For Singaporean millennials, Lloyd's Inn serves as a significant cultural touchstone. Its rebrand in 2014 coincided with social trends that have come to define the generation, notably the bloom of the fourth wave of Singapore's coffee culture, characterised by a surge in local, barista-run cafes. The same era also saw the rise of the photo-sharing platform Instagram and the photo-editing app VSCO, known for its distinctive, transformative filters, that can be used to capture flatlays, #OOTDs and Insta-worthy places. The penchant for aesthetically pleasing photographs cemented Lloyd's Inn as one of the key cultural zeitgeists of the 2010s; the boutique property channels the Kinfolk look-defined by minimalist design elements such as clean lines, natural materials and raw finishes, and serene palettes complemented by generous daylight-that anchored the Instagram accounts of many a millennial.
But before it was a stylish boutique haven, Lloyd's Inn, owned by Herman Chang, founder of property developer Macly Group, was a run-down budget hotel. Its transformation was spearheaded by his daughter Joan, who was at the time in her early 20s-the very age of the millennial set that the hotel catered for then. "Boutique hotels and social media were still quite new [then]," says Joan. "I saw [the revamp] as an opportunity to use my interest in design and aesthetics to change the brand and introduce something different in the market."
Joan's success was not without sacrifice. As a then-recent Singapore Management University graduate with a double degree in finance and marketing, she faced a pivotal decision: accept a job offer in New York or Seattle, or stay and undertake the challenge of rebranding Lloyd's Inn. Joan chose the latter and her decision ultimately led to a number of significant achievements.
This story is from the May 2024 edition of Tatler Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2024 edition of Tatler Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Old-World CHARM
Professional photographer and content creator Zipeng Lee takes off to Switzerland to experience some of the country’s most storied heritage hotels
THE World ACCORDING TO Redzepi
Renowned Noma chef René Redzepi and executive producer Matt Goulding unpack Apple TV's new eight-part docuseries, Omnivore, and its exploration of humanity through food
COURAGE OF CONVICTION
Tatler speaks to Bing Chen, Prabal Gurung and Kevin Lin to discuss how their non-profit Gold House is changing the future of the Asian diaspora
INDUSTRIALI
Exploring the important sustainability efforts taking place beyond obvious industries
THE BALL'S INHER COURT
China's most celebrated tennis star Li Na opens up about her career, influencing young athletes and her continuous learning journey
Love Story
Set in Paris, Graff's new bridal campaign marries the timelessness of love and diamonds
Over the Rainbow
The inspirations behind Hermés creative director for jewellery Pierre Hardy's latest and gorgeously colourful high jewellery collection surprise and delight
Twist and Turn
Bvlgari's debut Tubogas jewellery collection reimagines a classic technique with 16 stunning creations
Game On
From diamond‑set carabiner‑inspired clasps to a carbon fibre cuff, Chanel knocks it out of the park with Sport, an audacious and innovative high jewellery collection unlike any other
The Wrist Taker
Shipping scion and basketball team owner Hendi Widodo unlocks his vault of rarefied timepieces