When Singapore’s Melissa Chor recommends her favorite shops along Orchard Road, avid shoppers pay attention.
Chor, author of the book Born to Shop and a longtime resident of Singapore for more than two decades, is a seasoned shopper and image consultant who shares her expertise through her firm, Image Harmony.
“I always advise my clients to buy local labels when they travel,” Chor explains. “A unique piece that reflects the culture of another country adds more value to your wardrobe.”
She also stresses dressing appropriately for the climate before you set out. Singapore’s heat and humidity call for relaxed, breathable clothing—shorts and sandals are common. “A light shawl or cardigan is usually enough for comfort inside air-conditioned malls,” she says.
Orchard Road is a luxury shopping district that spans nearly a mile and a half and contains more than 20 malls. Together they host over 5,000 brands, including the largest Prada flagship in the Asia-Pacific region.
“You can comfortably walk from mall to mall, using the underground links or the tree-lined sidewalks,” Chor notes. “Benches beneath angsana trees provide shaded spots to rest between stores.”
Visitors will find international designer names such as Armani, Dior, Burberry and Kate Spade throughout the area. Dominating one end of Orchard Road is ION Orchard at 2 Orchard Turn, an eight-level structure with four floors above ground and four below. Its futuristic architecture evokes a blossoming orchard and the building also houses a sizable art gallery.
As someone who enjoys blending high-end and budget finds, Chor encourages shoppers to include local labels in their mix. Here are a few Singaporean boutiques and brands she recommends exploring along Orchard Road.
Moshi Moshi Jewellery, located in Wisma Atria at 435 Orchard Road, is known for bold sterling silver pieces. The brand offers collections for both men and women and provides engraving and customization for a personalized touch.
Mazzario, The Cheongsam Shop, creates contemporary garments inspired by traditional dress, with pieces made to measure at its Singapore studio. The boutique is currently at Centrepoint Shopping Centre, 176 Orchard Road, and has plans to relocate to Wheelock Place, 501 Orchard Road.
RISIS, a lifestyle gift company with a boutique at Centrepoint, focuses on orchid-inspired designs and finely crafted decorative objects. The store carries jewelry, figurines, collectibles and home décor items, many featuring gold and other precious materials that reference Singapore’s floral heritage.
No visit to Orchard Road is complete without sampling local cuisine. Chor recommends the food courts at ION Orchard basement and Wisma Atria (level four) for authentic flavors. These food courts offer a wide range of Chinese, Malay and Indian dishes, including Hainanese chicken rice, Hokkien prawn noodles and roast pork with rice. “Besides shopping, eating—or as locals say, ‘Makan’—is one of Singaporeans’ favorite pastimes,” Chor adds.
Whether you’re hunting for couture or distinctly local finds, Orchard Road provides a rich mix of international designers and Singaporean craftsmanship, making it a rewarding shopping destination for visitors who want style and cultural flair.