What is ‘Fast Fashion’?
Fast fashion is a retail model that utilizes low-cost materials and labor to rapidly-produce clothing collections at a frenetic pace.
It may be described as low-cost, fashionable clothing, that borrows ideas from fashion shows or celebrity culture and transforms them into clothes available online and in stores nearly overnight.
Not existing as just another genre, fast fashion means the practice of mass-producing low-cost manufactured ‘of-the-moment’ items that are sold at a bargain price tag.
It also reflects the growing consumer desire for haste and bargains via retail.
It means that, instead of holding back until seasonal collections (i.e., spring/summer) arrive, consumers can instantly obtain, purchase an endless cycle of trend-led clothing, at every season.
To understand and define the phrase, it is important to first contextualize fast fashion historically.
The fashion industry, up until the mid-twentieth century, ran on four seasons a year: fall, winter, spring, and summer.
Designers would work many months ahead to plan for each season and predict what they believed customers would want.
This method, although more systematic than fashion now, diluted the sense of choice, volition from consumers.
Before fashion became accessible to the masses, it was tailored for high society. There were regulations, laws to heed.
“Fast fashion utilizes trend replication, rapid production, and low-quality materials in order to bring inexpensive styles to the public.”
Of course, the Industrial Revolution laid foundations for what we know fashion to be present.
It was not as severe as the current climate is until things picked up around the 1960s.
From the swinging decade, the industry only quickened its pace and lowered its costs.
However, it reached a point of no return a few decades later; according to the Sunday Style Times, “It particularly came to the fore during the vogue for ‘boho chic’ in the mid-2000s.”
Fast Fashion Retailer | Shein |
| Specialty | SHEIN is an international B2C fast fashion e-commerce platform. The company mainly focuses on women’s wear, but it also offers men’s apparel, children’s clothes, accessories, shoes, bags, and other fashion items. SHEIN prides itself on offering styles catering to both young women and teens, that will not break the bank. |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | https://sg.shein.com/ |
| Address | 68 Orchard Rd, #B1-31/33, Singapore 238839 |
| Email contact | [email protected] |
| Operating Hours | 11 am to 9.30 pm |
Fast Fashion Retailer | Yishion |
| Specialty | Yishion offers the latest styles in fashion, at affordable prices. This, by no coincidence, is the product of their international design team, state-of-the-art testing laboratory and patented technology. Being in the fast-fashion industry for the last 20 years, Yishion has been recognized as the most influential fashion brand in 2016. |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | |
| Address | #02-02/03/04/05, 201 Victoria Street, Singapore 188067 |
| Telephone | +65-65094919 |
| Operating Hours | 10.30 am to 10 pm |
Fast Fashion Retailer | LBR Label |
| Specialty | Founded in 2010, LBRLABEL was known as @shoplastbusride previously. Growing up and moving forward to bring you girls a variety of apparels for different age group. From casualwear, wild party dresses, to corporate workwear. Warehouse Sale Exclusives priced from $5, very affordable. Formal blazers also on sale at affordable prices. |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | https://www.lbrlabel.com/ |
| Address | 21, #29-72 Bukit Batok Cres, Wcega Tower, Singapore 658065 |
| Email contact | |
| Operating Hours | 24/7 |
Fast Fashion Retailer | Zalora |
| Specialty | Zalora is the leading name in online fashion shopping, carrying an ever-expanding line-up of local and international brands tailored for consumers in Singapore. Their selection of 50000 products covers every aspect of fashion, from skirts to dresses, sneakers to slip-ons, sportswear to watches, with the widest selection of fashion clothing. |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | https://www.zalora.sg/ |
| Address | 51 Bras Basah Road #07-01/04, 5One Central, 189554 |
| Email contact | |
| Operating Hours | 9 am to 6 pm |
Fast Fashion Retailer | MGP |
| Specialty | MGP was founded in 2006 by Angela Ang. All their designs are crafted with perfection and an attention to detail. They aim to dress the millennial woman of today – because they understand the hustle that goes behind her everyday life. From weekday workwear to weekend kickbacks, high-quality apparel stocked. |
| Pricing | |
| Website | |
| Address | 3 Gateway Dr, #02-32 Westgate, Singapore 608532 |
| Telephone | +65-8774 4319 |
| Operating Hours | 11 am to 9.30 pm |
