Explore the multicultural city through our latest Singapore: Inspiration City 2021 report, in which WGSN’s data researcher Alison Ho shares her top picks in innovations and creativity.
Despite being a small city state with a vibrant mix of locals and expats, Singapore is a must-watch as an Asian powerhouse. Long known for its excellent infrastructure, the city’s biophilic architecture is one to watch in its push for sustainability.
Retailers to watch include The Furniture Centrum, which takes virtual visual merchandising to new levels and showcases in-scale 3D graphics of each piece of furniture in a virtual showroom. This Humid House is a must-know tastemaker that creates sustainable and one-of-a-kind floral installations for many luxury brand events and interiors.
Hyperlocal is a rising theme within Singapore’s creative retail scene. Bras Basah Complex is a community retail space that highlights Singapore’s local heritage with secondhand book shops, quirky collector stores and galleries. Skin+Bone is a streetwear label inspired by the designer's childhood memories of the city and taps into nostalgia.
As a melting pot of Southeast Asian culture, Singapore encourages new food and drink ideas. Non-alcoholic pairings have been emerging in local restaurants, such as Restaurant Zén, Preludio and Cloudstreet. Mama Diam is another local-leveraging idea – a speakeasy that pays homage to small mom-and-pop shops (or mama shops as they are colloquially known). Its facade of old-school snacks, magazines and CDs of yesteryear creates photogenic moments.
Beauty and wellness concepts are disrupting the traditional beauty scene. Ease Healthcare transforms Asian female health and wellness through its virtual women’s health services and ést.lab takes a science and tech-based approach to its products.
The art scene of this once conservative city is slowly stepping into the spotlight, with younger generations questioning old ways. Art Commune Gallery, specialising in Singapore’s contemporary visual art, is passionate about fostering art literacy in the city, whereas Gillman Barracks is a contemporary art cluster set in a former military barracks and home to a number of art galleries.
If you’re a WGSN subscriber, get inspired by the vibrant city via our Singapore: Inspiration City 2021 guide. Live now on the site.