‘A Boutique Department Store’ in Joo Chiat: The Style Hawker’s Top Attaby Collective Picks

Purses at the ready, mama: The Style Hawker shares her top picks at the fabulously stylish new ’boutique department store’ The Attaby Collective in Joo Chiat

I don’t really need an excuse to head over to the East Coast (beautiful shophouses, the beach, amazing local food anyone?). But if I did need an excuse then luckily I now have one, in the form of The Attaby Collective, otherwise known as The AC (not to be confused with The OA, my latest Netflix guilty pleasure and also worth checking out, FYI).

Recently launched on Joo Chiat Road, the Attaby Collective brands itself as a ‘boutique department store’, selling independent labels from fashion, accessories and lifestyle, all under one very stylish roof:  think herringbone flooring, bright white walls and high exposed concrete ceilings. Overseen by founder Claire Chahil, who launched her independent fashion label Attaby eight years ago, the curated labels within The AC all stand in their own right, but compliment each other as a whole. The labels’ designers all work within the boutique, selling across brands, and share the benefits of a co-working space. More platforms for small independents are what we need in Singapore, so show your support and head East to check it out — it will be worth it. Even without the added lure of chilli crab.

Check out the gallery to see who you can find at Attaby and what I  liked best…

The peshtemal (fine cotton towels traditionally worn in Turkish Hammans) is an obvious choice in Singapore where lugging around half a dozen beach towels just isn’t practical. Tara’s World’s authentic peshtemals come in gorgeous colour ways, a variety of styles (the kids ponchos are a no brainer) and at a good price point.

I LOVED: The new skull motif weaves. Move over, McQueen!

Elements Concept furniture is handmade in Jakarta, designed and directed by Bastiaan Spil with co-owner Ingeborg van der Hoek. The rattan mid century-esque pieces, marble coffee tables and Balinese sun umbrellas are massively on trend and competitively priced;  I had to hold myself back from buying most of the collection.

I LOVED: The cane dining chairs and the huge ceiling lamps.

Becca de Saint Maur established Silk Flowers after realising that fresh flowers and the Singapore heat are a doomed combination. These high-quality artificial blooms can be bought by the stem or as a larger arrangement, with the option of a bespoke arranging service  in your home.

I LOVED:  The statement-making single bird of paradise stems.

Louise Hill’s multilayered canvases mix illustration, photography and graphics with gorgeous colour ways, to give a modern take on Asian inspired art. Trained in London, she earned her creds designing for British institutions including Fortnum and Mason. A hot ticket right now. Choose from canvas or limited edition prints.

I LOVED: The amazing new Marina Bay Sands artwork.

Attaby clothing was established by British-born-and-trained designer Claire Chahil (also the founder and creative director of Attaby Collective). The collection manages to nail both beach and city dressing: the cruise collection even features (deep breath) velvet, bridging the gap between the trends and the tropics.

I LOVED: The inspired new tweens range, launched last season.

Emily Cheetham’s handbag line started life ten years ago when she inherited an antique sewing machine. The antithesis to throwaway fashion, the bags feature intricate leather detailing, patterned leatherwork, and each has a story behind its design. Widely featured in the press,  treat these as modern investment pieces.

I LOVED: The new direction straw shooters with on trend logos and embroidery.

Australian aspiring gemologist Natalie Elverd started her business after designing replacements for her own jewellery lost on world travels. Fabulously colourful, these pieces  are the real deal, using natural hand cut gemstones set in gold and 925 silver with a clever layer of rhodium to avoid tarnishing in the Singapore heat.

I LOVED: The extra large statement cocktail rings.

Espadrilles are a natural choice for this Spanish footwear company, and a perfect fit for Singapore. Cote + Badt work with Spanish shoe institution Casa Hernanz, who have been handcrafting espadrilles since 1845, and who also produce exclusive designs for the brand. If you haven’t got any yet, you need these in your life.

I LOVED: The very current metallic toe tips.

The AC, 420 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427641, www.attaby.com, www.facebook.com/attabystyle