Fast Fashion Retailer | Ohvola |
| Specialty | Homegrown and founded in Singapore, Ohvola goes back to 2007. The Zhou sisters — Lucinda & Jolene created a brand to share the excitement, anticipation, and strength they experienced from dolling up. Today, Ohvola presents women from all over the globe with outfits to express their individual dynamic personalities and confidence. Services: Clothing, dresses, tops, skirts, blazers |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | https://ohvola.com/ |
| Address | 277 Orchard Road, #B1-05, Singapore, 238858 |
| Email contact | |
| Operating Hours | 10 am to 10 pm |
Fast Fashion Retailer | Shopdesignorchard |
| Specialty | A space dedicated to the cultivation of local brands while presenting an opportunity to showcase the best of local designs and products on Orchard Road. GINLEE Studio, Binary Style, BHUMAN, KINQUO, GOYA the Label, NOST are local labels incubated with them. Their two-and-a-half storey lifestyle space celebrates #homegrown, imported labels. |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | |
| Address | 250 Orchard Road #01-01 Singapore, Singapore 238905 |
| Telephone | +65-6513 1743 |
| Operating Hours | 11 am to 8 pm |
Fast Fashion Retailer | TOPAZETTE |
| Specialty | TOPAZETTE was founded in 2009 and is one of the leading fast fashion women fashion stores in Singapore. Online Fashion Store based in SG. They ship worldwide. Carla boho pants. Candice slit pants. Basics beyond trends & seasons. Urban Palette. Maternity wear. Griselda reversible kimono. Knit cardigan. Signature tent dress. |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | https://www.topazette.com/ |
| Address | 277 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238858 |
| Email contact | |
| Operating Hours | 24/7 |
Fast Fashion Retailer | littlematchgirl |
| Specialty | LITTLE MATCH GIRL retails women’s fashion that is classic, well-made, and timeless. Fast forward to 16 years later, they have grown to become socially conscious as well, a visionary brand that supports the sustainable women’s fashion movement and its drive to make the environment better in Singapore, selling timeless outfits. |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | |
| Address | 55 Amoy St, Singapore 069881 |
| Telephone | +65-8666 8811 |
| Operating Hours | 11 am to 8 pm |
Fast Fashion Retailer | The Closet Lover |
| Specialty | The Closet Lover started operations with the aim of sharing their passion for fashion. With the strong support from customers, they have evolved into an established and reputable online fashion store in Singapore. They offer a wide range of products including apparels, shoes, and accessories. All products are specially manufactured. Services: Tops, dresses, bottoms, wedding dress, outerwear |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | https://www.theclosetlover.com/ |
| Address | 200 Victoria St, #01-02, Singapore 188021 |
| Email contact | |
| Operating Hours | 11am–9:30pm |
Fast Fashion Retailer | TEMT |
| Specialty | TEMT philosophy is about chic style, sophistication, and every seasons’ “must have” item. Their passion is about capturing key on-trend pieces that are essential and affordable for creating signature looks for every occasion. Bella Flutter Sleeve Mini Dress, Puff Sleeve Woven Top, Deconstructed Denim High Waist Mini Skirt on sale. |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | http://www.temt.com.sg/ |
| Address | 313 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238895 |
| Telephone | +65- 6509 1857 |
| Operating Hours | 11 am to 9.30 pm |
Fast Fashion Retailer | Evrywear |
| Specialty | Evrywear exists to give you access to gorgeous outfits. They help you create a closet of looks you love, without the commitment of purchasing, owning new clothes. With Evrywear, you will never have to stress about wardrobes going out of style or finding the right fit when your size changes. Service: Wedding dresses, party dresses, office dresses, formal dresses, casual dresses |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | https://www.evrywear.sg/ |
| Address | 11 Tanjong Katong Road #01-39, KINEX Mall, Singapore 437157 |
| Email contact | [email protected] |
| Operating Hours | 12 pm to 6 pm |
Fast Fashion Retailer | Dear Lyla |
| Specialty | Dear Lyla is founded in 2019 by two like-minded friends with a passion for fashion. They wish to bring joy to you with their fashion. The right clothing can make a difference to people’s self-esteem and self-confidence. Shine with confidence in their clothes and most importantly feel comfortable in them. Services: Tops, bottoms, dresses, outer wear, accessories |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | https://dearlyla.com/ |
| Address | 1 Maritime Square, #03-12A, Singapore 099253 |
