On 21 July 2009, it finally all came together for Singapore and the world when the much hyped and eagerly awaited Ion Orchard opened its doors to welcome beelines of starry-eyed shoppers. This is the moment we have all been waiting for.
Strategically located at the junction of Orchard and Paterson Roads, the 663, 000sq ft grandest of all malls in Singapore is poised to become the new ‘centre of gravity’ in the prime Orchard Road shopping belt as it attempts to magnetically draw Singaporeans, tourists and international retailers to its doors. Indeed, no mall has generated as much interest as Ion Orchard. Even prior to its soft launch, the very coinage of its name to the selection of duplex luxury flagship stores to front Orchard Road has generated much discussion and buzz in the community.
The iconic Ion Orchard promises to be a world class destination that has in store many firsts in Singapore’s retail scene. And it certainly lives up to its lofty ambitions.
The iconic Ion Orchard
Conveniently located above the Orchard MRT station, the mall has two subway entrances. You know you are in for a unique shopping experience should you choose to exit the train station and enter the mall at the main entrance situated at Level 1. But before that, take your time to admire the stunning bubble inspired glass dome design of the exit which allows natural light to filter through as you traverse through it. This is no coincidence but meticulous planning to synchronize it with Ion Orchard’s façade and canopy. One also cannot help but be drawn to the LED panels along the walkway which help create a surround visual experience for commuters.
The bubble inspired glass dome design exit from Orchard MRT
Alternatively, enter the mall without having to brave the elements via Level B2 after you exit the train station control. It is almost impossible even to think you can stay away from the allure as the mall is so ingeniously integrated into the train station. Sometimes, it’s hard to even tell mall from station apart. And this is pure magic.
Enter Ion Orchard at Level B2 direct from Orchard MRT
There is another entrance to the mall, or otherwise named Paterson Link, which is also located at Level B2. Paterson Link is an underground shopping link (with more shops) which is part of Ion Orchard connecting it from Wheelock Place across the road.
If you feel it’s a tough decision deciding which of the eight levels of Ion Orchard to check out first, do not fret. Be wowed by the first-of-its-kind touch screen shopping directory in Singapore. Besides being so easy to navigate just like a touch screen mobile phone, it is also conveniently located on every floor for easy access. But if you prefer human interaction, then do not hesitate to approach any of the customer service officers on foot patrol duty or walk towards the concierge which is located on almost every floor – another first for a local mall. Always easy to help shoppers familiarize themselves, they will even go the extra mile by escorting you to your destination as I found out for myself.
Perhaps the most welcoming gesture by this newcomer who is set to shake up the regional shopping scene is the introduction of a shopping directory called Men’s Guide. As its name suggests, it’s for men only. This is a clever marketing strategy which only lists all the shops that cater to men. Sorry, only the men have this privilege.
Men’s Guide – for men only!
Designed by London-based architecture firm Benoy, Ion Orchard’s iconic signature architecture has already won two prestigious awards ‘Best Retail Development over 20, 000m²’ and ‘Best Architectural Entry’ at MAPIC 2006.
Look at the interior ceilings & one thinks it’s a hotel!
Yet look beyond its futuristic design and walk down memory lane as it connects the past with the future. Drawing inspiration from Orchard Road’s history as an orchard about 160 years ago, Ion Orchard’s design is in fact modelled after the nutmeg. The seed and skin of the nutmeg form the façade of the building while the high-rise residential tower, named Orchard Residences, is the stem. Literally taking a leaf out from the history books and modernising it, the same façade can also double up as a canvas for multimedia art as well as a screen for live telecasts of events held within the mall. On prominent display at Ion Square (the 33, 000sf open space at Level 1) are the history inspired nutmeg sculpture and a colourful collage of human forms called ‘Urban People’.
Ion Orchard’s nutmeg display
The colourful Urban People sculptures outside Ion Orchard
At Ion Orchard, there is something for everyone. You will never get bored as every floor has a new surprise in store. For example, I first thought Ion Station at Level B4 was the name of another MRT station. But thankfully it was not. Instead what welcomed me was a huge open space which can be rented for exhibitions. Currently, it is where most people congregate to rest their weary feet on the white stools.
I had to check out the toilets too after my friend texted me to say they were oh so beautiful. My verdict is that they are definitely posh, just like those found in five-star hotels. I love the vastness of the vanity table (see the wide space on the right of the pic below?).
Vastness of space at the vanity tables
Another distinctive feature of the male toilet at Ion Orchard must be the height length urinals. You never get this at any other malls as the urinals are always half human length.
The full human length urinals in the male toilets
A pity I couldn’t check out the ladies’ toilet though. From media reports, I learnt that the ladies had the upper hand. The ladies’ toilet had vanity tables near the hand basins which come with huge swivel mirrors on the table for make-up. Oh am I jealous… 
Befitting its very tagline of ‘where it all comes together’, Ion Orchard brings together the world’s beloved brands in the form of flagship and concept stores. You cannot possibly miss the magnificent frontage of duplex-level shops such as Louis Vuitton, Prada, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgia Armani and Cartier. These designer labels and premium international brands are located from Levels 1 to 4. Or be adventurous and discover another world of over 300 popular fashion labels and lifestyle shops sprinkled from Levels B1 to B4. Yes, the four levels of shops located below ground level will definitely delight you further. If Isla Fisher’s character in ‘Confessions Of A Shopaholic’ were to shop at Ion Orchard, I will bet my last dollar she will floor everyone else down with her endless purchases.
LV leads the pack of designer labels fronting Orchard Road
Ion Orchard also presents an amazing spread of gourmet places that has one really spoilt for choice. Besides Ion Food Hall with over 58 kiosks (located at Level B4) which offers the largest variety of international cuisine, foodstuff and snacks available in Orchard Road, a total of 28 restaurants and cafes are evenly spread out over different levels of the mall.
Ion Food Hall at Level B4
You are guaranteed you will never go hungry again while shopping when over 21% of the prime location mall is dedicated to dining and gourmet options. By smartly bringing together both food concepts and retail offerings on each level, Ion Orchard offers shoppers dining options while taking a break from shopping and vice versa. This is truly appreciated as it is the hallmark of a wholesome shopping experience.
Judging from the foodies crowding B4, you know what’s in store
For the art lovers, you must not miss Ion Art located at Level 4. As a gesture of celebrating the arts, this 5, 300 sq ft gallery is dedicated to the exhibition of exclusive arts and cultural events. In time to come, besides paintings and sculptures, more multi-disciplinary, sound and literary art too will be introduced. It’s been said the shopping experience can be likened to that of art. So true.
Ion Art at Level 4
Ion Art: Nutmeg & Mace, Urban People & World (Views) exhibition
An integrated mall experience: shopping, dining, arts, design & new media
I now await with unparalleled excitement the opening of Ion Sky in late 2010, a two-storey observation deck on the 55th and 56th floors which promises to give a bird’s eye view of the city from this highest vantage point.
Whether Ion Orchard represents the dynamic, energetic characteristics of an electronically charged ion or simply a highly personalised shopping experience for the individual ‘I On’, this is undeniably the ultimate shopping destination to cement Singapore’s status as a premier shopping paradise. With a multi-sensory experience, eclectic mix of retail concepts and award-winning architecture, you know you have a winner in Ion Orchard.
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