Riina O at Singapore Design Week

This September, I had the pleasure of taking part in Singapore Design Week with the Estonian Association of Designers, bringing the Upmade in Estonia exhibition to *SCAPE, a creative space that perfectly reflected the city’s innovative spirit.

UPMADE in Estonia is a visionary exhibition spotlighting the future of design. In a world challenged by overconsumption and waste, Estonia offers creative and efficient alternatives rooted in both tradition and nature.

The exhibition celebrates Estonian designers who craft circular products that minimize waste and maximize resourcefulness — reflecting deep commitments to sustainability, craftsmanship, and digital advancement.

Singapore left a strong impression on me as a green, biophilic city — where nature and design coexist in harmony. 🌿

Alongside the exhibition, I hosted an artist talk and a co-creation session, inviting participants to slow down and connect through the tactile, meditative act of hand embroidery. Together, we captured the essence of Singapore — its lush textures, vibrant diversity, and thoughtful rhythm — one stitch at a time. 🧵💛

It is a beautiful, connecting, collaborative artwork: a growing communal Memory Map of the World, shaped by hands, stories, and shared moments from around the globe. Each new location adds another layer of meaning, weaving together human experiences across cultures.

The classic Riina O four-fingered Delphine laser-cut ivory leather glove from the Antoinette collection, perfectly suited to Singapore’s warm climate, beside the city’s modern icon, the Marina Bay Sands.

Big thanx to the Cultural Endowment of Estonia for supporting my participation in Singapore Design Week.