| Email contact | [email protected] |
| Operating Hours | 11 am to 3 pm, 4 pm to 8 pm |
Fast Fashion Retailer | Source Collections |
| Specialty | The name ‘Source collections’ reflects their curious mentality that’s never content with the status quo. They are always in search for better things, better solutions. Through sharing their knowledge and values, they hope to inspire like-minded individuals- so that together, they can start making better choices and make a difference. Services: T-shirts, Crew neck, Cap sleeve, long sleeve crew, underwear |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | https://www.sourcecollections.com/ |
| Address | 134A Telok Ayer Street Singapore 068600 |
| Telephone | +65-8601 3919 |
| Operating Hours | 11 am to 7 pm |
Fast Fashion Retailer | AKOSEE |
| Specialty | Inspired by the beaches of Goa, life in the Mediterranean, the natural beauty of Australia and the atolls of the Indian Ocean, AKOSÉE threads are hand-crafted with love from the finest fabrics. Their unique pieces are designed to take you from beach to bar in comfort and style, for recreation. Services: Dresses, Beach wear, kimonos, jump suits, skirts |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | https://akosee.com/ |
| Address | 9 King Albert Park, #01-18, Singapore 598332 |
| Telephone | +65-81871631 |
| Operating Hours | 9 am to 6 pm |
Fast Fashion Retailer | Fashion Valet |
| Specialty | FashionValet (FV) is the destination for the modest fashion industry. Established in 2010, FV curates the best selection of fashion and beauty brands, bridging them to customers all over the world. With a large social media following, FV has built its brand being a platform to many modest fashion brands. Services: Dresses, jeans, maternity wear, tops, skirts |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | https://www.fashionvalet.com/ |
| Address | 71 Haji Ln, Singapore 189264 |
| Telephone | +65-69067100 |
| Operating Hours | 10 am to 9 pm |
Fast Fashion Retailer | Singapore Fashion Runway |
| Specialty | Singapore Fashion Runway (SFR) is a social enterprise that nurtures people with special needs/ disadvantaged groups through its Fashion for a Social Cause movement. Through their enterprise, disadvantaged communities learn about Creative arts (design, art, crafts-making, and photography), Performing arts (modelling, dance), Entrepreneurship (retail management, events management, and online business). Services: Masks, sling bags, tote bags, scarves, print fabrics |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | https://www.singaporefashionrunway.com/ |
| Address | 32 New Market Road #02-1128 Singapore 050032 |
| Telephone | +65 97662490 |
| Operating Hours | 11 am to 6 pm |
Fast Fashion Retailer | Dragon Uniform |
| Specialty | They are a uniform supplier in Singapore, they currently provide different types of work wear, suit-type uniform, Dri Fit T-shirt, Polo Tee, Singlet, work uniform, and Bike Jersey, etc. with the high degree of customization, preferential price, and good quality to customers. They also supply workwear, promotional and event uniform. Services: Dri Fit T-shirt, Polo Tee, Singlet, work uniform, Bike Jersey |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | https://uniform-standard.com.sg/ |
| Address | 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace #01-21 Singapore 168976 |
| Telephone | (+65) 88082648 |
| Operating Hours | 9 am to 7 pm |
Fast Fashion Retailer | Love, Bonito |
| Specialty | Here in LB, they believe in customer engagement. They know women are capable, stunning beings; they just do not see enough women strutting around like they display this knowledge. They understand looks; dressing improves esteem. For them, dressing well is just a means to an end, fashion leads to self-authentication. Services: Dresses, tops, jumpsuits, skirts, pants |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | http://www.lovebonito.com/ |
| Address | 107 North Bridge Rd, #02-09, Singapore 179105 |
| Email contact | [email protected] |
| Operating Hours | 11 am to 10 pm |
Fast Fashion Retailer | IKEA |
| Specialty | Introducing the first-ever merchandising collection which uses the official IKEA logo as its main design, where the design ethos follows a simple, minimalist take on clothes and accessories. The barcode motif pays tribute to their best-selling product, the BILLY Bookcase. This collection includes t-shirts, hoodies, bath towels, water bottles etc. |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | http://www.IKEA.com.sg/ |
| Address | 317 Alexandra Rd, Singapore 159965 |
| Telephone | +65-67866868 |
| Operating Hours | 10 am to 9 pm |
Trend Replication and Progressively Frenetic Production
Currently, fast fashion brands produce about 52 “micro-seasons” a year.
