Apart from POP MART’s Hacipupu and Disney’s Winnie the Pooh, my favorite character has always been Mofusand, the irresistibly charming creation of Japanese illustrator Juno. If you have ever smiled at a cat dressed as a shark or found yourself endlessly scrolling through kawaii art online, chances are you have already met this fluffy feline universe. Mofusand’s magic lies in its delightful absurdity, with cats wrapped like sushi, lounging in desserts, or striking dramatic poses in animal costumes. The name itself merges “mofu mofu,” a Japanese expression for something fluffy, with “sand” from sandwich, perfectly summing up the brand’s cozy and playful spirit.
Mofusand’s illustrations have captured hearts around the world for years, spreading across Instagram like a warm digital hug. Fans of kawaii culture and cat enthusiasts have embraced the brand as a cult favorite, filling their homes with plush toys, stationery, and accessories that reflect Juno’s humor and imagination.
Image Credits: facebook.com/MinisoHK
Now, we are about to experience a piece of that whimsical world. The first Mofusand x Miniso pop-up store will officially open at Bugis+(i.e., located at 201 Victoria Street, Singapore 188067) on December 15, 2025. This is not just another merchandise launch but the first Mofusand x Miniso pop-up in the world, giving Singaporeans an exclusive chance to explore and shop the viral collection before anyone else. Expect shelves lined with adorable plushies, playful homeware, and collectibles that are bound to melt hearts faster than a late-night cat video.
The pop-up offers an invitation for fans to step into the world of Mofusand itself. With picture-perfect installations and an atmosphere that feels lifted straight from an illustration, it promises to be a destination for both long-time followers and newcomers alike.
Image Credits: facebook.com/MinisoHK
So mark your calendars and get your wallets ready to say “kawaii,” because this Christmas season, Miniso Singapore is celebrating the adorable world of Mofusand!
Home-grown online marketplace Carousell Group is stepping further into the world of luxury with the opening of Carousell Luxury, its first branded retail store for pre-loved or second-hand designer handbags, located in the heart of Orchard Road.
The 1,400-square-foot boutique at The Centrepoint officially opened last September 23, 2025. Inside, shoppers will find an elegant collection of pre-loved handbags, wallets, pouches, and scarves from coveted labels such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermes, and Yves Saint Laurent.
Carousell Group already operates LuxLexicon, a high-end resale platform it acquired in 2024 that focuses on designer bags and luxury watches, with a physical outlet at Palais Renaissance, also along Orchard Road. I recently shopped on LuxLexicon’s website and purchased a Gucci GG Marmont Mini Blue Crossbody Bag in excellent condition (i.e., free of visible flaws), for S$650 plus a S$15 local delivery fee. The price point felt more than fair, given the piece’s pristine condition and the enduring heritage of the Gucci brand.
According to Tresor Anne Tan, Carousell Group’s director of client relations, the new store reflects a shift in consumer behavior toward mindful luxury spending. Buyers are paying less for items that would otherwise cost double or triple in the brands’ boutiques. “Many are pleasantly surprised by how pristine these pre-owned bags are, often in near-new condition,” she said.
Image Credits: facebook.com/carousellluxury
Each item goes through a meticulous authentication process by a five-member team of professional appraisers who verify every detail, from materials and stitching to embossing and hardware.
For sellers, Carousell Luxury uses a net-earnings consignment model, meaning consignors know exactly how much they will take home once their item sells. Prices are aligned with current market rates, while Carousell takes a 25% to 30% commission to cover in-store operations, marketing, and professional product photography.
Prices for handbags start at around S$800, with highly sought-after pieces such as the Chanel Wenge Wood Vanity, Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama OnTheGo, and limited-edition Dior Saddle Bag featured in the lineup. Personally,
Have a luxury bag gathering dust at home? Carousell Luxury’s trade-in, consignment, and buy-out programs offer a quick way to turn those treasures into cash, with valuation done in as little as ten minutes.
Image Credits: facebook.com/carousellluxury
Carousell Luxury is located on the first floor of The Centrepoint and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Stay updated with every drop on Instagram: @carousellluxury.
