By Tara Sim (26A01C)
Instead of looking up “Fun activities in Singapore” on Tik Tok in desperation, save yourself the effort and head to Resurrack Vintage Market this weekend. With racks of curated vintage clothing and tables lined with handmade jewellery, it’s a refreshing change from spending your precious weekend on an overpriced brunch with diluted matcha lattes or a sad mall stroll.
Tucked away at Bugis Art Lane, a hidden alley just a stone’s throw away from Bugis MRT station, this weekly vintage market has captured the hearts of many with its unique retro atmosphere. Resurrack prides itself on being “Singapore’s ultimate vintage shopping experience that brings together the best possible mix of vintage dealers, businesses and local talents across Singapore”. As someone with dangerously high levels of FOMO, when I saw that Resurrack was having a weekend with vendors specifically tailored towards feminine tastes, I knew I had to head down to see what the hype was all about.
Location-wise, the Art Lane is extremely convenient to get to with several signs present along Bugis Street. Once you reach the Art Lane, you will be instantly greeted by rows of booths and crowds of people. The atmosphere of Resurrack is impeccable—from live music by local buskers, to vibrant art murals perfect for taking cool pictures.
As an event that hosts such a diverse array of businesses with their own individual styles and aesthetics, Resurrack acts as a safe haven for youth to express themselves through fashion and momentarily escape the mundanity of daily life in Singapore. The result? Resurrack is packed full of eye candies with fits so hard Resurrack’s organisers literally post weekly outfit recaps on Instagram to flex how good everyone looks. It was very refreshing to see so many people dressed in styles I never thought I’d witness being donned in Singapore’s sweltering heat, especially after my eyes had practically grown sore from seeing every single colourway of Uniqlo Airism tee.
Strolling down the bustling alleyway, I saw booths selling curated vintage clothes with clothing bins priced as low as $2 (though realistically the nicer pieces I was interested in were about $10 for a top or $20 for bottoms). Other vendors were selling dainty jewellery and even digital cameras for fairly reasonable prices (I’d still recommend raiding your parents’ cupboard if you’re hunting for one). Needless to say, there is something for everyone at Resurrack, so you’ll definitely be able to find something to take home with you from your journey.
Out of all of the booths there, my personal favourite was one stacked with vintage memorabilia. From Happy Meal toys from the ‘90s to vintage watches, the owner Uncle Alan has been running this business for over 18 years and I was fortunate enough to be able to have a short conversation with him. Talking to him made me realise just how much he loves what he does. Every single item he sells has its own unique backstory, infusing his stall with way more personality and life than any store in a mall. He told me that although this business of his “can’t make a lot of money”, it is his only way to earn a living.
It was truly inspiring to see how such a modern, youth-centric market like Resurrack had found space for an unlikely entrepreneur like him, and supported him. While we may see Resurrack as merely a trendy vintage weekend market, I also think it provides a platform for local, independent businesses—ones we might not even know exist otherwise—to sell their quirky wares. So if you’re ever visiting Resurrack, drop by Uncle Alan’s booth and you might find yourself a retro, one-of-a-kind treasure to take home!
In the case that the selection of items and experiences doesn’t tickle your fancy, you could also opt for a more personalised souvenir by getting your caricature drawn by the talented artists at Jelly Caricature or visit the newspaper photobooth to get your photo taken in a vintage style print for just $5! These are great if you’re going with a friend and want a tangible way to remember your weekend together. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more interactive experience, you could visit the Jagua tattoo parlor or even the tarot card reading booth if you were curious whether your situationship actually wants you back.
However, as a professional ‘linglinglonglong’ collector, I was a little disappointed by the array of trinkets and keychains being sold at Resurrack. Only 2 booths there were selling handmade paraphernalia, so if you’re like me and your bag is so heavily laden with keychains that it jingles like an instrument every time you walk into a room, you’re better off going to Queensway mall to find affordable treasures to accessorise your bag with—unless you feel like spending $30 on a keychain just because it has a Smiski attached to it.
My other qualm with Resurrack is that the market itself is rather small, so it might not be enough to entertain you for a full day out. While I can see how some people might spend hours handpicking every link charm at the Italian Charm Bracelet booth or sifting through the racks of clothes, I personally think that Resurrack is a fun weekend activity that offers a couple of hours of entertainment—provided Singapore’s weather doesn’t get to you first.
Overall, my visit to Resurrack Vintage Market was a thoroughly enjoyable one—I even brought home some vintage pokemon cards as a gift from Uncle Alan. With its electric, creative atmosphere, Resurrack feels like more than just a shopping experience. It is a breath of fresh air from the dreary malls in Singapore and a celebration of self-expression. So, next time you’re about to drop $35 on a mass-produced, poorly crafted Brandy Melville tank top, consider taking the 20 minute detour from Orchard Road to Resurrack Market—where that same $35 can get you a full outfit bursting with character, charm and a story to tell.
