The Beauty Of Being Small

The man behind luxury bags brand Ethan K is not in a rush to open shops in every fashion capital. His game is in keeping close involvement in the running of the business and in every product that it puts on the shelf

- Victor Chen

It was an absolute case of déjà vu,” Mr. Ethan Koh says of his successful show at the ArtScience Museum in Singapore in May. “A number of people have asked me to host an event to show my latest collection. It wasn’t easy; first, I had to make sure that the collection was ready.” But when things finally fell into place, Mr. Koh was overwhelmed. “It was exactly as I saw it in my mind.”

The London-based Singaporean designer worked with Ms. Olga Iserlis, one of Singapore’s leading event creators, who managed to book the space where they installed digital lights to serve as a backdrop to about 20 of Mr. Koh’s latest creations. Named Mystical Landscapes, the collection signaled a turning point of some sort for the brand by presenting younger, easier pieces. To the minaudières and evening bags that have become staples of the label were added more practical, roomier pieces that easily transition from day tonight.

“I grew up in an entrepreneurial family and my father was a big inspiration to me. My parents recognized my creative ability early and encouraged me to pursue it.” He left Singapore for London and found a spot at Central Saint Martins, where he began assembling his first collection. “But my father intervened,” he recalls. “He told me that I couldn’t simply design and sell bags; he advised me to set up a proper business.” (Mr. Koh’s father is the third-generation family member involved in the exotic skin business, which was founded by Mr. Koh’s great-grandfather.)