Singapore’s Aliwal Arts Centre, a cultural oasis, hosted Hustlers Reunion’s Creators Marketplace over the weekend of 21 and 22 September. Organized by 3AM COLLECTIVE, the event management division of Suave Cartel Media, the event served as a prelude to next year’s Aliwal Urban Arts Festival.

The creative cluster of artists and artisans turned the venue into a melting pot, where individuals from the most disparate of backgrounds showcased their pristine passions and entrepreneurial endeavors. Despite general society’s old beliefs in past traditions, they blazed their own trail, sharing their unique creations while connecting with their like-minded contemporaries.

The tables were set to allow homegrown brands and their eclectic array of apparel, accessories, homeware, and leather goods to take the spotlight. Shopping was a highlight, yet the event offered much more than retail therapy. Attendees had the opportunity to win raffle prizes, including a pair of ASICS GT-2160 and a pair from Wasted Collective.

And in lieu of the Singapore Grand Prix, the organizers introduced the Tamiya Mini 4WD Design Challenge, judged by Trase One of RSCLS, one of the burgeoning art nation’s premier art collectives. Lest we forget, the one-hour panel featuring four at the vanguard of the country’s creative industry. A true celebration of diversity and creativity, attendees, dressed in a kaleidoscope of styles, reflected the event’s vibrant spirit.

To describe it would take thousands of words, hours of writing, minutes of reading, and strained eyes…

So here is Hustlers Reunion’s Creators Marketplace in pictures (and some words) instead.

SKINARMA is a Singaporean lifestyle brand established in 2018. Operating at the confluence of fashion and tech, they specialize in various accessories, including apparel, iPhone cases, Apple Watch straps, and bags.

GARBLOOTS is a haven for curated clothing and collectibles, inviting you on a journey through time. A pop-up store with an eclectic catalog of fashion labels and fashion genres.

KICKS ATELIER, initially conceived as an online surplus store, offers a range of services, such as the buying and selling of sneakers, expert restoration, and the provision of materials for footwear customization. Beyond its core services, the brand has also expanded to embrace the fashion facet of street culture.

Forest Child crafts custom, bespoke leather goods utilizing premium-grade, biodegradable leather sourced from a world-renowned tannery. Conscious of environmental impact, they embrace a sustainable ethos by utilizing by-products of the meat industry, primarily cow leather.

Reverseas.Sg offers a tailored olfactory experience. Sourced overseas, the brand nonetheless infuses each creation with a touch of local essence, crafting an assortment of aromas that resonate with Singaporean sensibilities.

Aaah is a “nomadic creative practice” helmed by Ryan Len and Ella Zheng, celebrating the joy of exploration and the power of ideas, fostering a space where creativity can flourish without constraint. Case in point: they even wrote and designed their own travel guide to Bangkok, alongside the miscellany of their other creations.

ALBY. draws inspiration from the pulse of urban life. From minimalist staples to experimental patterns, the brand caters to a wide range of styles and preferences, and in inclusive sizes, celebrating individuality and diversity.

Luwa‘s products are designed to equip adventurers, travelers, and dreamers alike. Be it for a leisurely stroll or a vis-à-vis with Mother Nature, Luwa equips you with the essential tools to embark on your own personal odyssey.

Morning Monday was founded in Batam Island, Indonesia, in June 2012, inspired by Fajar Casca Rino’s passion for skateboarding and streetwear.

JWFTR was established in 2019. Unconstrained by others’ opinions, the brand emerged initially as a personal outlet focused on apparel. But the brand’s vision has since extended beyond clothing, leading to the creation of a barbershop.

EYEYAH! harnesses the power of art and design to address pressing societal issues. They tackle critical topics such as internet addiction, healthy eating, and environmental concerns, using creativity as a catalyst for positive change.

Scitus, a name derived from the fusion of science and the lotus flower, embodies humanity’s indomitable spirit. Like the lotus, which rises triumphantly from the mud, scitus represents humanity’s resilience in the face of adversity. Each garment is an “homage to the journey of overcoming obstacles and embracing the light that guides us forward.”

Job’s Hen is an invitation to a whimsical journey through local and pop cultures. Their creations breathe new life into beloved characters, reimagining them in unexpected and delightful ways. By infusing local references into their designs, they bridge the gap between tradition and modernity.

Classified Footwear is for discerning individuals who view shoes as more than mere footwear, established with an unwavering commitment to providing unparalleled shoe repair services. Their approach to each assignment is rooted in a deep understanding of the shoe, the wearer, and the intended purpose.

Beyond standard restoration, Classified Footwear offers a bespoke service that caters to the individual needs and preferences of their clientele. Delving into the intricacies of each pair, they are able to provide tailored solutions that preserve the integrity of the footwear while addressing specific wear and tear.

Second Natvre is a leatherworks studio by Tze Ling. Drawing inspiration from traditional crafts, she sources premium materials from Italy and Japan to create products that transcend fleeting trends.

Ling’s collaborative portfolio includes the likes of SBTG, and heritage brands such as adidas and IWC. Her work has even graced the pages of esteemed publications like Hypebeast and Harper’s Bazaar.

The Killer Gerbil x Suave Cartel Supply T-Shirt and Tamiya Mini 4WD Design Challenge: some of the highlights unique to this edition of the Creators Marketplace.

The Creative Platform panel discussion offered an exploration of the contemporary artistic landscape. The luminaries who graced the stage included Klingsmen of Classified Footwear, Tze Ling of Second Natvre, Afiq Rezza of Yunos N Family, and the talented multihyphenate—musician, artist, and educator—Ginette Chittick.

Moderated by Dexter and Jonathan of Sole Superior, the hour-long discourse provided valuable insights into the practices, methodologies, and aspirations of these creative pioneers, with a particular lean toward the importance of branding.

More than a dozen prizes were given away with each participating vendor contributing to the prize pool. Top prizes include the ASICS GT-2160 and a pair of sustainable footwear from Wasted Collective.

The Creators Marketplace was also a gathering of gens du monde, who showcased their personal styles and fused disparate influences into their unique outfits.

When our heads are down it isn’t because we’re depressed, we’re just looking at people’s shoes.

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For the latest news and updates on sneakers, streetwear, and TCGs, stay tuned to SNKRDUNK Magazine and follow us on social media. To experience these products firsthand, visit our physical locations in Singapore and Japan.

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