The bridal industry uniquely blends tradition with modernity, catering to brides who desire both timeless elegance and contemporary style. House of Ivory, a luxury bridal boutique founded by Kalvin Chow, Darren Wai, and Shaun Yow, aims to transform the bridal scene in Singapore by offering a distinctive selection of Australian designer gowns specifically tailored for the discerning local market. Recently celebrating their first anniversary, the brand has quickly established itself, providing brides with an elevated experience and exceptional service.
The Vision Behind the Brand
House of Ivory was launched in September of last year with the mission of redefining the bridal shopping experience for Singaporean brides. Supported by its parent company, Cizzy Bridal Australia, the founders—Kalvin, Darren, and Shaun—share a strong connection to Singapore, a place they frequently visited and feel tied to through family. With their appreciation for both Singapore and the elegance of Australian bridal fashion, this trio aimed to bring something unique to the local bridal industry.
Their goal is to provide brides with access to luxury, international bridal gowns at affordable prices, ensuring that each bride feels special and well-catered to throughout the process. Driven by a passion for enhancing the bridal shopping journey, House of Ivory places a strong emphasis on both quality and service. Brides who visit the boutique can expect a refined, luxurious and laid-back experience, complete with exclusive gowns and variousoffers via partnerships with premium vendors.
Overcoming Challenges in a New Market
Establishing House of Ivory in Singapore came with several unique challenges, particularly in adapting to the local bridal culture. While brides in Australia often purchase their gowns, Singaporean brides typically prefer rental options. This key difference required the House of Ivory team to modify its approach and develop a rental system that aligns with local expectations. The founders were initially uncertain whether Australian designs—which tend to be bold, stylish, and suitable for Western body shapes—would resonate with local brides.
However, they discovered that their carefully curated selection, which includes choices ranging from boho chic to minimalist designs, strongly appealed to Singaporean brides looking for something distinctive.In addition, the gown designs have also been slightly modified to accommodate the Asian bride.By successfully navigating these cultural differences, House of Ivory has created a boutique experience that brings Australian bridal elegance to Singapore while honoring local traditions. Their unique, handpicked collection allows brides to explore a variety of exclusive styles that may not otherwise be available in Singapore.
Expanding the House of Ivory Experience
As they gaze toward the horizon, House of Ivory is fueled by ambitious aspirations to expand its brand throughout Asia. While Singapore serves as the shining flagship of their operations, the founders have set their sights on a thrilling trajectory: within the next five years, they envision establishing elegant showrooms in various vibrant Asian cities, thereby extending their exquisite luxury bridal experience to an even wider audience.
However, in the immediate term, their primary focus is on solidifying House of Ivory’s presence in Singapore, with the goal of transforming it into the ultimate destination for brides in search of sophisticated international styles combined with a uniquely personalized service. By artfully blending their Australian heritage with a keen understanding of the Asian bridal market, House of Ivory is poised to carve out a meaningful legacy in the realm of bridal fashion, marrying timeless elegance with modern desires.
To know more visit- https://www.instagram.com/houseofivorysg
To read more startup stories visit- https://singaporebizjournal.com/
