Located in a shophouse attic, Upstairs Garments offers a curated collection of archival pieces, founded by four young fashion enthusiasts passionate about storytelling through clothing.
Upstairs Garments, a unique retail space located in the attic of a shophouse at 75B Tanjong Pagar Road, has quickly become a notable destination for vintage fashion enthusiasts since its launch a year ago. Founded by four Gen Z individuals—Xavier Eger, Ong Ker Hsien, Adrienne Chrisdee, and Vegas Lee—this store specializes in archival pieces sourced from their own personal wardrobes and from various collectors, traders, and consignment stores both locally and internationally.
The origins of Upstairs Garments can be traced back to the overflowing closets of its founders, who are all passionate about fashion and the stories embedded in vintage clothing. The founders drew inspiration from archive stores in Japan, known for their warm hospitality and commitment to fashion education. They decided to share their collection through both an e-store—accessible at upstairsgarments.com—and a brick-and-mortar location.
The store’s collection features over 150 garments from esteemed designers including Hedi Slimane’s Dior Homme, Walter Van Beirendonck, and various avant-garde Japanese brands. Noteworthy pieces include a Spring Summer 2014 Comme des Garçons Homme Plus jacket, a darted women’s top from Undercover’s Spring Summer 2008 collection, and an exceptionally rare reversible coat from Yohji Yamamoto’s Fall Winter 2021 collection, associated with the anime franchise, Neon Genesis Evangelion.
The founders, all turning 23 this year, bring diverse skills to the business. Adrienne Chrisdee and Vegas Lee manage the creative direction while balancing their careers at an advertising agency. Xavier Eger, an engineering student, handles the finance and procurement aspects, and Ong Ker Hsien, a polytechnic graduate, oversees inventory and public relations.
To visit Upstairs Garments, customers must schedule an appointment as the store is open only on weekends. The intimate setting promotes not just retail sales but also a dialogue about fashion, with the founders encouraging discussions about garment history. Their dedication to research is evident, as they consult online archives and publications and even reach out to designers for authenticity verification of garments.
The brand aims to foster inclusivity in fashion discussions, providing access to rare fashion books for browsing within the store. A visit to the shop promises not only a glimpse into their exclusive vintage collection but also an engaging conversation about the evolution and significance of fashion. The founders actively share their passion and knowledge through social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, showcasing their pieces alongside insights from fashion history.
This innovative approach to fashion retail has captured the attention of both local consumers and fashion aficionados, solidifying Upstairs Garments’ position as a must-visit for vintage lovers in Singapore.
Source: Noah Wire Services
