At Open Door Store, The Local Design Community Comes First

What makes Singaporean fashion uniquely ours? Perhaps to some, it’s the way designers amalgamate references that only locals can understand, or the meticulous selection of fabrics tailored specifically for our climate. Maybe it's all about fostering a sense of community.

And it’s this community-first approach that makes Open Door Store a delightful place to shop. Nestled amidst the streets of Tai Seng, where industrial buildings and rusted fences line the walkways, Open Door Store stands out as a vibrant establishment reminiscent of old-school ‘mama’ shops, offering a diverse range of local designers and brands.

“We aimed to breathe life into this space because we realised the necessity for creatives to have a physical platform to showcase their work,” says Debbie Lee, the 33-year-old co-founder of Open Door Store. “The business name stemmed from the concept of providing opportunities for everyone.”

Lee, alongside Goh Zhong Ming, 28, forms the dynamic duo behind Open Door Store. Since June 2023, they've curated a selection of items from local brands, catering to enthusiasts of homegrown labels. The duo also spearheads Konstrukt Laboratories, a silkscreen printing business.

“After years of Konstrukt Labs' involvement in production, we noticed a gap in spaces or stores exclusively dedicated to showcasing pieces from our local community,” Lee explains. “We strive to collaborate with local artists and designers, forging exclusive partnerships that not only bolster the local creative scene but also offer customers unique offerings they can’t find elsewhere.”

Lee also reveals that some of the brands stocked at Open Door Store originate from Konstrukt’s clientele list, while others have been added through independent research or connections.

However, Open Door Store’s vision extends beyond Tai Seng. When asked about future plans, Lee shares: “We plan to collaborate with local artists to develop more exclusive products. Additionally, we've conceived an idea called Open Door Travels, where Open Door Store pop-ups will be featured in local neighbourhoods across the region. Our aim is to showcase these local brands on an international stage.”

Below, acquaint yourself with 10 brands stocked at Open Door Store, and explore what each one has to offer.

FEELINGS CLUB

What to expect: Dopamine-inducing prints in searingly bright colours await you. From prints that can be framed and hung on your walls to adorable little postcards that you can share with friends, Feelings Club’s prints often feature adorably illustrated creatures – a bug with a birthday cake, anyone? – and catchy slogans that make for perfect little thoughtful gifts.

NEW WORLD PLAZA

What to expect: If there’s one thing we all love, it’s the nostalgia of old malls that transport you back to the heady days of the 1980s. New World Plaza banks heavily on that feeling, with its line of tees and prints that draw heavily from ‘80s-inspired design. Think models in retro swimsuits with low-fi fonts and cheeky taglines inspired by retro magazines, all presented in bright blocks of colour.

ANG JUN ZUAN

What to expect: Remember the viral Poh Chai Pills necklace that made its rounds on social media? That’s the creation of artist Ang Jun Zuan, whose work often plays with familiar local icons, imbuing them with an ironic twist. Think of the incense holder resembling a Pocky box or his follow-up to the Poh Chai necklace – a capsule filled with Lao Gan Ma crispy chilli sauce.

POOLS PROJECT

What to expect: Pools is led by artist and freelance graphic designer John Fan. Just over a year into the business, this brand began as a "for-fun T-shirt project" that eventually evolved into its own label. Designs are crafted in collaboration with a constantly changing lineup of designers, and each piece is produced in very limited batches.

OKAY DOUBLE YOU

What to expect: Okay Double You adopts a slightly different approach to crafting their prints. Spearheaded by the artist who goes by the moniker OKW – who intriguingly works as a lawyer by day and a printmaker by night – Okay Double You utilises relief printing to produce all of its unique artworks. From scenic vignettes to adorable cartoon otters, the prints are delightfully cute and vibrant.

FASSBENDER AND MELLONCOLLIE

What to expect: This five-year-old label was founded by Ethan Lee, 27, and has gained recognition among enthusiasts for its hand-crafted, vividly dyed goods. Each piece utilises natural dyes and incorporates the use of ice to aid in diffusing the pigments at a slower, more intense rate.

SIXTH GRIND

What to expect: If "basketball court chic" is your vibe, Sixth Grind is the brand for you to explore. The products are sporty and designed to be worn on or off the court. Anticipate basketball shorts, slogan tees, and even Sixth Grind basketballs are all ready for your selection.

RACHODOODLES

What to expect: The brainchild of Rachel Tan, who works as a UI/UX designer and illustrator, Rachodoodles is Tan’s creative outlet that sees her signature comic-like illustrations printed on tees, card games, and books. You can also approach her for sneaker customisation art.

ZEHERNG

What to expect: Product designer Lim Zeherng infuses his products with humour, often drawing from familiar symbols and characters and transforming them into eye-catching creations. Imagine Fido Dido – the cartoon mascot of 7Up drinks in the 1990s – now attending martial arts classes on the back of a tee, or a collection of keychains inspired by CAPTCHA verifications.

物 WU

What to expect: From trinket trays to incense stick holders, Wu’s range of homeware is all handmade, ensuring that every piece is unique to its owner. The collection often features a spectrum of vibrant colours – from neon orange and green to a psychedelic blend of blue, purple, and silver – ensuring that each item is a conversation starter.

Open Door Store is located at #01-16 Kapo Factory Building, 80 Playfair Road, from 11am to 6pm on Tuesday to Saturday, and 11am to 5pm on Sunday