Singapore’s premier destination for avant-garde fashion has officially leveled up. Dover Street Market Singapore (DSMS), the conceptual retail powerhouse founded by Comme des Garçons’ visionary Rei Kawakubo, recently unveiled a significant expansion of its Dempsey Hill location. By absorbing the 2,600-square-foot wing formerly home to Como Cuisine, the boutique has grown to a sprawling 14,925 square feet, offering a more immersive experience for the city’s most discerning style enthusiasts.
The newly minted wing is a masterclass in architectural storytelling, featuring five luxury heavyweights: Phoebe Philo, The Row, Lemaire, Thom Browne, and Our Legacy. Each brand occupies a custom-designed environment that reflects its specific aesthetic DNA, moving away from traditional department store layouts toward a more curated, gallery-like atmosphere.
The Return of Phoebe Philo
The crown jewel of the expansion is undoubtedly the dedicated space for Phoebe Philo. The former Céline creative director, who defined the “Old Céline” era of minimalist luxury, has chosen Singapore as only the second city globally—after London—to host her namesake label’s shop-within-a-shop concept. Tucked into a semi-private corner, the space features floor-to-ceiling windows and a discrete entryway, offering the kind of quiet exclusivity that has become Philo’s trademark since her highly anticipated return to fashion in late 2024.
Minimalist Mastery and Local Collaborations
While Philo captures the headlines, the surrounding installations offer equally compelling narratives:
- Lemaire: The French label emphasizes “quiet luxury” with understated decor, including a notable Enzo Mari chair sourced from Italy that sets a sophisticated, intellectual tone.
- The Row: Founded by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, the brand stays true to its roots with black carpeting and pale wooden plinths that put the focus entirely on their precision-cut tailoring and accessories.
- Stussy: The streetwear giant has relocated its presence within the store to a new, high-energy area centered around a boombox-themed installation.
Beyond global luxury, DSMS continues to bridge the gap between international high fashion and local craftsmanship. The expansion introduces “Bag Space” and “General Space,” alongside store-exclusive items that can’t be found elsewhere. Shoppers can discover sterling silver nail designs by Manila-based 13 Lucky Monkey (starting at $230) or pick up a piece of local culture with a graphic T-shirt from Singapore’s own Knuckles & Notch ($88).
A Destination for Global Fashion Trends
This expansion reinforces Singapore’s position as a vital node in the global fashion circuit. By securing the Phoebe Philo concept so early in its rollout, Dover Street Market affirms that the Dempsey enclave remains a competitive alternative to traditional luxury hubs like Orchard Road. Between the exclusive Renli Su installations and the signature avant-garde touch of Rei Kawakubo, the store serves as more than a retail space—it is a living museum of contemporary design.
Plan Your Visit
- Location: 18 Dempsey Road, Singapore 249677
- Hours: Open daily, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Stay Updated: Follow DSMS on Instagram for news on upcoming drops and seasonal installations.