local jewellery designers
Sea Urchin 18K gold and rhodium drop earrings with diamonds and rubies (on left), US$28,200 (S$38,400), and 18K gold and rhodium stud earrings with rubies, US$18,800 (S$25,600)

Lauren Khoo

You know her because…

This architecture-and-visual-arts-trained designer founded her namesake label (laurenxkhoo.com) four years ago, and does pieces that are so contemporary and wittily playful. Dover Street Market in London stocks them while arty, high society types in New York lap them up.

Why know her label now: 

After years of being based in the Big Apple and Hong Kong, Khoo relocated back to Singapore last year, making it easier for customers here to see her work (and her – she’s notoriously press-shy) up close. Plush, intimate trunk shows and one-on-one sessions have always been her preferential way of retail. In this age of everything “e-“, the approach feels romantically glamorous and is a sure way of getting bowled over by her bold and lavish take on marine life (including uni, or sea urchin) in her latest ready-to-wear collection. Deep Sea.

local jewellery designers
Silver ring, $280

Marilyn Tan

You know her because…

She’s the lawyer-turned-designer behind one of our longest-running jewellery labels dating back to the ’90s. Oh, and she’s the first homegrown jeweller to be sold at Paul Smith stores in London, and Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art.

Why know her label now: 

Her latest collection, Ethiopia Collections, marks a significant departure from the organic, Asian-tinged aesthetic that’s defined her brand in the past decade or so. Inspired by various cultural aspects of Africa, it instead features distinctly angular lines and hieroglyphic-like motifs that lend a funky, futuristic edge stylish sci-fi fans would geek out over. Entirely handmade locally, each design is also limited to just two pieces.

local jewellery designers
18K rose-gold vermeil-coated sterling silver earrings with pink opal, $295.

Alexandra Alberta Yeo

You know her because…

Actually you might not – yet. While her namesake label was started in 2010, this Singaporean of Indonesian Chinese heritage has largely been making waves overseas. Accolades include a feminist-themed joint exhibition with artist Stephanie Burt at Art Jakarta – Indonesia’s biggest art fair – last July, and being singled out as one-to-watch by the international press multiple times.

Why know her label now:

Like Khoo, Yeo returned home in last year after time in New York and London. Her brand has also found retail homes here at the multi-label Manifesto, and bag designer Ling Wu’s Le Salon in Chip Bee Gardens. Visit either for a first-hand look and feel of her quirky, arty-meets-ethnic aesthetic, best seen in her popular Metropolis line that’s inspired by cities and Art Deco architecture, and include these durian earrings.

Photography Veronica Tay Art Direction Adeline Eng 

This story first appeared in Female’s January 2018 issue. 

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