From Concept to Community: Building Singapore’s First J-Fashion Creative Pop-Up
Could you tell us a little about yourself and your role as the founder and main organiser of Singapore’s first J Fashion centred biannual pop up event for creatives?
Hi! I’m Kitty, the founder and main organiser of Konbini SG, Singapore’s first J Fashion themed biannual pop up event for creatives.
I first conceptualised Konbini as a platform that celebrates local creativity and provides a space for authentic self expression, with a focus on alternative cultures and communities. Konbini was built around four core goals that stem from my personal beliefs:
- Promoting creative culture by encouraging innovation over practicality and conformity.
- Diversifying the local scene by pushing back against fast fashion, unsustainable micro trends, and exclusive or elitist cultures.
- Creating a safe space for youths through an inclusive community that encourages self expression.
- Supporting rising entrepreneurs through affordable digital marketing and event organisation opportunities.
For the first two editions of Konbini, I handled everything on my own, from art and logistics to social media and communications. Over time, I’ve been fortunate to work with a dedicated team that has helped bring some of our bigger ideas to life. Today, I mainly oversee operations, art direction, writing, editing, and communications.
What first drew you to J Fashion and the creative community around it?
I first discovered J Fashion through running my secondhand Instagram shop, Kittydressed. Back when secondhand sellers would spend hours sourcing items from physical thrift stores such as those in Lucky Plaza, I found myself consistently gravitating towards pieces with Japanese clothing tags because I was drawn to their design and quality.
I’ve always been curious about the origins, history, and craftsmanship behind the things I love, so I began researching Japanese fashion brands and learning more about Harajuku culture and Japanese subcultures. Eventually, I started sourcing directly from Japan and naturally became part of a community of sellers and buyers who shared a similar appreciation for these styles.
I also boothing at various pop up events, where I had the chance to meet other creatives and support their work. A large portion of my Kittydressed earnings went towards purchasing crafts and products from fellow creators.
I think many people involved in alternative fashion can relate to this. Once you’re drawn to a subculture, you often develop a deeper appreciation for handmade and creative work, whether it’s art prints, accessories, jewellery, or other crafts. There’s less pressure to follow mainstream consumer trends, and you find yourself wanting to support creators whose work genuinely inspires you.
Looking back, which experience from organising the pop up stands out as especially meaningful or memorable for you?
The most memorable experience was definitely Konbini 2.0.
The first edition was a great start, but Konbini hadn’t yet established itself as a J Fashion and alternative fashion event. Most visitors probably saw it as just another pop up event, and only a handful of people came dressed in styles that reflected the community.
The second edition was a completely different experience. I was amazed by the creativity and fashion on display and had the opportunity to speak with many visitors and compliment their outfits. It was during that event that genuine conversations started happening and the sense of community truly began to take shape.
What challenges have shaped your journey as a founder and organiser in this space?
Many of the challenges that shaped Konbini actually came from my experiences running Kittydressed before Konbini was established.
One challenge was seeing how many people struggled to embrace their fashion identities in a society that often dismisses fashion as frivolous, vain, or attention seeking. I’ve had customers tell me things like, “I love this dress, but my family would laugh at me if I wore it.” I experienced similar concerns myself and often worried about being judged for caring too much about my appearance.
Those experiences motivated me to create a space where youths can express themselves freely through fashion without fear of judgement.
Another challenge was witnessing how the creative scene can sometimes be held back by elitism and exclusivity. I experienced this firsthand as a secondhand seller rather than a designer. It inspired me to create a space where different talents are valued, where communities are genuinely inclusive, and where politics do not get in the way of growing the creative scene.
To steer Konbini in that direction, I had to step into a leadership role and take ownership of the vision. It was intimidating at first, but over time I became more comfortable and confident in that responsibility.
How do you navigate or overcome these challenges today?
One way we encourage visitors to overcome their fear of dressing differently is by giving them a platform to celebrate their style.
We have professional photographers at our events who take fashion portraits of visitors. These photos are later shared with those who participated and are also featured in our social media lookbooks. It’s our way of encouraging people to feel proud of expressing themselves.
To address elitism and exclusivity, we have a careful curation process when selecting creatives to booth with us. Selection is based first on merit, considering factors such as originality, innovation, and skill. We also prioritise diversity to ensure a wide variety of creators and creative styles are represented.
Through this journey, I’ve also learnt to become more assertive and confident in making decisions whenever leadership is required.
What’s a common misconception you’ve heard about J Fashion that people often get wrong?
One of the most common misconceptions is that J Fashion is the same as cosplay.
While cosplay involves portraying a specific character, J Fashion is primarily about self expression and curating a personal style. The confusion is understandable because anime and cosplay communities are very visible in Singapore, and many people encounter these cultures at the same events.
Another misconception is that people involved in alternative fashion are rebellious, immature, or intentionally trying to stand out. Personally, I think everyone challenges societal norms in some way throughout their lives. Rebellion can take many forms. It can mean showing kindness in an unkind environment or choosing to shop consciously in an overly consumerist society.
Sometimes wearing different clothes is simply an outward expression of those values. Other times, it’s simply about enjoying fashion and dressing in a way that feels authentic.
What advice would you give to others who are starting out as creative founders or organisers like yourself?
My advice would be to start with a bold vision. Imagine what your project would look like in an ideal world, and then work steadily towards that goal.
Being a founder in a creative space requires imagination, but it also requires patience. Progress often happens gradually, and success rarely appears overnight. If you’re consistent and committed, you’ll eventually realise that you’re moving closer and closer to the future you envisioned.
What are you currently working on, or what’s coming up next for the pop up and your creative journey?
We’re currently preparing for Konbini 5.0, our fifth main edition, taking place on 6 and 7 June.
This year, we’ll be hosting our first ever J Fashion and alternative fashion runway as part of the main event, as well as our first concert segment after market hours.
We’re also launching the second edition of the Konbini community magazine. This time, it will be a collaborative effort involving more contributors, which we’re excited about because it will allow us to create even stronger content and elevate the publication’s overall quality.
Moving forward, we’re hoping to continue strengthening our branding and further our goal of documenting the community through different forms of media.
🆙 Next: Konbini 5.0 | 6 – 7 June 2026 (Sat & Sun), 11am–7pm | *SCAPE Ground Theatre (L2)
🔎 Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/konbini_sg/