Wicked fans, mark your calendars. On November 13, 2025, Singapore will turn emerald green as the Lion City hosts the Asia-Pacific premiere of Wicked: For Good, the much-anticipated sequel to the global hit musical film Wicked. The exclusive event will take place at Universal Studios Singapore (USS) in Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), marking a milestone moment for the region’s entertainment landscape.
Singapore stands out as the only Asian stop on the film’s international promotional tour, joining an elite lineup of cities including São Paulo, Paris, London, and New York.
Image Credits: facebook.com/wickedmovie
Leading the star-studded cast are Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who reprise their iconic roles as Glinda and Elphaba. They will be joined by Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh, Hollywood legend Jeff Goldblum, and director Jon M. Chu, celebrated for his work on Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights.
The celebration will begin with a special handprint ceremony, followed by the Asia-Pacific premiere screening at the Pantages Hollywood Theatre in USS. Guests can look forward to an exclusive gathering at Weave, the newly launched lifestyle and community hub of Resorts World Sentosa, which provides a fitting setting for this fusion of Hollywood glamour and Singaporean sophistication.
Image Credits: facebook.com/wickedmovie
Beyond the red carpet, the premiere represents a significant achievement for Singapore’s entertainment and tourism industries. As regional travel continues to recover, hosting one of Hollywood’s most beloved musical franchises reinforces Singapore’s reputation as a premier destination for experiential and world-class events. For Resorts World Sentosa, it also highlights a growing emphasis on immersive storytelling and entertainment-driven tourism.
Special tickets for the USS Premiere Day on November 13 are priced from S$93 for adults and S$72 for children, offering fans a rare opportunity to walk the yellow carpet alongside the cast. For Universal Studios Singapore, the premiere serves as both a marketing triumph and a renewed invitation for guests to rediscover Sentosa’s signature mix of leisure and spectacle.
Following the event, Wicked: For Good will open in local cinemas on November 20, 2025. Industry observers expect the film to set new box office records across Asia. With its timeless themes of friendship, ambition, and redemption, along with a soundtrack already evoking nostalgia, the film is set to enchant a new generation while reviving the cultural and economic magic of the Wicked legacy.
Image Credits: facebook.com/wickedmovie
As Glinda once said, “Happy is what happens when all your dreams come true.” That dream takes center stage on November 13, when Wicked arrives and the city shines in shades of green.
The little red dot may be small, but its influence stretches far beyond its borders. For decades, Singapore has quietly been producing brands that not only define local identity but also win admirers overseas. These are names you have likely seen on Orchard Road or in your neighborhood mall, but what makes them remarkable is how they have grown from homegrown concepts into international players.
One evening, as I scrolled through Instagram, I stumbled upon a vintage listing of a Risis brooch from the 1980s. At first, I assumed Risis was a newcomer that had sprung up after the pandemic. To my surprise, the brand has been in operation since 1976, when it debuted at TANGS Orchard and sold thousands of its signature gold-plated orchid brooches within days. Risis even captured royal attention, presenting its orchids to Princess of Wales Diana in 1982. Personally, its delicate Vanda Limbata and Doritaenopsis Summer Red orchid brooch pendants (i.e., both plated in 24-karat gold and priced at S$140), are the ones I gravitate to the most.
Another name that resonates strongly with a younger crowd is Beyond The Vines. Founded in 2015 by husband-and-wife duo Daniel Chew and Rebecca Ting, the label began as a womenswear brand before evolving into a lifestyle powerhouse. Its Dumpling Bags, which start at S$69, became viral sensations for being practical, stylish, and surprisingly collectible. The philosophy behind the brand is simple but powerful: to make good design “accessible to all”. That vision has helped it expand into markets like Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Australia, proving that thoughtful design travels well across borders.
Image Credits: instagram.com/beyondthevines
Of course, no conversation about Singaporean exports would be complete without Tiger Beer. First brewed in 1932, Tiger has grown into a symbol of bold Asian flavor, now enjoyed in more than 50 countries. Brewed under Asia Pacific Breweries, the lager is celebrated for its full-bodied taste and rigorous brewing process. At under S$4 a bottle in local supermarkets, it remains an everyday favorite at home while standing as a premium Asian beer abroad.
