Singapore’s biggest retail event of the year, Boutiques by the Pit Building, is back for another exciting edition. Held at the iconic F1 Pit Building from November 17th to 19th, the event will feature a wide array of brands showcasing their most delectable items. With over 300 local and regional brands participating, including 80 new vendors, this year’s event promises to be a vibrant showcase of fashion, art, and creativity.
In line with the Vogue Singapore Foundation’s ongoing mission to nurture local talent and place them on a global stage, Boutiques will have a dedicated booth for the Foundation. This space will spotlight three exemplary local designers: Project Coal, Studio Vetyver, and Denise Chong. Visitors can expect an immersive and educational experience that delves into the unique processes and techniques employed by each designer.
Project Coal, founded in 2014 by 30-year-old artist Crystal Lee, is a clothing brand that explores natural dyes through one-of-a-kind textiles and objects. The label crafts garments and accessories from natural fibers like cotton, linen, silk, wool, and hemp, each piece meticulously hand-crafted and imbued with plant-based extracts and pigments. This unique approach results in earthy tones and textures, each piece distinct and telling a story. Lee’s design philosophy emphasizes a slow, deliberate process that allows the canvas to breathe, reflecting her desire to create authentic and honest works.
Studio Vetyver, a womenswear and menswear label founded by Pit Firdaus Aris, blends contemporary styles with streetwear tropes. Unconventional design techniques are implemented in seemingly unassuming garments, such as a zero-waste twisted drape design that creates volume and asymmetry while maintaining a sustainable edge. Aris emphasizes the importance of craftsmanship as the foundation of design, encompassing not only technical skills but also a commitment to creative expression. His choice of fabrics reflects the environment, with each collection drawing inspiration from various spaces and landscapes throughout Singapore.
Denise Chong, a 24-year-old beadwork artist and jewelry designer based in Singapore, launched her namesake label in 2021 with her debut collection, ‘Intrigue’. The label creates occasion-wear garments with an emphasis on detail, utilizing unconventional materials to expose the skin in patterns and cutouts. Chong’s passion for quality materials and the weight of the final product is evident in each piece, meticulously sewn together using right-angle weaves. This painstaking technique exemplifies the dedication to craftsmanship that elevates her work, allowing her to create intricate details and unique pieces. Her secondary ready-to-wear line, Denise Chong Adornments, will be available at Boutiques, translating the conceptual ideas of her main label into elevated everyday garments and accessories.
Visitors can purchase some of the designers’ garments at the booths and have the opportunity to speak with these young creatives about their ethos and vision. Additionally, all visitors will have the chance to purchase Club Vogue merchandise and memberships. Club Vogue is Vogue Singapore’s exclusive membership program, granting access to the latest content and privileges across fashion, beauty, and lifestyle, as well as invitations to exclusive Vogue events. Each subscription supports local creatives, with a quarter of the annual membership fee going towards the Vogue Singapore Foundation.
Purchase a ‘Next in Vogue’ ticket and receive a complimentary ticket to Boutique Fairs (while stocks last). Learn more about the Vogue Singapore Foundation and subscribe to Club Vogue.
