What Went Down at Konbini: Kawaii, Street Style and Good Vibes Only
From curated vintage finds, to fearlessly fun fashion statements, Konbini’s latest pop-up in Singapore delivered on creativity, community and cuteness – and we captured it all in a visual diary just for you.
A J-fashion revolution has been bubbling up in Singapore and one of the most passionate communities giving life to this movement is undoubtedly Konbini. Cheekily named after the Japanese word for “convenience store”, Konbini is a Harajuku-inspired pop-up market run by the Gen Z trio of See Kaye (aka Kitty, which she prefers to be – and is more popularly – known as), Nabeel Gunn-Singco and Brenda Lee.
The creative trio behind Konbini, the cult J-fashion pop-up, whose passion for Harajuku culture and community keeps the scene thriving in Singapore (clockwise from top right): See Kaye aka Kitty, Brenda Lee and Nabeel Gunn-Singco
Who’s behind Konbini Singapore?
Kitty and Gunn-Singco are 26 and in their third year of university (she majors in philosophy and he, human resource management) while Lee, 24, is a recent sociology graduate. A longtime fan of Japanese fashion brands who also runs her own small, online-based business, Kittydressed, specialising in them, Kitty came up with the idea of a curated market featuring Japanese fashion retailers like herself in 2023.
Lee – a classmate in a philosophy module in school who’s also an artist – was won over by her zeal and commitment, and came on board not only as a participant, but also to oversee Konbini’s art direction. Meanwhile, the affable Gunn-Singco handles communications. (Read about their story and efforts to support the creative community here.)
From zines and stickers to vintage fashion and toy collectibles – a look at some of the indie vendors who brought character and colour to the latest edition of Konbini, Singapore’s cult J-fashion pop-up.
What to expect at Konbini Singapore?
Held at The Hive Lavender on June 14 and 15, the latest edition of Konbini – the fourth instalment since its debut two years ago – was the buzziest yet. (The organisers dubbed this event Konbini 4.0)
The vendor line-up was Konbini’s biggest so far: 41 mostly Gen Z-led, small businesses hawking the likes of maximalist Harajuku-inspired fashion, plushies, keychains, stickers and stationery. We even spotted Chamjam, the cat-loving Singapore illustrator behind the pleasing drawings on the Jan/Feb 2025 cover of FEMALE.
In addition, J-fashion Culture Singapore – a group dedicated to celebrating and spreading awareness about J-fashion here – had a booth to launch its new magazine, SaltCul, while the Japanese-inspired hair salon Musubi offered complimentary braiding and curling services.
Serving subcultural style: These Konbini-goers put a darker, emo-tinged spin on J-fashion
Who goes to Konbini Singapore?
The crowd that turned up at Konbini was reason alone to not miss this event. Numbering a total of 2,200 visitors across the two days – an impressive increase from the previous edition that drew slightly over 1,000 people, according to founder Kitty, this was a gathering of some of Singapore’s most expressive young fashion enthusiasts.
When we popped by on day two, the venue was teeming with devotees of various Harajuku subcultures, all dressed up to represent their chosen fashion tribe: sweet Lolita, Visual Kei, Fairy Kei, you name it. And for all the diversity, the energy was aw-inducing convivial with many whom we spoke to sharing that they had forged new friendships, and found a community and sense of belonging on site.
Street style in full spectrum: From Lolita to Visual Kei, this stylish crew showed up repping the many faces of J-fashion at Konbini Singapore.
Kitty summed up the vibes best: “The J-fashion community in Singapore is rapidly gaining visibility and growing a sense of togetherness. Social circles are expanding and embracing each other, pulling in enthusiasts united by their sense of fashion, and appreciation for creative and beautiful things.”
Scroll down to see our visual diary documenting this infectiously fun affair – from Singapore's new-gen J-fashion enthusiasts, to Cosplayers, to other stylish guests and a whole lotta plushies. (PS. We hear the next edition of Konbini will take place in December this year.)
