The city-state that banned chewing gum and regulated the flushing of public toilets is loosening up and reinventing itself as a nightlife hub where all-night drinking and bar-top dancing are no longer taboo. Exchanging its nanny gloves for dancing boots, the city’s freer image is already paying off as leading overseas dance clubs move in to Singapore’s expanding scene.

Asian shoppers with an eye for glamour and a wallet for luxury are off to Singapore, where stars such as Gaultier, Ferragamo and Calvin Klein headline the annual fashion festival that begins on Friday. The 10-day showcase brings together international catwalk stars and local designers.