UltraLuxe 2025: meet 11 visionaries in fashion, jewellery, and design who embody the Soul in Creation

Creativity for Verene Ng thrives at the intersection of science, heritage, and sustainability. Since taking the reins of Risis in 2020 as chief executive officer (CEO), she has led a thoughtful rebranding to position the brand as “accessible luxury”—balancing sentimental heritage with modern sensibilities. In her words, she wanted to “shake off consumers’ preconceived notions that Risis was just a gifting brand and to get more women to see themselves wearing our pieces themselves”. Under her leadership, the legacy brand has evolved beyond its famed gold-encapsulated orchids into collections like the Peranakan kerongsang and Athena pendants that celebrate women achievers, and seasonal runs that reinterpret heritage with contemporary flair.

At the heart of Risis lies a devotion to nature preserved through craftsmanship—and Ng champions this with conviction. As she shared in an earlier interview: “Being a Singaporean brand gives us an edge as our designs are inspired by local heritage that no other global brand can emulate.” This ethos resonates in initiatives like their recent Paris pop-up, which sought to introduce Risis’ legacy to a discerning international audience.

For Sara Sze, the value of jewellery extends far beyond carats—it lies in meaning, memory, and craftsmanship. As principal designer of An Order of Bling, she approaches each piece with the question of how it can create and preserve value for her clients. The atelier describes itself as “good kind of madness... where daring and fun ruled,” crafting pieces for the “hyper-connected individual” who embraces playful luxury with personality and poise. Sze explains: “When uniqueness of design and quality of craftsmanship come together, it always leads to immense pleasure and joy in owning a piece.” Her creative process is deeply personal, shaped by conversations with clients and fellow connoisseurs of the trade, as well as by fleeting moments of inspiration that spark her senses. The result: pieces that are not just worn, but cherished as heirlooms.

Among her most significant milestones was designing the official gift to Pope Francis during his visit to Singapore—a project that underscored both her artistry and her devotion to creating meaningful works. Beyond jewellery, Sze finds inspiration in religious studies, in exploring the art and science of valuation, and even in the meditative discipline of golf. Grounded yet ever curious, she embodies the Soul in Creation spirit by crafting jewels that are at once beautiful and enduring, capturing both the uniqueness of her vision and the joy of those who wear them.

Adele Chung is a trailblazer in Singapore’s fashion scene, seamlessly blending heritage craftsmanship with modern sensibilities. As the founder of Uncommon Hem, a sub-brand of Meiko Tailor, she brings a fresh perspective to bespoke tailoring. Drawing inspiration from her background in menswear tailoring, Chung reimagines traditional garments with a feminine touch, creating pieces that are both functional and individualistic.

Her creative process is deeply personal, influenced by the “seasons of life”—from songs to nature walks and the rhythms of bossa nova jazz. Chung’s designs are a reflection of her journey, capturing moments and emotions in fabric and form. This approach earned her the Singapore Stories 2023 Kebaya Reimagined Designer Award. Her award-winning ensemble was an innovative reinterpretation of the traditional kebaya, featuring a high colour bolero jacket worn over a ruched bodice jumpsuit. Each piece by Uncommon Hem is designed with a meticulous attention to detail, ensuring both quality and individuality. Through her creations, Chung continues to honor her family's legacy while pushing the boundaries of fashion to dream up pieces that are as unique and dynamic as the women who wear them.

Kavita Thulasidas views fashion through the lens of preservation and innovation. As creative and managing director of Indian fashion boutique Stylemart and her namesake label Kavita Thul, she is devoted to collaborating with artisans across Asia—working with batiks, weaves, and embroideries to reimagine them for contemporary fashion. “The most important aspect of my creative process is collaborating with artisans across Asia, immersing myself in indigenous art, to revive heritage and craft, while sustaining the communities behind them,” she shares.

Thulasidas’ inspiration is inseparable from the artisans themselves, and she lends it new voice through modern silhouettes. Her deep love of art, history, and classical Indian dance also informs her aesthetic, imbuing her work with cultural resonance and grace. Her vision was affirmed when in 2022, she won Singapore Stories—the fashion design competition organised by the Singapore Fashion Council. The milestone propelled her onto the global stage with a showcase at Paris Fashion Week, and also set a new benchmark for her creative pursuits, reinforcing her mission to position Asian craft as both timeless and relevant in today’s fashion landscape.

Infiniti Jewels transforms tradition into innovation—an ethos driven by Saagar Mehta, who leads as director and co-founder alongside his brother Saahil. Building upon their father Bhavik Mehta’s legacy in diamond trading, Infiniti Jewels has since evolved into one of Singapore’s premier providers of bespoke, investment-grade gemstone jewellery. For Saagar, creation begins with imagination: “We try to think out of the box and create pieces that are special and can be worn in multiple different ways,”–a philosophy evident in Infiniti’s multifaceted designs. 

