'One day you're in, the next day you're out' is the famous quote repeated by Heidi Klum on every episode on Project Runway as she gives the hopeful contestants a dose of reality when it comes to the business of fashion.
That same sentence proves especially true in Singapore where over the past few years, so many home-grown labels have come and gone, mainly for not being able to turn their brand into a viable business.
So when two young and talented Singaporean designers come together and build a success story over the span of just two years, they must have been doing something right.
The duo - namely Sven Tan and Kane Tan - who were previously the designers behind the beloved local label AllDressedUp, have decided to continue their journey independently after the later closed down and lunched their brand IN GOOD COMPANY (IGC) which is now one of the most celebrated and successful local labels around.
Last week marked another milestone in their journey: the launch of their first flagship store - at ION Orchard nonetheless. Obviously, I couldn't be happier!!!
Previously stocked only at multi-label stores like Tangs, Keepers, Front Row and Kapok (in their Singapore and HK outlets), IGC now boasts its own flagship store, which is already one of my favourite retail shops in the city and a must-visit for every style-savvy woman who happens to be in Singapore.
Apart from being a retail store, the 3,300 sq. ft. space which is superbly designed, also has its own Deli-style café set in collaboration with Plain Vanilla Bakery - making it a perfect one-stop shop to spend a Saturday afternoon.
Yummy desserts, good coffee and creative fashion... what more could I ask for?
Already addicted to the place - yup, I couldn't help put indulge in some retail therapy last weekend - I love that the shop is located in the midst of ION Orchard which is the busiest of all Orchard Road - and Singapore's - shopping malls.
While I previously favoured hidden locations like quirky Haji Lane and hipster mecca Tiong Bahru, I think this particular location in not only more convenient for most people, but it also places the label in a more visible environment which is crucial for it to continue to be sustainable as a business.
Now onto the clothes!
As much as I love quirky - and crazy - fashion, I have been leaning lately towards a more minimalistic approach to fashion (age has probably got to do with it ;-)).The appeal of IGC is in its restraint, modern tailoring which favours a flowy and comfortable fit with interesting details - just enough to make it stand out from the generic and boring and elevate it to the elegant and contemporary.
No wonder the label has become a favourite among the sophisticated 30 and 40-something crowd who are looking for fuss-free yet stylish outfits to seamlessly take them from work to play.
Good design and flattering cuts aside, it is the the execution and attention to detail (and choice of fabrics!!!) what IGC has mastered when other equally young labels still struggle with the production aspect of the business. No fraying threads and cheap tailoring here!
While neutral and sombre colours feature heavily in their collections, IGC has recently started experimenting with daring pops of colours - including a striking shade of neon pink which I couldn't resist, and sported while hosting Digital Fashion Week last November. But for those who are less daring, the pieces featuring interesting layering of colours (black, neon pink and electric blue) are certainly not to miss for their perfect balance of playful and smart dressing.
IGC's womenswear line is not their only hit. Statement accessories which complement the simple designs of the clothes are also some of the brand's signature and best-selling items, and their Mini Me line for 3 to 8-year-old girls is just too cute! Kinda reminds me of Harper Beckham - but slightly more cheerful colours.
On a side note, I have to say that after a two-year hiatus on this blog, I'm so happy that my comeback has coincided with this occasion as success stories like this is what inspired me in the first place to start blogging, And it's not the only one!
In the coming few weeks, I'll be back to talk about more places which have popped up around the city and are now proving that Singaporean designers have what it takes to become household names and carve their success stories, next door to big designer labels in the middle of the city's prime shopping district.
And trust this fashionista - this is one store you don't want to miss on your next shopping trip in Singapore!
In Good Company flagship store is located at ION Orchard #B1-06, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801(opening hours 10.30am – 9.30pm daily).
That same sentence proves especially true in Singapore where over the past few years, so many home-grown labels have come and gone, mainly for not being able to turn their brand into a viable business.
So when two young and talented Singaporean designers come together and build a success story over the span of just two years, they must have been doing something right.
The duo - namely Sven Tan and Kane Tan - who were previously the designers behind the beloved local label AllDressedUp, have decided to continue their journey independently after the later closed down and lunched their brand IN GOOD COMPANY (IGC) which is now one of the most celebrated and successful local labels around.
Last week marked another milestone in their journey: the launch of their first flagship store - at ION Orchard nonetheless. Obviously, I couldn't be happier!!!
Previously stocked only at multi-label stores like Tangs, Keepers, Front Row and Kapok (in their Singapore and HK outlets), IGC now boasts its own flagship store, which is already one of my favourite retail shops in the city and a must-visit for every style-savvy woman who happens to be in Singapore.
Apart from being a retail store, the 3,300 sq. ft. space which is superbly designed, also has its own Deli-style café set in collaboration with Plain Vanilla Bakery - making it a perfect one-stop shop to spend a Saturday afternoon.
Yummy desserts, good coffee and creative fashion... what more could I ask for?
Already addicted to the place - yup, I couldn't help put indulge in some retail therapy last weekend - I love that the shop is located in the midst of ION Orchard which is the busiest of all Orchard Road - and Singapore's - shopping malls.
While I previously favoured hidden locations like quirky Haji Lane and hipster mecca Tiong Bahru, I think this particular location in not only more convenient for most people, but it also places the label in a more visible environment which is crucial for it to continue to be sustainable as a business.
Now onto the clothes!
As much as I love quirky - and crazy - fashion, I have been leaning lately towards a more minimalistic approach to fashion (age has probably got to do with it ;-)).The appeal of IGC is in its restraint, modern tailoring which favours a flowy and comfortable fit with interesting details - just enough to make it stand out from the generic and boring and elevate it to the elegant and contemporary.
No wonder the label has become a favourite among the sophisticated 30 and 40-something crowd who are looking for fuss-free yet stylish outfits to seamlessly take them from work to play.
Good design and flattering cuts aside, it is the the execution and attention to detail (and choice of fabrics!!!) what IGC has mastered when other equally young labels still struggle with the production aspect of the business. No fraying threads and cheap tailoring here!
While neutral and sombre colours feature heavily in their collections, IGC has recently started experimenting with daring pops of colours - including a striking shade of neon pink which I couldn't resist, and sported while hosting Digital Fashion Week last November. But for those who are less daring, the pieces featuring interesting layering of colours (black, neon pink and electric blue) are certainly not to miss for their perfect balance of playful and smart dressing.
IGC's womenswear line is not their only hit. Statement accessories which complement the simple designs of the clothes are also some of the brand's signature and best-selling items, and their Mini Me line for 3 to 8-year-old girls is just too cute! Kinda reminds me of Harper Beckham - but slightly more cheerful colours.
On a side note, I have to say that after a two-year hiatus on this blog, I'm so happy that my comeback has coincided with this occasion as success stories like this is what inspired me in the first place to start blogging, And it's not the only one!
In the coming few weeks, I'll be back to talk about more places which have popped up around the city and are now proving that Singaporean designers have what it takes to become household names and carve their success stories, next door to big designer labels in the middle of the city's prime shopping district.
And trust this fashionista - this is one store you don't want to miss on your next shopping trip in Singapore!
In Good Company flagship store is located at ION Orchard #B1-06, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801(opening hours 10.30am – 9.30pm daily).
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| I couldn't resist the bold neon shade of this IGC dress - worn here at Digital Fashion Week 2014 - while my gorgeous co-host Yvette King sports a beautiful creation also from the label. |