Hiroki Nakamura doesn’t see himself as a fashion designer but rather, someone who designs good quality, authentic products that are made to last.

Since 2000, his luxury casual menswear label VISVIM has remained true to these core ideals. The designs also make ready references to both the past and present and importantly, are created with comfort and functionality in mind.

VISVIM’s first F.I.L.(Free International Laboratory) flagship boutique in Singapore at the Raffles Hotel Arcade – a preserved historic landmark – appears to be a perfect fit with the label.

In each and every new F.I.L. boutique, Nakamura seeks to incorporate a local element or feel – given his deep interest in global cultures.

The Singapore location therefore pays direct homage to the building’s colonial architecture. Every focal point in the interior centres around the use of arduously sourced antique materials. The antique wooden parquet style flooring dates back over a century, while the antique tin ceilings, traditional Japanese shikkui plaster finish on the walls, and old wooden shop counters and cabinets hail from the late 1800’s to the early 1900’s.

As perhaps is its intention, the thoughtful design makes it appear as if the boutique has been at the hotel right from the beginning, prevailing through time…