Fashion capitol

THE dust has yet to settle and the acrid smell of paint still permeates the corridors - as well as open-concept restaurants that have already begun business. Capitol Piazza, a new mall located adjacent to the neo-Classical Capitol Theatre, is by and large under construction. But its sleek promenade façade and unique tenant mix promise a much-needed boost to a retail landscape that has lost its patina through a deluge of cookie cutter malls.

"We have, for years been hearing repeatedly, comments from industry experts and shoppers that Singapore malls are generic and keep the same collection of brands," says Sulian Tan-Wijaya, senior director of retail and lifestyle, Savills Singapore. "Capitol Piazza's strategy is to feature more new-to-market retail and food and beverage concepts to differentiate themselves from other malls. Even existing players are encouraged to create new concepts unique to the mall."

Although most of the units in the mall's two basement levels, ground floor retail arcade and sheltered pedestrian mall are still hidden behind minimalist hoarding, brands like Italian clothing label Napapijri, French beauty marque Lancome and local fashion designer Max Tan have already opened its doors. Finnish design house Marimekko, London's famed Four Seasons roast duck restaurant, and historical French café Angelina will also unveil its first local flagships within the destination soon. For most new-to-market shops, the location of the mall away from the bustle of the main Orchard shopping belt is actually a draw - rather than a deterrent.