One-stop shop for things creatively Singaporean inspires designers
By Ng Baoying, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 12 August 2007 1739 hrs

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SINGAPORE: A new one-stop shop for all things that are creatively Singaporean has opened at Mohammed Sultan Road.

Looking nothing like a conventional shop, Designed In Singapore is fuelling the dreams of local designers who are hoping to make a livelihood out of their art.

Marcus Chiang, Founder of Designed In Singapore, said: "There are a lot of design institutes and a lot of design graduates. At the end of the day, maybe 10 to 15 percent go on to practise design. What happens to the rest? They become bankers and real estate sales people.

"As a young designer, I think that a lot of people do not believe in Singapore design and think that Singapore design is cheaper than foreign and European ones. But it's not true.

"I don't think it's necessary for local designers to brand their products to make them sound European. They should have faith in their own design and let the product speak for itself."

Proving his point, Marcus' retail outlet already has a spillover effect within the industry.

Joel Lim, a freelance designer, said: "Previously, when I was doing design in school, I had my doubts as a designer. But Marcus' idea and concept has given me more confidence as a designer, to break into this market."

The bar at Designed In Singapore also takes the concept one step further as patrons not only can purchase drinks, but also the serving glasses and the furniture they sit on.

So if you are in the market for interesting furniture, beautiful laptop cases or edgy necklaces, Designed In Singapore may be right up your alley.


- CNA/so