An iPhone 16 for 10¢? Lazada rolls prices back like it’s 1965

Lazada Singapore is serving up a cheeky slice of nostalgia for SG60, blending creative storytelling with jaw-dropping flash deals that harken back to Singapore’s early days when kopi cost cents and hand-painted ads ruled the streets.

At the heart of its National Day campaign is a retro-inspired creative direction that pays tribute to vintage advertising, reimagined for the digital age. Spearheaded by local artist Tiffany Lovage, known for her heritage-style illustrations, the campaign visual mimics the warmth and whimsy of old-school poster art, complete with throwback typography, charming hand-drawn motifs, and a colour palette straight out of a 1960s kopi shop.

While the final visuals were digitally crafted using iPad and iMac, Lovage embraced traditional methods in spirit. These visuals won’t just live online as they’re making their way into Golden Village theatres across Singapore, bringing a touch of nostalgia to cinema lobbies with eye-catching contrasts between retro visuals and contemporary backdrops.

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“I’ve always had a soft spot for vintage hand-painted posters — there’s no school like the old school. This Lazada collab was the perfect chance to bring that charm into the digital age, where the old meets the new,” said Lovage. 

Meanwhile, a spokesperson from Lazada said that the campaign is "more than just a sale. It's a playful nod to our past." 

"We wanted to honour the creative storytelling of vintage advertising, while bringing back the joy of small indulgences — especially at a time when prices usually only go one way," the spokesperson added. 

The campaign also delivers on the deal front. Running from 7 to 10 August at 8PM daily on the Lazada app, "The good old days" flash sale drops feature deals priced at just 10¢, 20¢, and 60¢ as a nod to the nation's 60th birthday and the nostalgic price points of yesteryear.

Items on offer include an Apple iPhone 16 for 10¢ from its retail S$1,299, a Nintendo Switch 2 console for 50¢ down from S$769 and an Ecovacs Deebot mini robot vacuum cleaner for 10¢. In addition, a MILO gao kosong powder 3-pack for 20¢ and Tefal IXEO and Garment Steamer for 10¢. 

As Singapore turns 60, brands are tapping onto nostalgia for their national day campaigns. Starbucks Singapore, for example, released a limited-edition collection inspired by childhood memories and iconic local motifs. The T-shirt from the collection features a whimsical and heartfelt illustration that reimagines Starbucks as how it might appear 60 years ago, nestled in a traditional two-storey shophouse. 

Similarly, Singtel unveiled a film titled "Majulah Singapura" highlighting how far Singapore and its people have come. The film brings viewers back in time through archival black and white footage of the national day parade and included scenes of first president Yusof Ishak and founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew. 

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