Shanghai’s Coolest Creative Market Common Rare Takes Over Suntec City This Weekend

This weekend, the Shanghai-based creative collective Common Rare is descending on Suntec City Convention Halls 401 and 402 for a three-day lifestyle market celebrating independent design. Featuring more than 200 curated brands from across the globe—spanning fashion, homeware, ceramics, fragrance, art, and lifestyle goods—the event also brings several overseas labels making their Singapore debut. Beyond the shopping, visitors can expect food vendors, interactive workshops, and tattoo sessions throughout the weekend.

When and Where Is Common Rare?

Common Rare runs from September 18 to 20, operating daily from 12:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Suntec City Convention Halls 401 and 402.

Founded in Shanghai by Taiwan-born friends Tiffany Wang and Vivian Sze, the collective began as a tribute to California’s thriving shop-local culture. Wang and Sze, who met while studying and living in the United States, were inspired by the independent markets they discovered there. Today, Common Rare is known for its creative festivals, illustration showcases, and lifestyle markets that champion emerging brands, independent makers, and under-the-radar creatives.

Brands Worth Your Attention

The Singapore edition brings together names from across the region and beyond. Here are five to keep an eye on:

  • Raw Market Shop – What started with handmade rubber stamps has evolved into a Singaporean stationery studio stocked with journaling tools, stickers, and paper goods designed to make documenting everyday memories more fun.
  • Dirty Manners – A Singapore label offering minimal clothing and accessories built with practicality in mind, featuring enough technical detailing to transition seamlessly from city streets to outdoor adventures.
  • SCHMÜCK – Founded in 2023, this jewellery label turns memories and everyday intimacies into wearable keepsakes, drawing on its journey across London, Düsseldorf, Bucharest, and Shanghai.
  • 豆宇宙 Bean Universe – Hailing from Nanjing, this brand brings whimsical, delicate forms to everyday ceramics and homeware, adding charm to any space.
  • Weiweiwei – A Malaysian label that handmakes one-off pieces from vintage textiles and secondhand clothes, inspired by remake scenes in Japan, Berlin, and Thailand—so no two finds are alike.

Beyond the Shopping

Throughout the weekend, visitors can join small interactive workshops and hands-on activities, plus tattoo sessions featuring three artists and studios with distinct styles—from American Traditional and Chinese motifs to contemporary illustration.

Thai artist Sundae Kids will also pop up with latest releases and exclusive merchandise, alongside live portrait drawing sessions.

Food and Fuel

PPP Coffee, Homeground Coffee Roasters, Morning, and Smitten Coffee Roasters will cover coffee duties, while Hello Arigato and Berrybar are among the names serving bites and sweet treats. You could easily spend an afternoon browsing, eating, and drinking without leaving the venue.

Is Common Rare Pet-Friendly?

Yes—well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. Organizers recommend arriving early if you’re bringing your furkid, as peak hours can get crowded.

Ticket Info

All online tickets have sold out, but door tickets remain available:

  • Single tickets: $7 on Friday, $9 on Saturday and Sunday
  • Bundle tickets (for two): $11 on Friday, $13 on Saturday and Sunday

Time Out Tips

  • Go early if shopping is your priority—you’ll have more time to browse before crowds build.
  • Payment options: PayNow and cash are accepted, alongside Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay, WeChat Pay, and Alipay. Individual vendors may have their own preferences.
  • Pet tip: An earlier visit makes for a more comfortable wander with your dog. During peak hours, consider leaving them at home.

The Bigger Picture

Common Rare’s arrival in Singapore signals the growing appetite for curated, independent retail experiences in the region. For those who missed out on online tickets, the door ticket option means the community still has a chance to discover emerging talents from across Asia and beyond. Follow Common Rare on Instagram or visit their website for real-time updates and future editions.