Charles and Keith is another brand that transformed humble beginnings into global recognition. Established in 1996 by brothers Charles and Keith Wong, the label began as a modest shoe store at Amara Shopping Centre. Fast forward to today, and the brand is a global fashion force, with a presence from Tokyo to Mexico City. Known for staying ahead of trends while keeping prices accessible, the brand continues to draw in customers with bestselling bags, sandals, and accessories. Lucky for you! Bestsellers like the Koa Square Push-Lock Shoulder Bag in pink (S$34.90), Chain-Strap Pointed-Toe Slingback Flats in black (S$41.90), Samala Triple-Strap Sandals (S$48.90), and the Pony Hair & Leather Ring-Handle Bag (S$135.20) are currently on sale on their website.
Image Credits: facebook.com/charleskeithofficial
And then there is TWG Tea, a name that has come to embody luxury in a cup. Founded in 2008, the brand is unmistakable with its iconic yellow packaging and exquisite presentation. Offering more than a thousand varieties of tea, along with patisseries and fine dining, TWG has carved out a niche in markets as diverse as Japan, France, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. It is an experience as much as it is a beverage, one that has positioned Singapore as a global tastemaker in the tea industry.
Even everyday staples have found their way abroad. BreadTalk, the bakery that many Singaporeans consider a fixture of daily life, has expanded across Asia with its famous floss bun and inventive pastries. With dozens of outlets in Singapore and a growing footprint in markets like Thailand and Myanmar, BreadTalk proves that comfort food transcends cultural borders.
Image Credits: facebook.com/breadtalksingapore
What ties all these brands together is not just their Singaporean origin but their ability to balance authenticity with global appeal. From the timeless elegance of a gold-plated orchid to the everyday joy of a floss bun, each brand carries a story of local pride and global ambition. Which brand captures your heart the most?
Singapore is buzzing this October with experiences that blend play, culture, and wonder. From Japanese adventures to pastel pop fantasies and prehistoric giants, the city is alive with color and curiosity.
At Guoco Tower, The Japan Rail Fair brings a taste of travel magic with its Stamp Rally inspired by Japan’s famous station stamps. Visitors can collect 23 beautifully designed stamps while exploring over 20 booths that showcase the charm of prefectures such as Yamaguchi, Nagano and Fukuoka. Each booth offers a slice of Japanese culture from tourism highlights to regional snacks. Completing the rally earns you a shot at winning round trip tickets on Japan Airlines and AirJapan, JR East Passes and rail inspired souvenirs. The event runs from 9 to 11 October from 11am to 8pm and entry is free.
Image Credits: facebook.com/JAPANRAILCAFE
For something colossal, Science Centre Singapore presents Dinosaurs | Extinctions | Us in collaboration with the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum. This 3,000 square meter exhibition invites visitors to stand beneath a 40 metre cast of the Patagotitan mayorum, one of the largest creatures to have ever lived. The showcase features 33 fossils and 60 full scale models tracing 400 million years of history. Beyond the spectacle, the exhibition reflects on how past extinctions connect with the environmental challenges humanity faces today. Tickets start from S$25.90 and come with a free dinosaur plush toy while stocks last.
Over at Bugis Plus, POP LANDPop-Up makes its overseas debut and transforms the atrium into a pastel wonderland. The pop-up store celebrates the irresistibly cute world of MOKOKO with exclusive merchandise, whimsical photo corners and a joyful dose of kawaii fun. It is the perfect stop for those who love collectibles and crave a feel good escape in the middle of the city. The store is open from 15 to 26 October from 10am to 9.30pm. While it is not happening this weekend, consider this an early heads up as the event tends to fill up fast and registration slots often get snapped up quickly.
Image Credits: facebook.com/popmartsg
For a night of theatre and thrill, Cirque Alice takes over the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands. The show reimagines Lewis Carroll’s beloved tale with breathtaking acrobatics, puppetry, dance and contemporary music. It is a world where Alice tumbles through wonder and chaos guided by performers who twist, fly and balance between fantasy and artistry. Tickets start from S$78 and performances run from 9 to 26 October.
Image Credits: facebook.com/cirquealice
If you are chasing nostalgia, art or awe, Singapore offers something extraordinary this October. Step out and let a little wonder find you and your loved ones!
