The day of hearts is just around the corner and this year you can make a difference by choosing from thoughtful gifts that are not only sustainable – they also carry a special piece of Singapore Airlines history.
Since the airline launched The Upcycling Project in August last year, with the hope of breathing new life into parts and materials from retired commercial aircraft, its creative collaborators have come up with many clever ideas and repurposed them into products such as bags, furniture, fashion apparels and accessories.
From a kimono fashioned out of bed linen to a wallet using materials from a life vest, here are one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day gift ideas to show your special someone how much you care for them.
Kimono
This beautiful kimono, upcycled from Singapore Airlines’ bed linen by fashion brand Photo Phactory, will feel like a warm hug on your partner’s body. Perfect for lounging at home or covering up on a beach honeymoon, the robe’s design is inspired by the Little Red Dot’s cultural heritage, with printed motifs and patterns of Peranakan tiles.
Passport and book sleeve
Look forward to future travel adventures with your special someone with this A6-size field note and passport sleeve that can hold both a passport and boarding pass, as well as cards and paper bills. Handmade by the Society for the Physically Disabled artisans, it is made with upcycled leather from retired Business Class seats and can be customised with hot-stamped names in gold or silver foil, so you can make it his and hers. Make it a grand gesture by pairing your purchase with an accompanying soft-cover, A5-size leather book sleeve.
Long wallet
Make your sweetheart – and their valuables – feel secure with this long wallet upcycled from actual Singapore Airlines life vests. Created by Singapore brand Tocco Toscano, this bright and cheerful accessory has plenty of spacious compartments and card slots to store cash, keys and more. Lined with vegan leather derived from apple pomace and peel, it also has a magnetic pull tab to secure the zipper.
Hugger headrest
A good partner is always there to comfort and support their main squeeze whenever it’s needed – just like this hugger headrest by design firm ipse ipsa ipsum. Originally used on Singapore Airlines Economy Class cabins, this headrest has been given a new lease on life by reupholstering it with genuine leather. Added elastic bands help attach it to an office chair.
Waist pouch
Plan a slow and leisurely walk to catch the sunset with your partner this love month, and stash a miniature bottle of bubbly and a flower in this beautiful upcycled waist pouch that has been created from Singapore Airlines life vests. A collaboration with Singapore Fashion Runway, a social enterprise that assists both young people with special needs and disadvantaged groups, a purchase of this item will truly be a gift that keeps on giving.
Stylo Milo Cart
Raise a glass to love with this stylish bar cart that’s been upcycled from a Singapore Airlines galley cart by design firm ipse ipsa ipsum. Available in half size and full size, both have hanging glass racks and shelves that can be adjusted to fit any bottle height. Decorated in Peranakan-inspired bone in-lay, the Stylo Milo Cart also doubles up as a stylish design piece to brighten up any love nest.
Tableware
Surprise your darling with a candlelit dinner at home and serve your homecooked meal on this minimalist plate by lifestyle store Supermama. Originally launched with the inaugural A380 flight in 2007, items in collection will be released in phases and includes bowls, plates, cups, saucers and mugs, with designs ranging from an airline seat map to the window view from inside the aircraft.
Placemats, coasters and table napkins
Brighten up your table – and your soulmate’s mood – with these colourful placemats upcycled from retired table linen from Singapore Airlines. Make your own sweet Sunday brunch at home and pair this placemat with a separate purchase of mandarin orange coasters and table napkins – all made by souvenir designers Photo Phactory.
Tunic Dress
Is your spouse a practical woman? Then she would love this reversible dress that can be worn from the front or the back, in the style of a tunic neckline or Sabrina neckline. This loose-fitting, free-size dress by fashion brand Ans.Ein uses lurik, a traditional hand-woven fabric from Southeast Asia, and features puff sleeves with ruffles made from the Singapore Airlines life vests.
Tote bag
If you and your sweetheart enjoy weekends on the beach, she will love this chic and reversible tote bag by souvenir designers Photo Phactory. It is upcycled using retired passenger seat covers from Singapore Airlines, which helps keep it dry in case of rain. Inspired by the cultural heritage of Singapore, the design on one side pays homage to the motifs and patterns of Peranakan tiles while the other side showcases the design of the seat cover.
Check out the entire range of unique products available on sale from The Upcycling Project on KrisShop here.
