CIMB x UltraLuxe present: 10 FOPE tastemakers shaping Singapore’s style landscape

Wendy Long
Private investor

With a wardrobe that reads like a who’s who of designer labels, it’s no surprise that Wendy Long has been dubbed a connoisseur of haute couture in Singapore’s elite fashion circles. The private investor and philanthropist wears many hats—including being honoured as one of Tatler’s Asia’s Most Stylish in 2023—and she does so in absolute aplomb. She told Tatler: “I view fashion as wearable art that transforms what we do every day into performance art. To me, fashion is a conduit for our own narrative.” Long’s influence, however, extends far beyond her personal style. She pays it forward by supporting various causes in the arts, environment, and most notably, education for undergraduates of Downing College at the University of Cambridge (her husband’s alma mater) with the Martin and Wendy Siah Bursary.

Long’s style ethos: “I have to feel comfortable and confident in my choices, in my own skin.”

Min-Li Tan
Lawyer

Make no mistake: Min-Li Tan is a high-powered career woman with many layers. A lawyer by profession, she has seamlessly blended her professional acumen with an innate sense of fashion, establishing herself as a stylesetter. Tan’s journey from a self-described ‘fat kid’ to a svelte fashionista is a testament to her resilience and the power of transformation. But the one thing she’s most proud of? Her achievements in law. “Many people do not see this other side of me as I choose to keep it separate from my social life, but I am passionate about my vocation. I love putting together deals and creating positive outcomes for my clients as a corporate lawyer.” Tan’s approach to life is refreshingly experimental and fearless—a trait she carries through her work, style, and other areas as she explores new ventures beyond law such as film production and fashion design.

Tan’s style ethos: “I am fearless when it comes to fashion and love experimenting with new styles and silhouettes. I am guided by my own sense of style and common sense!”

Elliot Barratt
Interior designer; founder and CEO, Elliot James Interiors

Since it was established in 2012, the award-winning Elliot James Interiors has quickly garnered acclaim for its exceptional approach to luxury interior design, and is synonymous with luxury and sophistication in Singapore’s design landscape. Founder Elliot Barratt’s philosophy revolves around “elegant timeless eclecticism,” where each project is infused with the client’s personality and life story. And this philosophy resonates through his work, which include high-profile residential, commercial, and hospitality developments across Dubai, London, and Singapore. Elliot James Interiors is presently expanding its horizons with exciting upcoming projects in Bali, Vietnam, India, and Abu Dhabi—a testament to Barratt’s status as a tastemaker in the global interior design scene. Describing himself as a passionate, creative, and driven individual, Barratt’s multifaceted ability to blend diverse influences while maintaining a cohesive vision underscores his influence in the industry, continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible in interior design.

Barratt’s style ethos: “British tradition in tailoring guides my style and fashion choices.”

Pek Lay Peng
Founder, societyA

Pek Lay Peng is a visionary entrepreneur and the founder of societyA, an omnichannel platform that has redefined the fashion retail landscape in Singapore. Since its inception in 2014, societyA has become a vital bridge between Asian designers and the global fashion market, curating an impressive array of labels that celebrate the diversity and creativity of the region. She told Tatler: “There was an emergence of highly talented and well-trained Asian designers from renowned fashion design schools, but they were still under-represented internationally. I wanted to play a part in supporting them and dispel the misconception that Asian designers are not of international standards.” Pek’s passion for elevating Asian fashion has positioned societyA as a go-to destination for discerning fashion enthusiasts seeking unique and sophisticated styles. The mum of four’s influence extends beyond fashion retail; she also serves as the CEO of Shingda Group of Companies and is passionate about contributing to charitable causes such as Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO) and Arc Children’s Centre. Her multifaceted contributions across industries highlight her role as a tastemaker who also champions the essence of modern sophistication in Singapore's fashion and lifestyle industries.

Pek’s style ethos: “My growth guides my fashion style and choices.”

Angela Lim
Interior design consultant, SuMisura

Angela Lim’s journey into entrepreneurship didn’t start out as simply a business venture; it was borne out of a desire for autonomy and an opportunity to express her unique design sensibilities. She explains: “After almost a decade of working alongside some of the very best designers, I saw it as a personal transformation, driven by my own battles, to take back creative control.” And that she did. For 15 years, she has made an indelible mark on the Asian design scene, thanks to her creative vision. Her signature style, which she describes as “contemporary classic with a glamorous and elaborate touch” has become synonymous with the SuMisura brand, and this aesthetic has graced numerous high-profile projects for royalties and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, spanning show flats, galleries, and experience centers across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Little wonder then that Lim was named one of the top 50 most influential local design tastemakers by Tatler Homes Singapore in 2015.

