Style tips from ZALORA

ZALORA (www.zalora.sg) may only have been around for less than a year, but it has quickly established itself as Singapore’s most popular online store, selling a wide range of brands, from international to local, and established to niche. ‘We want to bring new brands to Singapore that aren’t just what you find on Orchard Road,’ says Phil Rowbotton, Head of Menswear. ‘We work with local teams to have the right mix of local and international brands, and to cater to what people in Singapore want. We’d like them to come to Zalora because we have an exciting, unique mix of brands.’

So, as well as having international brands – ranging from big guns like Converse and Ray-Ban to more niche brands like Desigual, Vero Moda and Winter Kate – they also stock a wide range of Singapore designers. Think chic womenswear from dresstonomy or PAULINE.NING, or unisex edginess from DEPRESSION.

‘People are looking at celebrities a lot at the moment and wanting to know how to get the look at an affordable price,’ says Roslyn Johnson, a womenswear buyer in the global department. ‘So global brands like Vero Moda and BCBG are doing well for us, as are celebrity brands like House of Harlow, which is run by Nicole Richie.’

Here we meet five of the buyers, and ask them about their personal style and that of the city as a whole.

1. Stefan Kwang, Casualwear Assistant Buyer, 24

My personal style is…
A ’60s and ’70s vibe, with a touch of bohemian flair. I’m not afraid of colours.
Where I shop…
I really enjoy going to PARCO next NEXT, which has become a hub for creative designers in Singapore. At the moment I really like local menswear labels Mils and evenodd, as well as Mash-Up.

2. Roslyn Johnson, Womenswear Buyer – Global Buying, 27

My personal style
I love the idea of high-low dressing – that you can buy something dirt cheap from Zara, or super unique from bimba & lola or a vintage shop, and pair it with one thing that makes you feel fabulous – like a pair of Louboutin heels from On Pedder! I love wearing luxury with high street. Genius!
Singapore’s style is…
Feminine. Women here are more more likely to embrace body-conscious dressing and frills. In New York, there’s more of a dark, edgy boyfriend look, but here you see women in heels everywhere.

3. Claudia Chiong, Junior Menswear Buyer – Global Buying, 27

My personal style is…
Fuss-free and minimal, but occasionally paired with a statement accessory. I’m often in black, white and grey and I love pairing a simple T-shirt with a chunky necklace. I do stick to black a lot, as it gives me a classic look.
Singapore’s style is…
Getting trendier and more daring, especially the younger generation. I see guys who wear lowcrotch women’s pants – they’re not afraid of trying different silhouettes.

4. Janelle Tan, Assistant Buyer, 22

My personal style is…
Whatever mood I’m in that day. I wore red and white on Monday after Roger Federer won Wimbledon. I like retro stuff – shift dresses, bangles – that’s feminine but not too girly. I often have an ‘arm party’ with all my bangles.
Where I shop…
For stuff that looks expensive but isn’t I usually go to Bugis. There’s a great little accessories shop in Bugis Village, and I also like Shana, a Spanish brand that’s opened in Bugis+ – they have great on-trend basics in lots of colours, and all really affordable.

5. Phil Rowbottom, Head of Menswear, 34

My personal style is…
About subtle details. I don’t really like branded products, but like to know how a piece was made – I’m drawn to ‘made in the UK’ or ‘made in America’, or anything that was made the traditional way. I also have a thing about buttons – they’re more important than people think.
Where I shop…
I like Surrender and APC, menswear stores in Raffles Place. Surrender has interesting brands that other designers look up to, like Japanese brand Visvim or Post Overalls from the US. Yes, you may pay $300 for a shirt, but these are the brands leading the way.