A temporary emporium. Transient. Ephemeral.

While the inaugural pop-up store, diner and gallery will take its leave — temporarily — in March 2014, TEMPORIUM is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors during its 182 day run.

© TEMPORIUM

The desire to create an impact on the Singapore retail scene is already apparent in the store’s look and feel. Taking its cue from the vibrant and colourful surroundings of the Little India enclave, TEMPORIUM’s store-front features a splash of electric green against pristine white walls. This contrast of opposites — old and new, hard and soft, light and dark — carries through the entire space, and is what makes the store special.

© Alicia Tan

Creative studio Tofu, and boutique developer Breezeway have created a seamless retail and dining experience for today’s modern shopper. Visitors are free to enter through three ways: left, right or up. There is no right or wrong way to begin your TEMPORIUM journey, and this freedom of choice plays up the transitory nature of the space. No TEMPORIUM visit is the same — you may choose to relax with a cuppa before window-shopping, or make a beeline for the second floor to pick up a new shirt.

© TEMPORIUM

A dedicated platform for local brands and homegrown retailers, TEMPORIUM has divided its 4000 square feet shop space into three main sections. The first floor is home to local womenswear brands and a cozy cafe, while menswear and an exhibition space occupy the second level.

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With gentle, lilting tunes playing in the background (Kitchen. label records were on rotation during SHIFT’s visit), perusing Yumumu’s structural clothes and By Invite Only’s delicate jewellery is a relaxing affair. The first floor retail space is full of surprises, from the whimsical mannequins to the unique shelf displays. A comfortable alcove at the back, lit with warm lighting, features a carefully curated section of local music labels as well.

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Duck into the space on the right, and be greeted with the smell of freshly brewed coffee. COMPLiMENTS OF, is a collaboration between artisanal coffee brewers Papa Palheta, ceramic collective Weekend Worker, and Chef Wilin Low of Wild Rocket restaurant. Visitors can enjoy a multi-sensorial dining experience in this cozy area. Once again, the contrast of textures — concrete, wood, ceramic and carpet — enhances the experience.

© Alicia Tan

To get to the second floor, exit and go up the flight of stairs nestled in between.

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Here, homegrown menswear labels like -J-A-S-O-N- and SUNDAYS, are paired with books from local indie publisher Math Paper Press and accessories brands like Fabrix. The curation is thoughtful and surprising. TEMPORIUM seems to be continuously reaching for greater heights in its efforts to promote Singapore’s own brands, and perhaps this is best exemplified in the way even their merchandising displays appear to ascend into the high jack roof. It is certainly heartening for budding Singaporean designers, with spaces like TEMPORIUM leading the way.

© Alicia Tan

For those who enjoy art, the second floor also houses TEMPORIUM’s gallery space. The first exhibition has BooksActually teaming up with six local craftsmen. Entitled “Silence Please — Work in Progress”, the exhibition runs from 14 September to 11 October 2013.

TEMPORIUM is a meeting space for budding and established Singaporean brands, designers and artists and is perhaps one of the very few places in Singapore where such organic interaction between brands and customers can take place.

TEMPORIUM
Date: September 7th 2013 – March 8th, 2014
Address: 72 & 74 Dunlop Street Singapore 209400
Opening hours: Store / Gallery 10:00 – 20:00 (Diner 9:00 – 22:00)
Closed on Monday
https://temporium.com.sg