What: Angelia
Where: 01-16 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road
When: 11am to 9.30pm (Sundays to Thursdays), 11am to 11pm (Fridays and Saturdays)
Who: Two sisters, MsZen Tan, 29, and MsAngela Tan, 25, who started their fashion label Angelia two years ago.
As children, they would dress up their Barbie dolls with scrap fabric.
Now, the siblings work together to create dresses with clean lines for the independent modern woman.
Ms Zen Tan says: "Our designs are understated, fluid and versatile. For instance, we make dresses that you can wear at work and then to a party at night."
Their label is a play on Angela's name. The sisters added an "i", which stands for inspiration, identity and independence. They started designing clothes and selling them online two years ago.
Angela, who is single, did a diploma in fashion at Lasalle College of the Arts. She currently works in marketing in the IT industry.
Her sister, who is married, studied business administration at the National University of Singapore. She left a full-time job in a bank to run their label early last year.
In late 2011, Angelia was one of 18 home-grown labels selected for Parco Next Next, a programme in which budding designers are mentored and given retail space at Parco Marina Bay in Millenia Walk. A selection of Angelia clothes is still available at its 100-sq-ft shop space there.
Its shop at Orchard Central, which officially opened last month, sells the label's full range of dresses and tops. Designs are produced in small quantities of 50 pieces or fewer. They range in price from $59.90 for a top to $189 for a dress.
The 350-sq-ft boutique has a fuss-free interior, with brown, earthy tones accentuated by a wall with floral wallpaper.
Angela, who spends most of her time there, says: "With our own retail outlet, we can provide personalised service. It is very encouraging to be able to interact with our customers."
The sisters have no intention of expanding into a big chain because they want to keep things exclusive.
Zen says: "We do not want to compromise on quality and we like to have that personal touch."
Her sister adds: "We have wanted to make clothes since we were young. It is our passion to dress up women."
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