Cover Hugh Koh is the founder of Pestle & Mortar
Hugh Koh is the founder of Pestle & Mortar
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Tatler+
Keep Walking represents Koh’s journey effortlessly; the founder opens up about keeping his head held high even during times of difficulty in this exclusive with Tatler Malaysia
“I started Pestle & Mortar when I was 25 years old. Today, I'm 41, which means I've spent 16 incredible years building this brand,” says Hugh Koh, the founder of Pestle & Mortar. While on the surface Pestle & Mortar looks like a streetwear brand, and technically is, it is also so much more. “It has been a platform that has allowed hundreds of people to travel, meet amazing individuals, collaborate with brands we once only dreamed of working with, and experience opportunities we never imagined,” he reminisces.
However, fashion is not an easy market to enter. Not only is it fast moving, but social media and interconnectivity has greatly increased competition and changed the landscape over time: “Every brand in the world is accessible at your fingertips, and as we get older, it is harder to be immersed in every trend and cultural shift—Pestle & Mortar has always been a reflection of our lifestyle, and as our lives change, so does the brand.”
Koh reminisces about his younger days, and it is clear that fashion was always an important part of his life” “Even back in high school, my friends and I were already experimenting with style. We would customize our school pants, trying to get away with denim-inspired cuts and silhouettes, and whenever we travelled, we'd save up to buy pieces from brands we looked up to,” he chuckles.
Above Hugh Koh in the comfort of his home
Above Johnnie Walker Blue Label
Hugh Koh in the comfort of his home
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However, these brands were often overseas, and there was a gap in the local market. “While we connected deeply with Western pop culture through movies, music, and fashion, we realised that those stories were never truly ours,” he acknowledges. Hence, when the brand was born, Pestle & Mortar seemed like a natural name—an object found in every Asian household, regardless of background or nationality, used for blending ingredients together, in this case experiences, influences, memories, and ideas.
Read more: How to spend 24 hours in Shanghai like Zendaya and Tom Holland
Above Pestle & Mortar was named after the Asian household item
Pestle & Mortar was named after the Asian household item
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Two decades later, it is impossible to say things haven’t changed. “ In the early days, we were excited by creating as much as possible, but now I now believe in buying less but buying better,” he says. Rather than competing with brands who release products every month, Pestle & Mortar leverages on its industry expertise and portfolio, creating thoughtful, well-considered pieces and projects that have meaning and purpose. “You'll see a more global outlook, stronger collaborations, and more curated launches and collections, and a commitment to quality is something we continue to invest heavily in.”
Above Koh aspires to keep pushing boundaries
Koh aspires to keep pushing boundaries
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Looking forward, Koh understands that he has created something bigger than himself, and aspires to keep pushing boundaries. “My hope is that Pestle & Mortar continues to evolve and outlive me; I want it to continue growing, adapting, and finding new forms of expression while remaining true to its roots.”
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Photography: Amru Shakir
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About
Katelyn is the dining and travel editor of Malaysia and Indonesia. Based in Kuala Lumpur, she offers readers an inside look at the movers and shakers in Asia’s growing food and beverage industry.
