. And what better way to celebrate than with a two-week takeover at Basheer? From 5 October, design, art and fashion in literary form converge, bringing our inaugural Living edition to life.
With a complimentary copy in hand, the natural next step is to head over to the Vogue-dedicated reading nook in the corner, courtesy of homegrown furniture brand Commune. Sink into the lush armchairs, rest your cuppa on the side table and while away the afternoon. After all, there’s plenty more to explore on the shelves beyond.
If you’re unsure of where to start, our October ‘The Artisanal Issue’ is undoubtedly a wise choice. For an insider’s pick or two, browse below for the Vogue Singapore team’s guide to the art, design and culture books worth taking home from Basheer Graphic Books.
1 / 14
Desmond Lim, editor-in-chief: Apartamento #35
“I’ve always enjoyed browsing through Apartamento‘s pages filled with authentic, lived-in spaces that carry personal narratives. With Vogue Living just around the corner, this will give me great inspiration!”
2 / 14
Nurul Firdousee, fashion features writer: Simone Rocha
“The girls love Simone Rocha. And by “the girls” I mean me. So, of course, I’ll gladly take any excuse to immerse myself in her dreamy little universe. A delicious feast of imagery, the book chronicles her first decade as a designer, accompanied by interviews featuring notable names she’s worked with. Being able to revel in her designs and take a peep into the mind behind them? Yes, please.”
3 / 14
Nicholas See, senior fashion stylist: Super Normal: Sensations Of The Ordinary
“A design and historical glossary of the mundane, everyday objects we are surrounded by. It highlights the great importance behind practical design thinking with case studies like Marcel Breuer’s Tubular steel side table, Dieter Rams’ 606 shelving system, and Joe Colombo’s optic alarm clock of 1970. A true visual treat for lovers of design thinking.”
4 / 14
Aileen Liang, beauty writer: The Essence - Discovering the World of Scent, Perfume & Fragrance
“The world of fragrance is full of intrigue. While we might instinctively know our way around it, fragrance has roots in science, culture and history. This volume explores the many facets of scents and perfumes, from the noses behind well-loved profiles to the vessels that contain them—which only deepened my appreciation for all things olfactory.”
5 / 14
Emily Heng, beauty editor: The Art of Kiki's Delivery Service: A Film by Hayao Miyazaki
“If there’s anything I’m super sentimental about, it’s a Miyazaki film; Kiki’s Delivery Service, in particular, is a comfort watch and I love revisiting its distinctive art style while also getting a peek into Miyazaki’s creative process.”
6 / 14
Agnes Shu, digital writer: What Becomes of a Legend Most: A Biography of Richard Avedon
“Truly one of the great masters of composition and light in recent times, Richard Avedon was a significant contributor not only to Vogue, but in shaping the very idea of how contemporary fashion photography could (and should!) be treated as an art form. Though Avedon certainly led an extraordinary life, it was not without its prejudices—and this biography offers one of the first intimate glimpses behind the curtain.”
7 / 14
Azrin Tan, associate digital editor: Guillermo del Toro: Cabinet of Curiosities
“The Faun! The Pale Man! To be known is to be loved, and I am forever indebted to Guillermo del Toro for his enthralling and haunting imagination. So to step into his Cabinet of Curiosities, peek into his mind, and discover the sketches, annotations, illustrations and art records behind the auteur’s ocean of work? A dream!”
8 / 14
Lok Man Lee, designer: Glossary of Undisciplined Design
“When do we question a design in terms of its “why” rather than its “how”?Amidst the plethora of design guidelines and established canons, this book pushes against the conventional structures of graphic design. Its unconventional storytelling and rebellious layouts were oddly refreshing, as it encourages us to question the status quo.”
9 / 14
Jason Thien, senior designer: Fruiting Bodies
“What better source of inspiration can there be than nature itself? The book reminds me to look closely at the organic forms, textures and rhythms around us. Nature is constantly growing, and evolving, offering endless inspiration through its beauty, imperfections, and quiet complexity.”
10 / 14
Gordon Ng, watches and jewellery editor: Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers - The Art of Reflection
“It’s probably cooler to recommend something artsy and fancy, but I honestly love the video game and film art books at Basheer. One of my dearest friends collects Final Fantasy art books, and they’re fabulous decor because when you see them in her home you understand at once what she’s into. Who cares if it’s a little nerdy, collect the things you love!”
11 / 14
Micah Phua, senior lifestyle writer: The Art of Destiny, Volume 3
“Some of my most cherished memories playing video games were made in Destiny 2. This art book is two things. First, it’s an incredible showcase of the unique, mythic world-building only the talented team at Bungie is capable of. Second, it’s a reminder of the power of community, a celebration of how Guardians—the player characters and defenders of the last remnants of humanity—have made their own fate since Destiny 1 released in 2014.”
12 / 14
Sophie Tan, lifestyle writer: Magazine F: Chicken
“I think it’s eye-opening to see how vast topics like race, religion, culture, politics and geography can be explored and examined through a humble ingredient found in every household.”
13 / 14
Alexis Teo, watches and jewellery editorial assistant: A Dictionary of Color Combinations
“I was given this book by a good friend of mine when I first moved into my new home because she knew I was planning to decorate my room. I love how it encourages you to look at colour combinations in unexpected ways, and I still find myself returning to it when I want to experiment with a new palette, especially when it comes to make-up or putting together an outfit.”
14 / 14
Lance Pielago, fashion stylist: Bloodborne Official Artworks
“I’ve been really into Bloodborne, Dark Souls and Elden Ring…and just the FromSoftware universe as a whole. One thing I think they do incredibly well is build these gothic, almost Victorian-inspired worlds with so much attention to detail, from the atmosphere and music right down to the characters and, most importantly, the concept art!”
