Singapore’s 60th birthday celebrations have taken a quirky yet deeply nostalgic turn, thanks to a heart-warming collaboration between two much-loved local brands. For those who grew up here, or simply appreciate the unique character of Singaporean culture, there’s a new way to show some local pride — right down to their toes.
From 1 to 24 August 2025, Old Chang Kee and Talking Toes are joining forces to launch a one-of-a-kind fashion item that’s bound to stir up memories while turning heads. Introducing the “Keep Calm and Curry On” socks — an inventive tribute to one of Singapore’s most iconic snacks, the humble curry puff. Priced at just $16.90, these playful socks aren’t just stylish — they’re a wearable slice of nostalgia. And let’s be honest — how many times do you get to step into your childhood, quite literally?
A Curry Puff on Your Sole — and in Your Soul
For anyone who spent their afternoons after school queuing up for Old Chang Kee’s piping hot curry puffs, this collaboration brings all the feels. Talking Toes, the local lifestyle sock label known for their bold, expressive designs, has teamed up with the legendary snack house to produce a piece that’s not just about novelty. It’s storytelling.
Part of the brand’s annual “After School Hours” collection, the new sock design celebrates what it felt like to be a student in Singapore — the tiled floors of neighbourhood shops, the scent of deep-fried snacks wafting through the air, and the unmistakable joy of unwrapping a warm curry puff with friends after class. It’s a beautifully stitched reminder of simpler times.
The Design — Cheeky, Nostalgic, and Authentically Singaporean
This isn’t just any pair of socks. The Old Chang Kee x Talking Toes design features soft curry puff yellows, a retro shopfront colour palette, and those classic red floor tiles you’d see in every old-school kopitiam. And in true Talking Toes fashion, there’s a cheeky message hidden on the underside — “Keep Calm and Curry On.”
With embroidered details of the beloved snack, the socks cleverly bridge the gap between fashion and food, creating a conversation piece that’s as comforting as it is fun. They manage to channel both charm and character — playful without being too kitsch, and stylish without losing its cultural depth.
Why Should You Get These Socks?
If you’re someone who enjoys local collaborations that go beyond marketing gimmicks, this is a product worth checking out. First of all, it’s rare to find something that blends food culture with fashion in such an honest and heartfelt way. These socks aren’t mass-produced novelty items made for tourists. They’re designed by people who grew up eating curry puffs under void decks and sharing stories over teh peng.
They also serve as excellent gifts for friends or family members — particularly those who have moved abroad and miss the flavours (and feelings) of home. For Singaporeans who are proud of their roots, it’s a fun and fashionable way to express identity. And for style-conscious folks, they offer a subtle pop of colour and texture that works well with sneakers, slides, or even casual sandals.
Furthermore, the socks are part of a larger capsule collection by Talking Toes, which includes eight different socks, two t-shirts, and a cap — all themed around the idea of Singaporean childhoods and growing up here. That means if you’re heading down to Design Orchard, you’re in for more than just one nostalgic treat.
Limited-Time Pop-Up at Design Orchard
While the socks are also available online via the Talking Toes SG store, they are being officially launched at the special After School Hours pop-up event held at Design Orchard from 1 to 24 August 2025. Running daily from 10:30AM to 9:30PM, the pop-up isn’t just a retail space — it’s an immersive celebration of all things Singaporean.
Expect a curated selection of collaborative merchandise, plenty of photo-worthy moments, and perhaps even a curry puff or two. It’s designed to let shoppers slow down and reconnect with the memories of their youth — from the snacks to the uniforms and beyond.
Design Orchard has always been a hub for Singapore’s creative and retail talent, and this event is the perfect excuse to revisit it. Whether you’re in the area for shopping or simply on a casual stroll down Orchard Road, it’s worth popping in for a peek — and a pair.
Great for Collectors, Fashion Fans, and the Proudly Local
What makes this collaboration truly special is its sincerity. There’s a genuine effort from both Old Chang Kee and Talking Toes to craft a product that reflects shared experiences and local identity. It’s not just for those who lived through the curry puff days of the 80s and 90s — even Gen Z will find joy in the retro appeal, paired with the contemporary, athletic sock silhouette.
For collectors of local merchandise, this is a must-add to the drawer. It’s fashionable, functional, and meaningful. And at $16.90, it’s not a big dent in the wallet either.
In an era when brand collaborations often feel like a quick cash grab, this one stands out for being intentional, thoughtful, and surprisingly heartfelt. It’s a sock that tells a story — and invites the wearer to remember their own.
Final Thoughts
If you’re someone who finds joy in thoughtful design, cultural throwbacks, or simply loves a good curry puff, this is a promotion not to miss. The Old Chang Kee x Talking Toes collab is more than a fashion drop — it’s a celebration of identity, food, and friendship.
They’ve taken something simple and comforting — a snack from a metal tray in a glass cabinet — and turned it into a wearable memory. That’s the beauty of good design. And that’s exactly what makes this promotion worth checking out.
Make your way down to Design Orchard this August and see the collection in person. Or order a pair online and relive those after-school moments from wherever you are.
Promotional/Event Details:
Date: 1–24 August 2025
Time: 10:30AM – 9:30PM
Venue: Design Orchard, 250 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238905
Online Store: Talking Toes SG store
EverydayOnSales help brands connect with our community, the largest warehouse sales consumers database in Singapore. Advertise with EverydayOnSales Singapore.