We spotlight a few folks in Singapore’s buzzing food and beverage industry with a complementary creative eye—and mod-Sin pioneer Willin Low boasts just that sort of stylish confidence
It’s not hard to see how various art forms could collide naturally with one another to rather stunning effect, particularly where the culinary arts and the diverse world of design are concerned. From artful plating to the trendy halls of our favourite restaurants and cafes, not to mention their equally dapper staff, the synergy—though at times subtle—is undeniable. As such, it is not surprising to find proponents from complementary creative fields combining a passion for gastronomy with a keen or trained eye for design and vice versa.
Widely recognised as the pioneer of Mod-Sin (modern Singaporean) cuisine, local chef and restaurateur Willin Low is famously imaginative—not just when it comes to his exceptional brand of cuisine. The lawyer-turned-chef certainly knows how to pull off a cropped pants suit, but his flair for looking his best while doing what he does best is just as apparent. This involved designing his own chef’s whites, inspired by a traditional Chinese robe or Tang jacket for men. “It’s because I’m Chinese,” he quips, before affirming that he wanted something different from the traditional uniform, a design that would speak to his heritage because while subtle, “it’s part of what my cuisine is about”.
Less obvious but significant is the creative eye Low brings to setting the stage for guests to comfortably immerse themselves in the dining experience. He may not have designed the much-talked-about nest-like lattice structure of his since-shuttered restaurant Wild Rocket (that was the work of design studio Produce and is now a feature at his Roketto Izakaya), but Low has since grown confident in designing a restaurant space. His first successful attempt was for the first version of Michelin-starred modern French restaurant Lerouy, helmed by chef Christophe Lerouy, which debuted on Stanley Street. It has since relocated to Amoy Street, complete with a stunning feature lighting that Low—who is a partner in the business—had also designed.
(Related: The New Heroes Of Mod-Sin Cooking On What It Really Means To Celebrate Local)
