So I was back to Singapore in less than one year again, and I felt GREAT! I love the heat, I love the food, I love the shopping!!
I arrived on 1st of September, Monday 7am, and it’s been a crazy whirlwind of courses, seminars, meetings, shopping and eating. This time stayed a bit longer, it’s been so much fun for one whole week!
During the trip, besides the interesting courses, seminars and great people that I've met. I had a list of “MUST SEE” boutiques and fashion designers compiled from dozens of personal recommendations, suggestions and my own online research.
On the top of my list was Soon Lee, in Haji Lane.
I got the impression that it was VERY DIFFERENT to the high-end, designer-brand, super-shiny boutiques in Singapore’s Orchard District.
One of the results of mass production and globalisation is the rise of the conventional shopping mall. These shopping experiences are predictable, and pretty much the same, whether you’re in Malaysia, Australia, Singapore or London.
If you take on fashion and interested to showcase different, unique and local shopping experiences - you must take a look at Haji Lane by yourself.
I'm sure you will love it!
Walking down Haji Lane, you would probably think you arrived at the wrong place for a fashion experience. The lane is long and narrow. There is the occasional piece of rubbish lying around, there are rickshaws (yes, a pedal powered taxi with a charming, old, toothless man!) and rubbish bins are parked next to tiny, two-stroke vans and motorcycles.
Old shop houses run the length of the shopping lane – some shops have vines growing up the building, with aged, oriental murals flaking off the walls. Some have uber modern glass walls, with brushed, stainless steel fittings and amazingly designed wall patterns. The place is crammed with absolutely unique shops and cafes.
Singapore is a sophisticated, developed, modern and a truly global city. But nearby in Arab Street, you can literally see, feel, smell and taste that Singapore has been a cross roads of international trade and cultural exchange for centuries.
I loved all the vibrant colours, deep textures, exotic smells, the mix of old and new, the signs of oriental and global influence. It was incredible.
Her shop is wonderful. Eclectic, busy, over-flowing with delicious bits and pieces and designed goodies – clothes, jewellery, accessories, hats, belts, sun glasses, homewares.
Soon Lee
56, Haji Lane, Level 2, Singapore.
Open everyday from 2pm-8pm.
Phone: (65)6297 0198
You get the feeling that Haji Lane oozes a new kind of quiet, creative confidence in Singapore, still fresh and exciting. Haji Lane is worth visiting just to experience Arab Street and its surrounds too, and the price of everything seem very affordable.
Most boutiques in Haji Lane only open their doors from around 2.00pm, and are still open till around 9 -10 pm. I’ve been told that the best time to visit is 4pm on a weekday.
Get there by:
Taxi - You might need to explain to the taxi driver that Haji Lane is parallel to Arab Street, between North Bridge Road and Beach Road, then shouldn't be any problem. I used this google map.
Or take the MRT East-West line train to Bugis station and walk for 10 minutes.
Enjoy!
