G.O.D. in Singapore!

Goods of Desire (G.O.D.), an arbiter of modern Asian chic, has marked its first foray into the international market by opening its first store in Singapore at Central last Saturday. I was invited to the media preview on Friday where we met the two co-founders of G.O.D., Benjamin Lau and Douglas Young:

G.O.D. co-founders, Benjamin Lau and Douglas Young (L to R)

The Asian heritage-themed store is housed in a 6000-plus square feet shop on the second floor of Central (#02-08) in Clark Quay and stock full of quirky everyday items. Weaving traditional Asian motifs with modern designs, Goods of Desire is known for their upbeat, humorous and cheeky style.

Iconic G.O.D. logo

“Delay No More” Collection – Those who know cantonese will know why these three words are controversial in Hong Kong

More from the Delay No More collection – geddit?

Mostly designed by the brand’s co-founder and creative director, Douglas Young, the Singapore retail store bears many firsts in terms of design and décor. Besides the unconventional entrance crafted to resemble an old Chinese copper coin, the Singapore store is the first to prominently feature the brand’s signature red lampshades at the store’s exterior, creating a visually arresting façade. Reminiscent of Hong Kong’s butcher stalls in wet markets, these lampshades were also a familiar sight in Singapore’s wet markets and provision stores, a piece of shared heritage amongst several cultural similarities between both city-states.

UFO-like red lampshades along the escalator leading up to the store

Red lampshades in the store

Giant red lampshade at the ground floor entrance inside Central mall

Red lampshades for shoppers to rest their feet (old folks not part of exhibit)

Inside the store, furniture and materials painstakingly sourced from old establishments have been given a new lease of life as part of themed collages throughout various sections, infusing an element of nostalgia across the entire retail floor. The salvaged heritage items found around the store also illustrate the way Goods of Desire continually attempts to integrate environmental and social responsibility into the broader brand experience.

Old shophouse gate as wall decor

The shop front is made of copper so it wil colourise and age over time, giving a vintage look

Inverted old wooden chairs to display their jeans collection

Check out the Peranakan floor tiling and other restoration from old shophouses in the shop decor

The Goods of Desire Singapore flagship store has been distinctively zoned, with each zone aiming to project a different vibe and character. Douglas Young explains, “As you step into each area, you will experience something different. For instance the homeware section replicates the look-and feel of old tenement homes in Hong Kong. We looked at the layout and design of the store from every possible perspective to provide the best retail experience. Ultimately we want our customers to enjoy their time in Goods of Desire and be inspired.”

Douglas Young showing the media around

Packed attendance for the media preview

The Double Happiness Collection – perfect for wedding gifts

The Peony Print Collection

The Everything Panda Collection

Goods of Desire costume jewellery

Umbrellas

Odd-shaped bean bags

Hugging bean pillows

Fish-shaped cushion and other cushion and pillow designs

Buckwheat pillows

Cards and such

Candles, bath and spa items

Chinese opera eye masks

Quirky bed sheet designs

Enter the apparel section

Tee-shirts displayed like vinyl records

Assorted slogan tees

Packed and sold like vinyl records

Women’s wear

I love the “refugee bag” design on the top shelf

A very loud pair of jeans

Reaching out to the Singapore community on a more personal level, the inspiration for an upcoming collection specially designed for the Singapore market was also unveiled at the event. “Shining a new and interesting spotlight on Asian heritage and culture has always been something close to my heart, and we wanted to celebrate the opening of the first Goods of Desire Singapore store with an initiative that will showcase the local heritage. I believe architecture is the most discernible part of any culture and was deeply inspired by the shophouses in Singapore. I hope Singaporeans will see my interpretation of the buildings as being fresh and original but at the same time authentic,” explained Douglas Young.

The launch of this collection in the Singapore store is slated for the last quarter of the 2012. I am really looking forward to this!

The Goods of Desire Singapore flagship store will retail items in the homeware category, including furniture, dining, bath and bedding products; accessories, fashion for men and women; stationery; as well as products from the various Goods of Desire collections.

******** GOODS OF DESIRE CONTEST GIVEAWAY ********

I will be running a contest on this blog to giveaway a Goods of Desire designer stationery set to one lucky winner. Follow me on my Facebook fan page or Twitter for updates!