Local designers of Singapore can showcase their novel designs and talent as new brand Design Orchard is coming up soon. Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry) S Iswaran unveiled the name and logo at the groundbreaking ceremony today.
The Minister said, “Design Orchard will provide holistic support to local designers by providing a platform for them to gain access to the global market.”
He added, “Designers can also look forward to collaborations with MNCs (multinational corporations), lifestyle brands for new product development and access to overseas fashion associations.”
Design Orchard development will be located on the Orchard Road. An open call for the development will be launched in November.
The structure of Design Orchard will comprise of a two-and-a-half-storey development housing a retail showcase on the first level, an incubation space on the upper floors and an events space on the rooftop.
The operator for the retail showcase is local design company Naiise, which will launch an open call for designers in November. At least 60 local brands will be featured in the retail showcase, with a focus on emerging designers.
Those selected will undergo mentorship programmes.
Design Orchard is a multi-agency effort by JTC, SPRING Singapore and the Singapore Tourism Board. It is slated for completion in late 2018.
