Cover A model wearing ‘The Armour’, a denim jacket in Ethan K’s newest womenswear collection (Photo: Ethan K)
A model wearing ‘The Armour’, a denim jacket in Ethan K’s newest womenswear collection (Photo: Ethan K)
1 / 1
Ethan Koh, the renowned designer for exotic leather bags worn by royalty, makes his first foray into womenswear with blazers and dresses
Ethan Koh makes one of the most coveted exotic leather handbags for those in the know, which includes the Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, Carina Lau, Jennifer Lopez, and more. Now, he can include “womenswear designer” to his list of accomplishments with his newest collection under his brand, Ethan K. Titled “The Shield”, the capsule collection features unisex blazers and dresses that are intricately detailed yet functional.
Though Koh is mainly known as a handbag designer, being the fourth generation of a family trained in the artisanal craftsmanship of leather tanning, his family has a little-known history in tailoring. In the 1960s, Koh recalls when his mother and grandmother’s home caught fire, all his grandmother took was the family sewing machine. “She knew she could make a living by sewing and making clothes for clients and neighbours around them,” Koh says. “My forefathers would be so proud to see this evolution!”
Don’t miss: Ethan K opens his first standalone store in Singapore
‘Divine - Leaves’ jacket in Ethan K’s newest womenswear collection
1 / 4
Koh tells Tatler Singapore in an exclusive media tea session at his flagship boutique in Scotts Square that the collection was inspired by shooting jackets—think of the utilitarian jackets worn on the shooting grounds of Balmoral Castle, made of tweed or jacquard and coloured olive green or brown. Under Koh’s hand, however, the jackets are elevated with ornate details, replete with luxurious fabric that’s still lightweight—ideal for Singapore’s hot weather.
See the jacket titled “Divine - Leaves”, a highlight of the collection. It is a vision in dark emerald, embroidered with appliqué metallic leaves for a shimmering effect. Or the “Infinity”, a jacquard blazer with a black-and-white broken stripe pattern that stands out with its distinctive white trim and exaggerated collars. Even denim is given the luxurious treatment with a piece titled “The Armour”, which lengthens the figure and comes unapologetically emblazoned with the Ethan K logo at the back.
Above Detail on ‘Divine - Leaves’, a jacket in Ethan K’s newest womenswear collection
Above Detail of the eight buttons on each sleeve of the ‘Infinity’ blazer in Ethan K’s newest womenswear collection
Detail on ‘Divine - Leaves’, a jacket in Ethan K’s newest womenswear collection
1 / 2
“Just like how a handbag tells people who you are, you can express your individuality with a jacket,” Koh says. “The most important thing is that [the clothes are] lightweight and functional. It has to make you feel empowered and majestic.” Each jacket comes with Koh’s signature eight 18-carat gold buttons on each sleeve. Why eight? “It represents good luck and prosperity,” he says.
Above ‘Duchess’ dress in Ethan K’s newest womenswear collection
‘Duchess’ dress in Ethan K’s newest womenswear collection
1 / 1
The collection also feature the ‘Duchess’ dress, a maxi dress with floral prints, puffy sleeves and, again, exaggerated collars—ideal for a garden party. Each dress is only produced in small batches in a few sizes and is not repeated once they are sold out, ensuring that the brand can focus on quality. Indeed, Koh is insistent on focusing on “key silhouettes” that stand the test of time yet offer a breath of fresh air. “We want to continue to emphasise the beauty of these silhouettes, but in very luxurious fabrics,” he says. Expect more colours in his next collection, and perhaps a rendition of a little black dress, a wardrobe staple.
Ethan Kan was Tatler Singapore’s dining writer.