This means at least one new “collection” every week.
According to author Elizabeth Cline, the ever-popular Zara started the craze by shifting to bi-weekly deliveries of new merchandise back in the early eighties.
From then on, it has become the norm to always have a massive inventory of stock.
This model has kept businesses like Next, Charlotte Russe, and Wet Seal from having to encounter running out of a certain style and isolating different customers.
With the piles of clothing that each retailer has, there are minimal youth groups left out of their target market.
Today, companies like” H&M and Forever21 both get daily shipments of new styles, while Topshop introduces 400 styles a week on its website.”
“People debate what came first—the desire for fresh looks at an alarming rate or the industry’s top players convincing us that we are behind trends as soon as we see them being worn.”
Most of the companies that come under the fast fashion category are now replicating streetwear and fashion week trends as they appear in real-time.
This implies the lead time can often be less than a couple of weeks.
By producing fresh, appealing styles weekly, these brands can create vast amounts of clothing and make sure that the customer never grows weary of their store’s inventory.
Reduced Quality and Highly Reduced Costs
With the accelerated rates of production, there are corners that have been inevitably cut.
For that trendy bomber jacket to land on the Forever21 store floor before it is out of fashion, there are several consequences.
Because clothing is made in such a hastened manner, brands are selling considerably low-quality merchandise.
There is not enough time for proper quality control or to make sure a shirt has the right number of buttons when there is such urgency from the brand to ship clothing to their hordes of customers.
“Fast fashion isn’t free. Someone, somewhere is paying.”
— Lucy Siegle
The fast fashion manufacturing process leaves a lot to be desired and pieces are often thrown away after no more than a few wears.
Each hastily produced garment is not built to last and is made to seem as ‘easy come, easy go’ as possible.
The same demand that dilutes garment quality, pedigree also keeps the costs of these garments incredibly low.
Companies such as H&M and Zara are immensely concerned with their bottom line and are banking on the” ocean of clothing” they produce rapidly for their profit.
These brands can earn millions while selling pieces cheaply because of the sheer number of items they sell daily, no matter the cost or mark-up.
This means that garment workers sewing together fast fashion items are certainly being paid well below the minimum wage.
Fast Fashion in Singapore
Dr Kapil R. Tuli, 43, points to the advent of fast fashion and online shopping as big factors.
“In the last 10 years, there have been a lot more fast-fashion options for consumers – brands such as Zara and Uniqlo offer pretty good designs at low prices,” says the professor of marketing and director at the Singapore Management University’s Retail Centre of Excellence.
More online companies are also offering attractive discounts and better return policies that entice customers, he says.
“These companies are very well-funded in terms of seed funding, so they don’t think twice about offering good deals to customers.”
The shift towards online shopping was reflected in the survey, with more households performing transactions online.
About 60 per cent of households reported online purchases in 2017/18, up from 31 per cent in 2012/13.
Sample Costs of Fast Fashion in Singapore
H & M:
For women, sports bras range from S$24.90 to S$49.90.
Yoga tights cost about S$39.90.
A 3-pack sports socks cost S$ 14.90.
Sports shorts range from S$14.90 to S$39.90.
For men, sports tops cost S$19.90 while sports shorts range from S$17.90 to S$59.90.
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