Apart from the malls, 3 places to shop in Singapore

MANILA, Philippines – Singapore may be known for a lot of things– glorious food, family-friendly attractions, pulsing nightlife – but when conversation turns to shopping, you can be sure it’s never left out.

According to figures released by the Singapore Tourism Board, more than 15 million tourists stopped by the Lion City in 2013, and it’s a safe bet most, if not all, picked up a souvenir or three on their way home. 

The shops and malls on Orchard Road are the obvious first choice for serious shoppers, but there are other places to check out that carry out-of-the-ordinary and one-of-a-kind pieces. During the Singapore Grand Prix Season, for example, the country organized bazaars and events to complement the main attraction. 

Here are some of many options where you can go shopping in Singapore: 

SHOPtheMAG

ShopTheMag.com bills itself as “the world’s first luxury retail website dedicated to bringing you Asia’s top names in fashion.” It’s basically an avenue where budding fashion, jewelry, and accessories designers can showcase their merchandise to clients looking for something special. 

During Singapore GP week, SHOPtheMAG held a special showcase which featured five of the most talented up-and-coming designers in the region. Dubbed DESIGN05, the event was an opportunity for enthusiasts and serial shoppers to check out merchandise from the featured designers: Man Chien and Khoon Hoi from Malaysia, Koonhor and Covet Jewellery from Singapore, and Ze Quun from South Korea. The showcase also featured other items from the brands available at the SHOPtheMAG website. 

Take a look at some of what we saw: 

A selection of rings and necklaces from Indonesian designer Johnny Ramli

Malaysian designer Man Chien poses with her creations. She was one of the featured designers for SHOPtheMAG’s Design05 which put the spotlight on five rising talents in the region

(From top to bottom) Auspicious Cloud Necklace in white gold, Tree, Infinity Circle Necklace in white gold and 20 diamonds (.165 carats)

Necklaces, bracelets and cuffs on display at the ShoptheMag store

Infinity Rings (diamonds and colored stones)

Canvas tote bags from Man Chien’s Charpente collection.

Keepers Singapore Designer Collective

Located in the middle of Orchard Road, the Lion City’s shopping ground zero, Keepers Singapore Designer Collective gathers some of the country’s most talented designers and artisans from diverse disciplines. The idea is to provide a one-stop shop for these designers to reach consumers and present their wares.  

Over 50 artisans-slash-business proprietors are housed in a chic pop-up showroom at Orchard Green, just opposite Robinsons. If you think you’ve seen every inch of the shops at Orchard, Keepers will surprise you with an array of creative merchandise, from fashion and accessories, to architecture, homeware, and even fragrances and food. 

“It’s really an opportunity to showcase the wealth of Singaporean talent in different creative fields,” said Carolyn Kan, Keepers’ creative designer and jewelry maker. “It’s also a platform for [these] designers to meet each other and collaborate.” 

The pop-up store will be there until February 12, 2015. 

Here are some of the items that caught our eye: 

Hypergrand watches 

Biro leather cardholders 

Snakeskin bags 

Snakeskin wallets  

His and Hers bracelets 

Code Deco Artisan Perfumes 

Kimono print handsewn pocket squares 

Mandy Wu Jewellery. Freida necklace 

Zandra necklace

Mandy T Handcrafted Bodyscrubs 

Hidden Finds by Public Garden

Another pop-up concept is a retail market called Public Garden. Started in August 2011, it’s essentially a swanky tiangge where hundreds of vendors come together in different locations every month. When we visited, it was at an empty office space in the 12^th floor of the TripleOne Building, 111 Somerset Road.  

According to the website, this month, the next market day will be on February 7-8.

Like any tiangge, it could get a bit overwhelming as there are countless items to see and buy in all shapes and sizes, from personal body care and home items, to toys and clothes, pastries and beverages.

Check out these items we liked from the Hidden Finds by Public Garden market:

A selection of products from Bathe Basics

Dorohouse Terrarium 

Patty Paperie Patterned Envelopes 

Brille8.com glasses

Vintage “Terrible and Embarrassing” ties

The Weave Co. Notebooks, pillowcases 

For more information, visit shopthemag.com, keepers.com.sg and public-garden.com. – Rappler.com