10 Singapore Fashion Brands That Have Successfully Conquered International Markets
- lionheartlanders
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Singapore's fashion scene has evolved from humble beginnings into a thriving ecosystem that produces globally recognized brands for both men and women. When you explore Singapore's rich cultural heritage and entrepreneurial journey, you'll discover how this same innovative spirit has propelled local fashion brands to international success, creating styles that resonate with fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
1. Charles & Keith
Charles & Keith represents Singapore's most spectacular fashion success story, transforming from a modest shoe store in Ang Mo Kio in 1996 to a nearly billion-dollar global empire. Founded by brothers Charles and Keith Wong, the brand now operates over 600 stores across 30 countries, with K-pop superstars like Blackpink and Itzy regularly spotted wearing their designs. Their strategic partnerships, including collaborations with LVMH's investment arm, have provided the resources needed for massive international expansion, making them a true Singaporean fashion powerhouse.
2. Love, Bonito
Love, Bonito exemplifies how understanding your target market leads to international success. What began as a humble blogshop selling pre-loved clothing in 2005 has evolved into Southeast Asia's largest vertically integrated womenswear brand. With $88 million in revenue in 2023 and physical stores across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Hong Kong, and the Philippines, Love, Bonito has mastered designing specifically for Asian women's body types. The brand made headlines by becoming the first Singaporean fashion company to make the BoF500 list in eight years, cementing its position as a regional fashion leader.
3. Ong Shunmugam
Ong Shunmugam, founded by lawyer-turned-designer Priscilla Shunmugam in 2011, has gained international recognition for creating modern interpretations of traditional Asian wear. The brand transforms cheongsams, saris, and samfus into contemporary masterpieces, positioning itself as Southeast Asia's first couture label to go global. With their sophisticated rebranding in 2016 and flagship stores in Singapore, Ong Shunmugam has successfully expanded its presence internationally while maintaining its distinctive Asian aesthetic.
4. Sabrina Goh
Sabrina Goh (formerly ELOHIM) has established itself as a forward-thinking contemporary fashion brand with significant international presence since 2009. The brand has showcased at New York Fashion Week, Los Angeles Fashion Week, and Shanghai Fashion Week, while being stocked internationally at landmark department stores in major cities including New York, Washington DC, Utah, and Japan. Designer Sabrina Goh draws inspiration from architectural silhouettes, creating structured designs that have earned Elle Awards Designer of the Year recognition. The brand recently achieved B Corp certification, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable fashion practices.
5. In Good Company
In Good Company, founded by designers Kane Tan and Sven Tan in 2013, has gained international recognition for its functional yet aesthetic clothing lines for both men and women. The brand was crowned Designer of the Year at the 2016 Singapore Fashion Awards and has successfully expanded its retail presence to Hong Kong with stores at Kapok locations including Sun Street, Victoria Park, and K11 Musea. Their philosophy of creating capsule collections of wardrobe essentials rather than following seasonal trends has resonated with international fashion-conscious consumers.
6. Stolen
Stolen, founded by Elyn Wong in 2007, represents more than a mere fashion label, actively pursuing cross-disciplinary creation and art installations that have exhibited in Singapore, New York, Beijing, London, and Milan. The brand was a winner in the CFDA's Fashion Futures 2.0 Program and Designer of the Year 2018, while being featured in prestigious publications including Wallpaper Magazine, Monocle, Women's Wear Daily, and Refinery29. Stolen's dynamic hybrid fashion-art DNA has led to collaborations with international brands such as Audemars Piguet, Mercedes Benz, Apple, and Aesop.
7. Benjamin Barker
Benjamin Barker, founded by Nelson Yap in 2007, has carved its niche in sophisticated menswear both locally and internationally. Specializing in classic and vintage menswear with bespoke workmanship incorporating Japanese techniques, the brand has successfully expanded beyond Singapore's borders with their focus on tailored wear and attention to fit, construction, and form. Their premium positioning in men's fashion has attracted international clients seeking quality craftsmanship.
8. Beyond the Vines
Beyond the Vines, founded by husband-and-wife duo Daniel Chew and Rebecca Ting in 2015, has revolutionized utilitarian fashion with their signature Dumpling Bag becoming a global cult favorite. The brand's playful aesthetic and functional designs have earned them international recognition with successful expansions to Japan, Thailand, and the Philippines. Their Tokyo pop-up was particularly successful, proving that Singapore's minimalist-maximalist design philosophy resonates globally.
9. Aijek
Aijek, founded by designer Danelle Woo in 2010, has established itself internationally through its focus on effortless, timeless, and wearable pieces tailored to the modern woman. The Singapore-based fashion label was chosen to participate in the prestigious International Development Program created by Singapore Fashion Week in partnership with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). Having lived in Sydney, Seoul, New York, Hong Kong, and Shanghai, Danelle's international experience has influenced her designs to be versatile and trans-seasonal, contributing to the brand's global appeal.
10. Collate The Label
Collate The Label, founded by Velda Tan (co-founder of Love, Bonito) in 2015, represents Singapore's premium occasionwear segment with international aspirations. After studying at Central Saint Martins London, Tan launched Collate with a focus on luxurious yet affordable designs for discerning customers. The brand debuted at Singapore Fashion Week and established permanent presence at Tangs department store, with foreign sales representing about 15% of revenue and the US market being their biggest international market after Singapore.
The Success Formula Behind Singapore's International Fashion Expansion
These successful Singapore fashion brands share several key characteristics that have enabled their international expansion. Most importantly, they understand their target markets deeply - whether it's Love, Bonito's focus on Asian women's fit preferences, Ong Shunmugam's celebration of Asian heritage, or In Good Company's timeless approach to both men's and women's fashion.
Digital-first approaches have been crucial for many of these brands. Love, Bonito, Beyond the Vines, and several others began as online operations before expanding into physical retail, allowing them to test international markets efficiently and understand consumer preferences across different regions. This approach has proven particularly effective for reaching global audiences.
Quality and craftsmanship remain central to Singapore brands' international success. Whether it's Benjamin Barker's bespoke tailoring, Sabrina Goh's architectural precision, Stolen's artistic innovation, or Ong Shunmugam's couture craftsmanship, maintaining high standards has been essential for building global brand trust.
Educational foundations and international exposure have also played crucial roles. Many successful designers have studied or worked internationally - from Sabrina Goh's collaborations with Disney and Star Wars to Velda Tan's studies at Central Saint Martins, to Stolen's exhibitions across major global cities. This international perspective has enabled them to create designs that resonate beyond Singapore's borders.
The Singapore government's support through initiatives like the Singapore Fashion Council's internationalization programs has also contributed to these brands' global success. These support systems provide strategic guidance, market insights, and networking opportunities that have accelerated international growth for both menswear and womenswear brands.
As you explore Singapore's incredible transformation through cultural discoveries and heritage experiences, you'll understand how this same spirit of innovation and global connectivity has enabled Singapore fashion brands to successfully compete on the world stage. These ten brands represent the best of Singapore's fashion exports, proving that the little red dot can produce brands with massive international impact for fashion enthusiasts of all genders.
