Singapore’s First 24-Hour 2-Storey Selfie Studio Has Opened With Over 20 Themed Setups & 200 Costumes
As much as we use photographs to capture precious memories, most of us would be lying if we said that we don’t also enjoy hamming it up for the cam simply out of pure vanity. And hey, there’s nothing shameful about that. Self-love is important and if you’re feelin’ fire, then you have every right to bask in the glow of your perfectly contoured makeup and killer outfit.
Don’t just stop at the regular “out for brunch” OOTDs though. Here to take your selfie game up many notches is 123 ChiCha, Singapore’s first-ever 24-hour selfie studio - sprawling across 2 storeys with over 20 themed backdrops and 200 costumes for your choosing. There’s even a dedicated makeup station with hairstyling tools where you can doll yourself up!
Read on to find out more about 123 ChiCha selfie studio in Singapore!
- How it works -
Photo from 123 ChiCha
Self photo studios are all the rage these days - they allow you to snap your own pictures in a professional studio setting using a remote control, sans photographer, all at wallet-friendly prices. This gives you photographs with solid lighting and quality, but without any pressure.
123 ChiCha is similar in nature, but instead of simple coloured backgrounds or black and white filters, they pull out all the stops with over 20 themed backdrops, all expertly decorated and refreshed every 3 to 6 months. We’re not just talking about a couple of neon lights here or flower garlands there - we mean fully styled set-ups worthy of a fashion magazine or music video.
Photo from 123 ChiCha
Every room comes with a selfie robot stand with remote control, so you won’t have to move back and forth to manually press the timed shutter button on your smartphone. There are also camera tripods available if you prefer shooting with a DSLR. Because you’re using your own camera, you’ll get to keep all your original shots - compared to some other self photo studios that require you to pay a fee for RAW photos.
Professional-grade LED lights and softboxes are provided for the best lighting, along with portable chargers just in case your phone battery gets drained halfway.
Photo from 123 ChiCha
The studio limits bookings to a maximum of 12 pax at any one time, so other patrons might be there during your session, but there’s no need to feel self-conscious about busting out your most over-the-top poses. Each themed room comes with a curtain for privacy, so go forth and unapologetically let your unique personality shine!
Not to worry about having to fight for space as well. The sheer number of themes to explore makes it impossible for you to snap photographs against every single backdrop. According to the owners, no customer has ever succeeded in covering everything within their given timeslot, so you gotta be strategic about it!
Photo from 123 ChiCha
We suggest narrowing down your options to a few of your favourites, so you won’t have to rush through your shoot and can instead have a comfortable amount of time playing around with props, poses, and angles.
- Themed selfie backdrops at 123 ChiCha -
Here’s a quick look at some of 123 ChiCha’s most outstanding themes.
Photo from 123 ChiCha
Photo from 123 ChiCha
Love the picnic aesthetic but don’t want to be subjected to the harsh sun and creepy crawlies? Use their Glamping teepee setup to emulate that look, complete with artificial confections that look good enough to eat, a hammock swing, and fairy lights - all in indoor air-conditioned comfort.
Photo from 123 ChiCha
Girls just wanna have fun, and the Bedroom theme with all-pink walls will give you that slumber party set-up of your dreams - something that looks straight out of a Hollywood chick flick a la Mean Girls. Grab your gal pals and have a pillow fight, or take turns snapping glamour shots in front of the dressing table!
Photo from 123 ChiCha
It also comes with a bathroom setup with the trending sunset lamp for a purple-and-orange “golden hour” effect.
Photo from 123 ChiCha
Floral Fantasy is another one to check out and no, it has nothing to do with the Gardens by the Bay attraction. Styled to look like a home art studio - with already-completed paintings which you can trick your friends into thinking you’ve created yourself - this dreamy space is also filled with faux flowers, soft drapes, and curlicue chairs.
Photo from 123 ChiCha
If art isn’t your sort of thing, the easels and canvases can always be moved aside for you to take centre stage with the flowers.
Photo from 123 ChiCha
Those who prefer something a little darker but still romantic can unleash their inner queen of darkness with the regal-looking Black Romance set-up, where red and black roses line a grey wall, alongside a gothic-style armchair. It’s not all doom and gloom though, for a bunch of pink and red blooms on the side table add some fresh colour without being jarring.
Photo from 123 ChiCha
Edgy fashionistas will love the Neon set-up with an electrifying iridescent foil backdrop, illuminated with LED strip lights draped around in an artfully messy manner. Grab the light sticks and incorporate them into your poses!
Photo from 123 ChiCha
Photo from 123 ChiCha
Other themes include Hot Pink Fanatic, with a boombox and pink payphone in the striking shade, Lavender, a pastel purple space adorned with 3D butterflies and flowers, Cloudy Land, which is fully covered in fluffy white fabric, and Retro, which packs glam old-school Shanghai vibes. There’s also a Tiffany Inspired set-up where you can pretend that you’re a rich tai tai surrounded by multiple boxes that look exactly like the luxury brand’s.
- Makeup and costume stations at 123 ChiCha -
Photo from 123 ChiCha
Half of what makes a great portrait is the styling of the subject, so you’ll wanna make sure your clothes and makeup are on point for best results. Fret not if your own wardrobe is limited, because 123 ChiCha has hundreds of costumes for your usage, ranging from trendy street-style casual to elegant qi paos and even bridal gowns that’ll make you feel like a real princess! Top that off with accessories like tiaras and pearl necklaces.
Photo from 123 ChiCha
There are also vanity tables with light-up mirrors, fully loaded with hair styling tools and cosmetics from brands like Chanel, Jill Stuartm, YSL, Lancome, along with disposable makeup brushes for tip top hygiene. Adventurous beauty junkies can get creative with the provided flower petals and glitter too!
- Prices at 123 ChiCha -
Photo from 123 ChiCha
A basic 1-hour trial session is now going at $50 (U.P. $80) as part of their August opening promotion. This includes usage of 1 themed room, 1 set of clothing, makeup and hairstyling services, and a set of makeup tools.
A 2-hour Single Selfie session ($80) includes usage of 1 themed room, unlimited sets of clothing, access to the self-service make-up bar, and a set of makeup tools. If you’re coming with a friend, it’s more worth it to go for the 2-hour Wefie Twin package. You’ll be paying the same amount per person, but with access to unlimited themed rooms and hairstyling.
Photo from 123 ChiCha
Those who’d like more time can opt for an 8-hour Selfie Full Day Pass ($200) or 4-hour Selfie 1/2 Day Pass ($130). If you don’t trust your own camera skills, you can always engage 123 ChiCha’s in-house professional photography services, or hire your own photographer - something to consider if you’re thinking of doing a styled pre-wedding photoshoot with your partner!
123 ChiCha is less than 5 minutes walk from Aljunied MRT station. Check out their full price list and make your booking here.
123 ChiCha
Address: 110 Lorong 23 Geylang, #03-07 Victory Center, Singapore 388410
Opening hours: 24/7
Telephone: 9029 4733
Website
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Text by: GirlStyle SG
