Words by: Tanya Singh
Photo Credit: Thomas Ang (@thepeepingthomphotography)

Featuring a thoughtfully curated selection of lifestyle products from across Asia, “Where Sea Meets Shore” provided audiences with an immersive retail experience.

On 11 May 2023 at the Raffles Arcade, Vermillion in collaboration with Home Rituals (a pop-up concept started by our brand partners, SoL the label and Baea, in Hong Kong) welcomed guests to experience a limited-time pop-up providing exclusive access to Asian art, design, and fashion in a home setting curated around the theme “Where Sea Meets Shore”. The pop-up event featured a carefully curated selection of homeware from over 25 award-winning Asian brands, many exhibiting in Singapore for the first time, including decorative accents, bedding, loungewear, and ceramics, all inspired by the beauty of the ocean and the tranquility it brings.

Pop-Up Highlights

SoL the label debuted their latest capsule collection inspired by a zero-waste initiative and a meaningful approach to giving excess inventory a second life. Harnessing Japanese-inspired design techniques and mindful upcycling methods, the collection included two items that were remade into new designs from excess inventory and four items designed from scratch with zero wastage in the process – all inspired by the emotions of sea, shore, and home.

Baea presented their highly anticipated 2023 collection of organic bedding and home accessories ‘Sea Meets Shore’, telling a story of the place where land and ocean converge. This collection further evolves the brand’s founding belief that simple patterns found in the natural world can bring a revitalizing sense of calm to interior spaces.

Vermillion’s portfolio at the pop-up ranged from exquisitely crafted furniture pieces to unique decorative accents. The highlights included:

• Statement furniture pieces by SUYAB Furniture and ipse ipsa ipsum.
• Exquisite floral ceramics by Leo Wong, a celebrated ceramicist based in Hong Kong.
• Beautiful and delicate watercolor artworks by Chris Chun, a Chinese artist based in Australia known for his work in contemporary chinoiserie.
• Fragrant volcanic lava rocks encased in beautiful copper cases designed by lifestyle brand, Menuha, from South Korea.
• Hand-picked and expertly processed small batch teas from around the world by Plantation, based in Hong Kong.
• One-of-a-kind homeware products made using recycled silk cocoons by Thailand-based brand, Socoon.
• Uniquely Asian fragrances and candles by homegrown brand, Oyasumi Scents.
• Artisanal personal care products locally manufactured in Singapore by The Verdant Lab.
• Thoughtfully designed incense burners and incense by China based lifestyle brand, kin Objects.
• …and more.

Workshops and Talks

In addition to the retail experience, the event programming also included a series of workshops and talks designed to deepen engagement with the creators and theme. From a Botanical Plate Making Workshop conducted by Leo Wong, a Plein Air Oil Painting Class by Mylène Viggers, and a live painting session by Chris Chun to Tea Rituals Sessions with the all-female founders of the organizing brands and a Talk and Demonstration by rattan artist, atinymaker, the pop-up was constantly buzzing with creative energy.

Reception

The week-long pop-up saw a steady footfall of local visitors as well as tourists. The launch party on the first day of the pop-up was covered by A+ Magazine and received 80+ guests, including current and past clients. The pop-up was also listed in TimeOut Singapore’s “Best Things to Do This Weekend”.

“We are so excited for the opportunity to bring together this lifestyle collection centered around the breezy, relaxed feeling of being by the sea, which connects so many cultures in Asia. We love exploring how traditions in craft and wellness are interpreted by different cultures, and are updated by our makers for modern, urban life,” says Amy Long, General Manager of Vermillion.

Shop the “Where Sea Meets Shore” collection here.