Singapore Biz-journalSingapore Biz-journal
Notification Show More
Aa
  • Home
  • Lifestyle
  • F&B
  • Health & Fitness
  • Technology
  • Education
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
Reading: How this Singapore handbag designer attracted an international cult following
Share
Singapore Biz-journalSingapore Biz-journal
Aa
  • Home
  • Lifestyle
  • F&B
  • Health & Fitness
  • Technology
  • Education
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • My Bookmarks
Search
  • Home
  • Lifestyle
  • F&B
  • Health & Fitness
  • Technology
  • Education
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • My Bookmarks
Follow US
© Copyright 2023 Singaporebizjournal | Powered by Inflex Media
Singapore Biz-journal > Blog > Lifestyle > How this Singapore handbag designer attracted an international cult following
LifestyleStartups

How this Singapore handbag designer attracted an international cult following

Editor
Last updated: 2023/07/18 at 11:05 AM
By Editor 4 Min Read
Share
SHARE

After consignments in some of the world’s top department stores such as Selfridges and Harrods, furniture turned handbag designer Ling Fu has opened her first standalone store in Singapore’s Raffles Hotel. She talks about the brand’s homecoming and its journey through the years.

Seasoned bag collectors would know that scoring a coveted bag from one of the world’s most storied luxury houses isn’t as easy as it seems. The brands thrive on an aura of exclusivity. Customers can wait months, or even years, to be offered a bag. In the meantime, they’ll have to invest in smaller accessories or leather goods in order to build an extensive profile and purchase history. Even then, the bag they end up bringing home may not be in the exact specifications they desire.

Over the years, former furniture designer Ling Fu got tired of playing the game. “I am very fond of certain handbag designs. But as the years went by, the buying experience became a bit painful,” she confessed.

So Fu decided to take matters into her own hands. After learning the art of bag-making in some of the finest ateliers in Italy, she decided to start her own  label and launched Llora in 2015. At first, the media shy Fu chose to only invite close friends to view her creations. But soon, after launching in top department stores such as Barneys, Selfridges and Harrods, Llora caught the attention of bag connoisseurs around the world.

AN EYE FOR DESIGN

Fu has always had a keen eye for design. In her early 20s, in the midst of putting together her first house back in her home city of Jakarta, Indonesia, she started designing her own furniture. 

“As a young lady, I loved romantic designs,” Fu reminisced. “The design of my house was leaning towards classic European with beautiful high ceilings and French windows. At that time, in the very early 90s, I just couldn’t find furniture that would go with my aesthetics, unless I imported them from Europe, which would be very tedious. So I said well, I’ll start designing my own.”

After completing her own home, she started getting commissions from friends who were enthralled by her furniture pieces. “They wanted me to come and visit their homes. I think it is a blessing that I am very good with proportions, even from a young age,” said Fu. A client then commissioned Fu to design furniture for her entire home, with a land size of around 10,000 sq ft.

Fu’s line specialised in classical furniture from the Louis XIV to the XVI stylistic periods, crafted from premium wood such as teak and solid mahogany. But in 2004, Fu, who is married to architect Chan Soo Khian, founding principal of SCDA Architects, moved to Singapore with her family. “There were a lot of adjustments, so I decided to scale my business smaller and smaller,” she said. Clients back in Jakarta also wanted to meet with Fu in person, but flying back and forth proved to be a tedious affair for the mum of six boys. She eventually sold off her furniture business before pivoting her focus to her handbag brand.

You Might Also Like

Walking Tall: Premium Footwear Designed for Men Who Prefer Built-In Height Support With a Classic Finish.

Needle Lil Love: Personalized Hand-Embroidered Pet and Ultrasound Portraits.

OYAPEYASOM: Bringing a Touch of Joy to Every Student’s Work With Customisable Stamps and Stickers

Tiny Twins Co: Crafting Affordable Fashion for Your Little Explorer

IDOCARE: Singapore’s Trusted Name in Affordable, Eco-Conscious Cleaning Products

Editor July 18, 2023 July 10, 2023
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Email Copy Link Print
Leave a review

Leave a review Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Please select a rating!

More Popular from Singaporebizjournal

Lifestyle

Jo&Stitch: Handmade Bags with a Personal Touch

By Editor 5 Min Read

Zion Creation: Crafting Confidence Through Custom Pieces that Empower Women.

By Editor

Elegant, Unique, Timeless: AATYHANDMADE’s Handcrafted Crochet Masterpieces

By Editor 4 Min Read

Island of fun: Sentosa launches new lifestyle precinct and state-of-the-art beach clubs

Sentosa is set to get more exciting with new leisure experiences for local and international visitors.…

By Editor

LittleJadeStory: Carving Modern Magnificence from Timeless Jade

Jade, with its illustrious history spanning centuries, has adorned civilizations worldwide with its timeless allure. Its…

By Editor
Lifestyle

Hello Little Boo: Thoughtfully Designed  Products for Newborns and Children

Finding high-quality, cost-effective products for children can often be challenging for parents, especially when they are…

By Editor
Health & Fitness

This 48-year-old single mum with schizophrenia is a delivery food rider and a mental health ambassador

After years of struggling with schizophrenia, trauma and grief, Amy Kang found empowerment as a delivery…

By Editor

Luxury bag brand Abara marks its grand opening at Takashimaya Shopping Centre

Abara's team of craftmanship is based in Singapore and founder Yuki Yang sources her materials like…

By Editor
Health & Fitness

Sculpt, tone, strengthen: 5 of the newest fitness studios in Singapore to check out

From boutique personal training gyms to a studio that focuses on recovery, there is a hip…

By Editor
Singapore Biz-journal

Singapore Business Journal is Singapore’s fastest growing media platform for startup and entrepreneur stories through news, reports and interviews. We bring to you the most inspiring, motivating and informative business stories from successful entrepreneurs.

Follow Us:

Categories

  • Health & Fitness
  • Technology
  • F&B
  • Lifestyle
  • Education
  • Startups

Quick Links

  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Copyright ©2025 Singaporebizjournal | Powered-by InflexMedia

Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Register Lost your password?