Discover the New Meaning of Hippie Chic down Singapore’s Indie Mecca Haji Lane
Marching to the beat of its own drum since it quite literally sprang up overnight almost three years ago, the narrow alleyways down Haji Lane have come to symbolize all that is hippie chic in the shopper’s paradise that is Singapore. Offering visitors a pleasant alternative to the steel and glass mallscape filled with luxury, global brands, this quirky nondescript back street just minutes from Sultan Mosque is a fashion hub full of home ware shops and independent clothing boutiques.
There’s a lot more than PAM, Material Boy items and limited edition Nikes on offer when it comes to retail therapy down Haji lane. Classic handbags, chic accessories and darling purses are all the rage at Dulcetfig while vintage T-shirts and dresses are the hot picks at the House of Japan. Multi-hued skinny jeans and other denim delights on the other hand are found at Fantastik Antik although skater boys and girls prefer the flannel garbs on sale at Sup Clothing. A hotspot for all that’s cool, punk and hip hop, the blinged out hoodies, t-shirts and clothing designed exclusively by graffiti guru The Killer Gerbil are some of the hottest items at the venue. Having attracted fashionable rock goddess Gwen Stefani with its eclectic collection of rock star must-haves, the Blog Shop is a fashion forward store for feathery jewellery, canary miniskirts and hound’s-tooth handkerchiefs. Those in search of trendy button down shorts and other ultra chic items should head down to Know It Nothing which stocks high end indie labels such as Wrath Arcane.
Vintage jewellery of every conceivable shape and size is available at Suite Stuff while COL:LAGE specializes in insignia accessories that are easy on your wallet. Traditional garbs such as Indonesian batiks and Arabic abaya dresses are found at Hamzah Lucky Store. Linens and fine silks all the way from India and other fabrics at wholesale prices are available at Silkland Trading where elaborately embroidered silks are simply exquisite. Neon shaded shoelaces and graphic tees are the most popular items at White Room in addition to the much sought after Brispers by White Room House Collection.
Jam-packed with home idea stores and home ware galleries Haji Lane is the happy headquarters of the gleaming Pluck lifestyle store. Known for its breathtaking furnishings and multi-shaded drapes, this lifestyle magazine come to life is only rivalled by the Salad Shop which is a monochrome wonder for the ages. Featuring minimalist pieces for the home of the future this home idea store is the preferred haunt of loft remodelers. Charming carpets and rugs are the specialty of the Anil Brothers while those in search of sports gear should check out Jia’s and Barong.
The Haji by Paper People is a haven for pop star themed stationeries whereas Straits Records stocks indie, reggae and hip hop tunes from regional artists and lesser known artists.
As an iconic landmark in its own right, Raffles Hotel, Singapore is the quintessential five star hotel in Singapore for its exclusive clientele. Surrounded by sprawling courtyards in the heart of the city’s civic centre this stylish Singapore hotel is also just 20 minutes away from Changi Airport.
