There is an emerging trend of luxury street wear and it seems to be gaining momentum. While this may seem absurd to many of you, there is a growing appreciation for quality, stylish everyday threads that is differentiated from their inferior counterparts by their top-notch materials, immaculate construction, blissful comfort and admirable durability.

The price tags may seem overly large for wardrobe staples like t-shirts, sweaters and tank tops, but if we spend so much of our time in clothes like these, why not invest? Here are three brands that take street wear very seriously indeed.

Elizabeth And James
As the Olsen Twins are fast becoming fashion superstars with their designer line The Row, their more casual sister line, Elizabeth and James, is also holding itself up to be a formidable player in that no man’s land between designer and high street. Exuding effortlessly cool downtown chic, the brand is contemporary without being trendy. Its well-made basic t-shirts and tank tops have won it many fans among the young and fashionable while the ultra-soft cardigans and sweaters will become your prized favourites in no time.

Selected pieces from Elizabeth and James retails from SGD274 to SGD802 at TriBeCa, #02-05-08, Mandarin Gallery

Kai-Aakmann
With such a curious sounding name, it is hard not to take a closer look at Korean label Kai-Aakmann. Designer Soonjin Park’s modern take on the interaction of feminine and masculine elements in her clothes has resulted in a surprisingly pleasing aesthetic that is almost genderless.

Specialising in soft jersey pieces, the brand is largely inspired by youth, street culture and nature. Carefully constructed to compliment the human form, each piece drape and folds in just the right way.

Kai-Aakmann is stocked at Ambush, #03-14, Mandarin Gallery. Prices start from SGD70 for a tee

Willow
Australian fashion label Willow gives street wear an edgier, more glamourous spin. The Bachelor Girl collection is a masterful fusion of the pretty and the tough, the young and the sophisticated. Featuring shiny, black feathers and leather, it is a varied showing that consists of little tweed dresses, printed wide-legged pants, tee dresses and draped capris. Top pick goes to a highly versatile tank top with a leather front and mesh back that can be worn in a million and one ways.

Willow is available at #02-16, Mandarin Gallery. Prices range from SGD519 to SGD819