Those in the know will be familiar with Ethan Koh – a name that has become synonymous with the finest crocodile handbags and accessories. The Singaporean designer is the grandson of Koh Long Cheok, the founder of Heng Long Tannery which supplies crocodile skins to the likes of Hermès and LVMH, the latter even owns a majority stake in the company.

Moreoever, Koh is the creative force behind Ethan K, his eponymous brand that is independent from his family’s business, which he started seven years ago - he doesn’t even get a family discount on the skins he uses. With the majority of his bags produced for bespoke orders, his clientele ranges from Hollywood royalty to actual royalty – a member of the Saudi royal family was one of his first orders. His regular Hong Kong clients include Pansy Ho, Rina Wadhwani, and Carina Lau.

We speak to Koh about his journey to date and the ambitious plans he has for for the future of his business:

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Hong Kong is such a dynamic place, there is a great group of collectors here that love unique pieces and I feel the people of Hong Kong are always open to the arts and to welcoming new designers. Moreover, I find that Hong Kong is truly the city that never sleeps and I have some fond memories of the city, like when I had the chance to meet Pearl Lam and Carina Lau. 

The Ethan K pieces are not for the aspirational but for the collectors who have already arrived and who are looking for special artisinal pieces

My proudest accomplishment has to be when I designed the first bag for my mother, it was the best way that I could repay the woman who has stoof by me, nurtured me, and supported me all my life. Coincidentally, it was also the bag that started my business and turned my dreams into my reality 

I live my life with no regrets

I always found Steve Job’s innovative approach to be inspirational, he changed the way people treat and use technology – I can only hope to emulate his style to change the way people appreciate luxury goods

The best part of running your own business is the excitement of the unknown – you never know who you’re going to meet or where your next big opportunity may be

My advice to budding entrepeneurs would be to be realistic but passionate in whatever you choose to do. Know and work to understand your market and have an objective point of view with a strong sense of direction. I believe that when it comes to business, there should always be some sort of objective.

My end goal would obviously be to expand the business internationally, I still want to retain the exclusivity and I want to consistently maintain a couture, bespoke experience that is synoynymous with Ethan K. Our goal is to engage in a meaningful conversation with more handbag collectors and luxury connoisseurs internationally.

In ten years I would like to open the first Ethan K bespoke gallery, I want it to feel like an intimate salon so that I can express my creativity. Ideally I would want the salon to be in in America, Asia or Europe where my clients can interact, discover and acquire the latest pieces from my collections and also enjoy my latest collections.

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Images Courtesy of Ethan Koh