A note from guest editor Tan Kheng Hua

When I was a little girl in the ’60s and ’70s, my mother would bring me to Hilda’s, an iconic fabric store along Orchard Road, Singapore’s main shopping street, and she’d allow me to choose my own paper dress pattern. When we got home, she would head straight for the sewing machine, and I’d have a brand-new party frock by evening.

She didn’t know it then, but my mum inadvertently helped me develop my own taste in fashion. It was through these experiences that I learnt to be confident about my clothing choices, and not to let trends, prices or other people dictate what was stylish or suitable for me.

As an actor, I play all sorts of characters all the time. On the job, I enjoy the process of working with the creative team to develop my characters through wardrobe, hair, make-up, shoes and accessories.

But when I dress up, what I find most gratifying is telling Singapore stories. When I wear labels by Singapore fashion designers, I feel like I am extending this story to a wider audience.

I’m impressed by and proud of the Singapore fashion scene today. Our designers have come into their own, displaying confidence, self-sufficiency and unselfconsciousness in equal measure. I am honoured to share their talent with all of you in this guide.

You can also discover even more about the retail paradise that is Singapore, through the top recommendations by Singapore Airlines’ cabin crew throughout the guide.

Read on, explore and find out how you can tell your own story through what the local design scene offers.

Whatever your style or budget, I promise you that shopping in Singapore will prove to be an immensely rewarding experience.

SEE ALSO: Quality Singapore labels that are stylish and affordable

To go back to the Discover Singapore homepage, visit here. To find out more about Singapore’s fashion scene, go here.