Hello everyone, and welcome to another of my articles. In this article, I’m doing something different – commemorating 27 brands I’ve previously reviewed that have since bit the dust.
I was inspired by the recent Grammys, where artists paid tribute to music icons (such as Sinead O’Connor, pictured above) who passed away last year. It got me thinking – since I started Wah So Shiok in 2017, plenty of brands that I’ve covered have also gone under. As such, I’m doing a Grammys-inspired In Memoriam article, where I round up 27 brands that are no more. Let’s get into it.
Watches
Watch microbrands have – by far – the highest mortality rate, with 18 brands now being defunct. With fierce competition, it isn’t easy being a one-man show. In particular, I loved Monsieur, Boldido and Schaffen – these three brands offered something unique to the market that will be missed.
1) Vintro
Review: I reviewed the Vintro Le Mans 1952 Chronograph Automatic here.
2) Herve
Review: I reviewed the Herve Alvia here.
3) Straposphere
Review: I reviewed Straposphere’s straps here, and here.
4) Monsieur
Review: I reviewed the Monsieur Helm One here, and the Monsieur Ranomo here.
5) WULF
Review: I reviewed the WULF Exo here.
6) Beacon Watches
Review: I reviewed the Beacon Pathfinder here.
7) Nostal
Review: I reviewed the Nostal Saxodate here.
Review: I reviewed the Fonderia Navale Veneto here.
9) Bolido
Review: I reviewed the Bolido X here, and the Bolido Halo here.
10) Stoic Watches
Review: I reviewed the Stoic Pilot’s Watch here.
11) Scuro
Review: I reviewed the Scuro Volante here, and the Scuro Bronzo here.
12) Velthor
Review: I reviewed the Velthor S1 Concept here.
13) Manchester Watch Works
Review: I reviewed the Manchester Watch Works Battenkill here.
14) Jubileon
Review: I reviewed the Jubileon Superellipse here.
15) Vorque
Review: I reviewed the Vorque Constantine here.
16) Schaffen
Review: I introduced the Schaffen automatic models here.
17) Straits Foundry
Review: I reviewed the Straits Foundry Expedition here.
18) TenTwo
Review: I reviewed TenTwo’s subscription service here.
Menswear
Menswear brands took a hit as well, with many brands unable to keep their heads over water during COVID. Out of the 9 brands below, I particularly miss Gaius Walks (shoes), Closeknip (tailoring), and Cincinati Leather (leathergoods). All three offered value-for-money products that punched above their price point.
19) Gaius Walks
Review: I reviewed Gaius Walks’ shoes here, here, and here.
20) Scofield Shoes
Review: I reviewed Scofield’s shoes here.
21) CustomMade
Review: I reviewed CustomMade’s shoes here.
22) Earnest & Collective
Review: I reviewed Earnest & Collective’s shoes here.
23) Closeknip
Review: I reviewed Closeknip’s clothing here, and here.
24) Esquire’s Bespoke/Esquire’s Atelier
Review: I reviewed Esquire’s Bespoke’s clothing here, here and here.
25) LAVNG
Review: I reviewed LAVNG’s briefcase and wallet here.
26) Cincinati Leather
Review: I reviewed Cincinati Leather’s briefcase and clutch here.
27) Atlas Men
Review: I reviewed Atlas Men’s perfumes here.
Conclusion:
Running a business isn’t easy, especially when it’s a one-man show. I should know – I was very close to giving up Wah So Shiok multiple times throughout the years. I hope some of the abovementioned brands return someday, but it was a good run nonetheless. I hope this stresses the importance of support, especially for homegrown brands. If we don’t support our local brands, who will?
P.S: Check out The Shiok Store here – it serves as a curation of my favourite products from my favourite brands.
P.P.S: Do check out the new “Discounts!” page for exclusive discounts for Wah so Shiok readers! More brands will be added very soon – stay tuned!
P.P.P.S: If you haven’t already, do follow my social media channels on Facebook here, on Instagram here, and on Youtube here.
P.P.P.P.S Shiok is a common word Singaporeans use to express admiration or approval. As of 2016, you can find the definition of the word in the Oxford English Dictionary.
