Etta, hidden in the penthouse of an industrial building, is an invite-only multi-concept space that celebrates good taste of the palate and interior design that honours one powerhouse of a woman.
Singapore is not without its fair share of well curated interiors whose “aesthetics” attract those near and far to flock towards for visually pleasing experiences. While that phenomenon seems to have been mostly limited to the more generalist world of cafés, there have been spaces that are challenging that narrative, seeking out the more sophisticated lot who want the full hospitality package of a good meal in a good space, customised to the occasion and crowd of choice.
One such space is Etta, an eclectic post-modern penthouse that is part lounge, event space, music venue and retail and design incubator. At a glance, the industrial facade and warm toned-interior recall that of a creative’s abode more than the multi-hyphenate space that is.
But that’s part of its draw — Etta literally translates to keeper of the hearth or ruler of the home, and is lovingly inspired by Ruth Etta Collins, restaurateur Gibran Baydoun’s inimitably bold and spirited grandmother.
“Etta is the embodiment of creativity. It is an all-encompassing space that allows you to have a bite, share some tipples and let your hair down and dance to live music. Under its eccentric and unconventional charm, itʼs essentially a place that makes you feel at home,” says Gibran Baydoun, founder of Thatʼs Proper Hospitality which also includes other BYGB hotspots Lucali BYGB – located just a few floors below, Corduroy Palace and Proper Slice BYGB.
It’s definitely an homage made right when you learn of the extent to which Baydoun has gone on to tally with the feisty force his grandmother was, as the first Black woman to graduate from her university plus earn a Masterʼs Degree while raising six children on her own.
This treasure trove of a designer penthouse at 66 Kampong Bugis includes a striking ceiling that allows for coordinated light boxes to beam through; a custom table (that sits a maximum of 32) inspired by American artist Donald Juddʼs art and vision; a custom-designed banquette with fabric meant to resemble the cloth found in an ʻ80s car; chairs by Frank Lloyd Wright; a custom daybed inspired by De Sede; original Faye Toogood Roly Poly Chairs and vintage Japanese folding chairs.
If you are an interested amateur in the world of contemporary furniture, consider yourself schooled by Baydoun’s impeccable eye for the new and sexy art pieces you can live in and with at home.
If that is not enough, artworks by New York born-and-raised creative wunderkind Clelia Montali adorn the walls, as per all BYGB spaces.
While the menu at Etta is anchored by a raw bar that serves easy bites like crudos and sushi, the menu for private events are for the guests to conjure at the kitchen’s service.
There’s no room for doubt, only some room to wine (yes, wine) down once you’ve set foot into this corner of comfort and curiosity.
Once you’re done with this story, click here to catch up with our September 2022 issue.
RELATED ARTICLES
The AI-fication Of Facial Treatments
