Youth Centers

First it was a new policy of tolerance toward gays. Then bans were relaxed on the screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and the sale of chewing gum and Cosmopolitans. If that isn't enough to convince you that buttoned-up Singapore is finally loosening its collar, then maybe its retail revolution will. Several painfully hip malls—packed with young-designer goods—have opened of late, bringing new life to the Lion City's shopping scene.

First port of call is the Heeren Shops, packed with the city's jeunesse dorée. The 118 stores here retail everything from beachwear to collectible toys. On levels...