It seems everywhere I go in Singapore, I keep stumbling upon more and more cool accessories labels popping up from this little island. And of course I'm not complaining :-)
My latest of which is Midnight in the Garden, a vibrant hand crafted accessories label by local art teacher Ade G., who decided to turn her hobby of assembling jewellery trinkets into a small business and most importantly share her creations with the rest of us.
Stocked at one of the coolest accessories shop in town – What Women Want in Mandarin Gallery – I first spotted the label last summer and was drawn like a magpie to the vibrant colours and quirky designs in her collections which stand out immediately. So it came no surprise when I learned that the designer is influenced by her art training and through combining different element, she tries to play with unconventional compositions to create something very individual about her style.
 |
| I love the chic with a twist look of this gorgeous necklace, hand-made by art teacher Ade for her label 'Midnight in the Garden' |
 |
| And some bang on trend colourful rings for summer! |
Designing from the heart is Ade’s ethos and every piece on display testifies to her passion which led her to discontinue her label two years after it launched in 2005 due to the lack of inspiration and pressure of the business aspect of it. She has only started designing again last year after feeling finally ready to take it on again. But despite being stocked at various boutiques around town, Ade has yet to launch an official website for her label and keeps it rather personal by up-keeping a blog to update her customers on any new pieces she makes.
And just like an artwork, every piece from ‘Midnight in the Garden’ is unique and usually one of a kind, handmade by Ade who uses material such as semi-precious stones, trinkets, gold plated and silver plated findings and assembles them into beautiful masterpieces ready to be adorned.
 |
| Items from Midnight in the Garden' displayed at Singapore's accessories hotspot What Women Want in Mandarin Gallery |
My favourite pieces from her recent collections have to be the Sugary necklaces featuring turquoise beads, titanium-coated raw crystal and 14k gold plated findings. The result is quirky and elegant at the same time.
Second up is her e Edge collection which features brass cubes with trapped drusy titanium stones in the middle, and comes in form of necklaces, rings and bracelets. I absolutely love the contrast between the geometry of the cube and the raw and rough shape of the stone within! Shows Ade's skills as a composition artist indeed!
 |
| A stunning necklace from Sugary collection! |
 |
| e Edge collection features some more beautiful clashing pieces yet a bit more understated! |
However the most fun has to be her newest collection entitled 'Cotton Dreams' which explores shapes even more and add some different materials like white coral, raw crystals and insanely colourful mate coated crystal glass beads for a great eclectic feel.
So if you’re looking for that perfect summer statement necklace to add onto those minimal on-trend blouses this season and make your whole look pop, you might as well get something made locally by an artist, affordable and most importantly a one-off piece which you won’t spot anyone else sporting it in your neighbourhood!
Midnight in the Garden pieces range from S$39 for earrings up to S$189 for a necklace and is available at the following stockists:
What Women Want @ Mandarin Gallery
Editor’s Market Avenue @ Orchard Central
Midnight in e Garden @ Far East Plaza
Viera @ Parco Next next
Editor’s Market Avenue @ Orchard Central
Midnight in e Garden @ Far East Plaza
Viera @ Parco Next next
 |
| Some neck candy from the Candy Dreams collection which is all about colours and interesting shapes. Love it! |
 |
| More from Candy Dreams collection. |
 |
| And here's something for bling lovers ;-) |
 |
| Some of Ade's earlier work featuring trinkets and various compositions of her findings... |
