"Buy less. Choose well. Make it last," legendary fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood once remarked. Quality over quantity: A philosophy that seems counterintuitive to today's hyper-consumerist mindset. In an era where micro-trends reign supreme and unethical greenwashing practices elude even the best of us, making the switch to exclusively support sustainable brands is often a difficult decision. Also made more complicated by the common pitfalls of slow fashion's high price point, untrendy designs and lack of plus-size options. But fret not, things are looking up.
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The slow fashion landscape is undergoing a revolutionary change, one marked by the rise of emerging labels, inclusivity and fabric innovations. Gone are the days where slow fashion were limited to a few select brands with little variety.
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Here, five Singaporean designers are changing the narrative. Fuelled by their love of creating sustainable and high-quality clothing, their distinctive offerings evoke a timeless quality—one that's undefined by the latest trends. From vibrant batik prints to breathable linen tops, these are the sustainable Singapore brands to have on your radar.
ROCK DAISY
Named after its namesake, Rock Daisy this slow fashion label can be summarised in three words: Utilitarian, timeless and lightweight. Designed in Singapore and manufactured in small-scale sewing houses in West Java, the short supply chain is testament to Rock Daisy's commitment to sustainability. Beyond its transparent and detailed production processes made public on its website, every garment is made from premium natural fibres like TENCEL and viscose, catered towards Asia's tropical weather. From casual dresses to velvety camisoles, these timeless wardrobe staples are a must-have.
STUDIO GYPSIED
Enter Studio Gypsied, a made-to-order batik brand that proudly celebrates Nusantara heritage, specialising in vibrant, eclectic prints. The brand is founded by fourth generation Singaporean-Javanese Aqilah Zailan and rooted in Indonesian heritage and cultural empowerment—made apparent through its exclusive partnerships with Indonesian artisans and batik makers. Beyond its clean silhouettes emblazoned with colourful batik prints, the sustainable fashion brand also offers traditional kebayas and sarongs with a modern twist.
SUI
Based in India and Singapore, Sui is a eco-conscious fashion label whose ethos is to "intertwine the threads of nature with fashion." Named after the Hindi word for 'needle', every facet of this multi-cultural label is intentional. Beyond its unique tailoring and resort wear aesthetic, Sui's most distinctive feature is that garments are categorised according to materials and craft. For those opting for flowy silhouettes with breathable fabrics, Sui offers a plethora of options from organic cotton to lightweight linen and handwoven silk. Meanwhile, its hand-embroidered and herbal-dyed staples feature naturalistic prints and travel-inspired motifs.
SUMMERY THE LABEL
Known for its timeless designs, Summery The Label offers versatile day-to-night pieces that are predominantly made of medium-weight linen. In an effort to be sustainable across all levels, the womenswear label constantly reexamines ways it can streamline its design processes. The first step? Establishing itself as a trans-seasonal brand. Since its inception, every collection that the label drops are small and thoughtfully curated. From its casual button-ups to whimsical dresses, there's no shortage of stylish pieces in this sustainable joint.
OUTFYT
Be it hitting the gym, a high-intensity spin classes or the gruelling Pilates reformer, a great activewear fit is all you need to conquer your workout. Heavily inspired by the founder's very own Scandinavian heritage, Outfyt's emblematic traits are its minimalistic designs and optimised functionality. Prioritising timelessness over trends, opt for quintessential staples like its classic-cut sports bras and tights that doubles as leisurewear. Beyond the more conventional sustainable fabrics like TENCEL and hemp, the innovative activewear brand also upcycles fishing nets, industrial scraps and even PET bottles—one man's trash is another's buttery-smooth leggings.