WHO’S BEHIND IT: This popular thrift store was opened by sisters Syaikyra Farakhan Aung and Fazila Farakhan Aung, aged 19 and 21 respectively, last August and originally occupied a different unit within Orchard Plaza. Two months ago, it relocated to its current – and bigger – unit in the same building, as more space was needed.
THE MERCH: There has been an explosion of thrift stores in Singapore in the past two years, many with arguably same‑ish aesthetics and wares. That’s not the case here. The curation at Fairies Aisle leans towards the femme side of Harajuku style – think garments and accessories from the likes of girlish Japanese labels such as Axes Femme and Angel Blue (though there’s some grungy/emo Western brands throw in too to cater to a more diverse crowd including men – another thoughtful touch).
Located on the second floor of Orchard Plaza, Fairies Aisle transports visitors to the side streets of Harajuku with its brand of curated chaos. Japanese femme labels such as Angel Blue and Axes Femme take centre stage alongside pieces from Western brands such as Ed Hardy and Affliction. The likes of co‑founder Syaikyra Farakhan Aung’s own selection of vintage Barbie DVDs (bottom right corner) and plushies (top right corner) – all not for sale and for decoration only – add to the DIY feel, as if you’ve stepped into a fashion‑ and punk‑loving girly girl’s bedroom.
THE CUTE FACTOR: Fairies Aisle feels less like the now‑typical thrift store in Singapore and more like a hidden gem that one stumbles upon in the back alleys of Harajuku. “We’re inspired by Japanese fashion counterculture icons such as FRUiTS (the now‑defunct cult Japanese street‑style magazine from the 1990s), which was all about bold, colourful street fashion that mixed different aesthetics in a really fun and expressive way,” says Syaikyra. “We love how FRUiTS encouraged people to be more creative and individualistic in the way they dressed.” Adding to the Harajuku vibes is the unabashedly girly-meets-grunge decor that includes tarot cards covering the ceiling, plushies of Sanrio characters, and fuchsia pink everywhere.
WHERE TO FIND IT: #02-39 Orchard Plaza
This article first appeared in the June 2025 Cuteness Overload Edition of FEMALE