Lim’s style ethos: “I am guided by comfort and sustainability so I tend to buy less but buy better. I prefer timeless classics and avoid fast fashion that can be hard to recycle.”

Dylan Ang
Tailor and founder, Three Buttons Pte Ltd

As the founder of Three Buttons, a one-man operation focusing on exquisite custom tailoring, Dylan Ang has carved out a niche for himself in the local luxury menswear scene. His meticulous approach to craftsmanship, using only the finest materials, has earned him a reputation as one of Singapore’s most sought-after tailors. “I aspire to live a life that impacts others and leaves a lasting legacy,” he shares. “Three Buttons embodies this philosophy; we are not just selling clothes but promoting an idea to elevate men through the way they dress.” Ang will be launching Three Buttons’ new ready-to-wear collection at this year’s Ultraluxe, featuring exclusive fabrics woven specifically for the brand. His dedication to his craft and his eye for detail have not only elevated the standards of bespoke tailoring here in Singapore but have also inspired a new generation of fashion enthusiasts to appreciate the art of custom-made clothing. Through his work at Three Buttons, Ang continues to shape the narrative of modern masculinity in fashion, one meticulously crafted suit at a time.

Ang’s style ethos: “I’m guided by practicality that enhances the wearer's experience through subtle utilitarian designs. I believe in understanding one’s unique personality and dressing to reflect that individuality.”

Shimna Chandan,
Founder and CEO, Tambapanni Collective

With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling through design, Shimna Chandan is certainly a figure to look out for in Singapore’s fashion and lifestyle industry. As founder and CEO of Tambapanni Collective, she has established the brand to become synonymous with elegance and sophistication, offering a curated selection of artisanal products and services that celebrate craftsmanship and cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. Chandan’s impact extends beyond her brand; she is also an ardent supporter of sustainable and ethical practices by advocating for conscious consumerism in an industry. What’s more, she is an active participant in the local design community, fostering collaborations, and supporting emerging talents from Sri Lanka. Chandan’s ability to navigate the intersection of fashion, art, and lifestyle has solidified her status as a tastemaker, inspiring others to embrace a more thoughtful and curated approach to their personal style and living spaces.

Pan Yuan Yuan
Fashion technology executive director, Loti

Loti is a cutting-edge fashion technology company and one of the brains driving it is fashion technology executive director Pan Yuan Yuan. With a robust background in both fashion and technology, Pan is at the forefront of integrating innovative digital solutions into the fashion landscape for a more digitally-savvy tomorrow. Under her leadership, Loti has focused on harnessing technology to enhance the consumer experience, from personalised shopping to sustainable practices in fashion production. Pan’s vision is to bridge the gap between traditional fashion and the digital realm, creating a seamless connection that caters to the evolving needs of today’s consumers. The self-described ‘optimistic’ business leader is inspiring a new generation of designers and entrepreneurs to embrace innovation, blending style with technology to create a more connected future for the industry.

Pan’s style ethos: “I enjoy using clothing to express my personality and emotions, while also emphasising comfort and practicality. My fashion choices focus on blending trends with personal style to ensure each selection reflects my unique aesthetic and taste.”

Johannes Christian See
CMO, New Funnels Singapore; Strategic Partnerships, UltraLuxe Homme

With over a decade of experience in marketing and business development, Johannes Christian See certainly has established his finger on the pulse of Singapore’s lifestyle scene. He currently serves as a third-generation leader in his family’s marine industry business, bringing a forward-thinking approach to spearhead digital transformation in the sector. To add to his impressive portfolio, See also serves in strategic partnerships for UltraLuxe/Homme, a platform dedicated to curating luxury experiences for discerning gentlemen. In this role, he leverages his extensive network and keen understanding of the luxury market to forge valuable connections and create opportunities for the brand and its clientele. See’s approach to both business and lifestyle is driven by his insatiable curiosity and passion for exploring new experiences that extend far beyond the boardroom. He has a particular fondness for the world of fine spirits and mixology, showcasing a modern sophistication that best exemplifies his status as a versatile tastemaker.

See’s style ethos: “I would describe my style to be the ‘modern minimalist gentleman’. I’ve never been interested in loud designs, which screams its brand. I have always felt comfortable in basics but I always complement the simplicity with one or two luxury or statement pieces.”

Visit www.ultraluxeglobal.com to find more about the brands that will be participating this year.

NOW READ

Luxury Redefined: Embracing purpose, connection, and impact in the new age of opulence

Defining sophistication in gold: FOPE’s innovative and iconic jewellery showcased by Singaporean tastemakers

UltraLuxe/Homme 2023: Exclusive events and curated experiences for the modern gentleman