Saagar’s earlier years in the US shaped not only his worldview but his creative perspective. The experience cultivated the independence and clarity he needed upon returning to Singapore to join the family business. Today, under his stewardship, Infiniti Jewels offers  clients access to rare gemstones (such as Muzo emeralds, Argyle pink diamonds, and tanzanites) and expertly crafted pieces ranging from customisable engagement rings to striking fine jewellery. With a commitment to craftsmanship, personalisation, and fostering long-term relationships with clients, Saagar has positioned Infiniti Jewels as a trusted name in the luxury jewellery market.

Michelle Teo, director of Maison Mugen, approaches every creation as if it already carries meaning—an heirloom in the making. “What sets my process apart is how deeply personal it is,” she shares. “Whether it’s casting a fingerprint in gold or sourcing a stone that reflects a private memory, it’s always about capturing something lasting, quiet, and real.” This philosophy infuses her work with intimacy, where contrast becomes beauty—East and West, old and new, tradition and reinvention.

Her inspirations are tactile and timeless: the curve of architecture, the patina of heirlooms, or cultural motifs reimagined in fresh light. A certified gemologist and member of the London Diamond Bourse, Teo brings both rigour and artistry to her practice, guided by a deep fascination with gems and the histories they carry. Founding Maison Mugen was a pivotal moment—her choice to build something rooted in values of cultural preservation, artistry, and personal expression. Yet it is the private commissions that remain most meaningful: a fingerprint immortalised in gold, or a rare stone sourced to mark a milestone. For Teo, these intimate narratives are the true soul of jewellery.

One of the most momentous experiences in Tan Lee Cheng’s journey was the chance to hold some of the world’s rarest gemstones. The encounter left her with a profound sense of awe, shaping her creative philosophy as founder of Norbu Lee. For her, jewellery must honour the natural wonder of these stones while telling stories of empowerment and purpose. “I don’t just design beautiful pieces,” she explains. “I design companions for daily life that carry both aesthetic and intention.” Her approach sets Norbu Lee apart: jewels that enrich and resonate with the wearer’s story.

Her inspiration begins with the gem itself—its colour, energy, and quiet narrative—sparking designs that weave together functionality and emotional storytelling. Passionate about gem hunting, travel, and artisanal craft, Tan views each piece as a dialogue between nature and imagination. With Norbu Lee, she continues to craft jewellery that is both poetic and practical, designed to empower multitasking women with elegance and meaning.

With a career spanning more than 30 years, Sylvia Lim has worn many hats: educator, fashion and textiles designer, merchandiser, entrepreneur, and now, the creative force behind Triologie. Along the way, she has launched diploma programmes in local polytechnics, worked on a UN project in Phnom Penh, and championed Singapore fashion on global platforms such as Asia Fashion Exchange and Audi Fashion Week. Since founding Triologie in 2012 under The Emporium Group, she has also dressed parliamentarians and Singapore’s First Lady, Jane Ittogi. Her entrepreneurial achievements have been recognised with accolades like the Women Entrepreneur Award 2017 and the Phoenix Award 2023.

Yet at the heart of Lim’s success lies a creative philosophy rooted in storytelling through fabric. Whether it’s prints inspired by Singapore’s Botanic Gardens, lace reminiscent of kebaya embroidery, or silhouettes shaped by cultural memory, she transforms textiles into canvases of identity and belonging. As she puts it, “Each silhouette is a vivid portrait of personal and cultural exploration, and an invitation to others to share in my creative journey.” Her approach to work is also her philosophy for life: “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” It is this ethos—turning passion into purpose—that continues to drive her, blending artistry and enterprise into a legacy of creativity and collaboration.

David Khafi sees every gem tells a story waiting to be revealed. As director of AMTC, he sees his role as one of curation and transformation—assembling collections of diamonds unified by shape, colour, and style, while also pushing the boundaries of what gems can become. “My source of inspiration stems from the stone,” he explains, “and seeing how best I can bring out its beauty and spirit.” This philosophy underpins AMTC’s latest innovation: carving figurines into gems, a skill proudly showcased in their SG60 Merlion, which merges artistry with national symbolism.

Passionate about advancing his company’s craft, Khafi continually explores new collaborations. A milestone moment was co-founding Freya, a brand that has since become synonymous with AMTC’s modern edge—pioneering new skills and creating contemporary designs that resonate with today’s collectors. To him, gem-dealing is far more than commerce; it is a creative pursuit that honours the natural splendour of stones while reimagining their possibilities in bold, enduring ways.

Discover the iconic niche luxury Singapore and the world have to offer. To book VerveArté experiences and to pre-register for JeweLuxe shopping expeditions, visit www.ultraluxeglobal.com.

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