She may be a business graduate but Kate Low’s real desire was to design lingerie

Kate Low’s journey began with a personal frustration: the struggle to find lingerie that fit her petite frame. This challenge ignited a passion to find a solution for this gap in Singapore’s lingerie market. With a first-class degree in Finance and Banking from the London School of Economics and marketing experience from working at Club 21, she started curating and selling a selection of niche international lingerie brands in 2012.

Driven by her desire to create the perfect fit, she embarked on a new chapter to design and produce lingerie. In 2015, Kate revolutionised the industry with the introduction of the now-iconic padded bralette, which is a cornerstone of her own in-house label, Perk by Kate.

Singapore’s fashion scene has evolved over the decade. What do you think are its current strengths and weaknesses?

 I love the local fashion scene and applaud all who are doing their best every day. What they truly excel at is creating designs that are practical yet visually appealing for the everyday woman. Our bilingual culture also makes it easier to collaborate with suppliers. As for limitations, I wouldn’t necessarily call this a weakness, but the small market size is a reality. It poses challenges for sustainable growth, as scaling often requires expanding beyond local borders.

What elements do you believe are essential for Singapore to establish a distinct and recognisable identity in the global fashion world? 

It all comes down to momentum. When a global celebrity is seen wearing a local brand, it can spark a snowball effect. A good head start – whether through education, apprenticeship or mentorship – can make a huge difference. Many design students head to institutions like Central Saint Martins in London and gain early exposure at global brands, which can open doors. Once one or two Singaporean brands make their mark internationally, the world will start looking to us for inspiration, much like how Korea and Japan have established themselves as cultural powerhouses. 

How can Singapore leverage its unique multicultural heritage and blend it with contemporary design sensibilities to create a truly Singaporean aesthetic?

I don’t think Singapore needs a singular “unique aesthetic”. True uniqueness comes from diversity, and narrowing it to one aesthetic could limit creative expression.  “Made in Singapore” isn’t essential unless it signifies a unique manufacturing heritage that adds value. Otherwise, the focus should be on helping brands thrive independently. Two brands that exemplify how to thrive while being authentically themselves are: •Benjamin Barker: It has mastered stylish menswear with a distinct identity, reasonable pricing and successful collaborations, such as with Ascottage in Korea. The brand’s relevance and adaptability makes it globally competitive. •Rye: It has turned basics into something aspirational and cool. The New Bahru shop is a testament to its ability to seamlessly blend into any international market. 

How can Singapore effectively market and promote its fashion scene? 

In today’s social media age, a founder’s strong, engaging presence is crucial for connecting with global audiences. Success often stems from showroom access, where designers can showcase their collections to buyers who can elevate them to the world stage, and social media-led growth to build a strong brand presence and gain traction organically. Singapore could also establish a global fashion representative body to support budding designers through funding, mentorship and scaling assistance. 

If you had unlimited resources, how would you cultivate a unique and thriving fashion ecosystem in Singapore?

I’d draw inspiration from the film industry and create a programme offering five to 10 fully- funded seed grants for emerging brands. This initiative would cover everything – from the founder’s salary to production costs, marketing, advertising and creative production – for up to three years. Applicants would need to submit a solid three-year design and business plan to qualify. This approach would provide a stable foundation for promising brands, allowing them to focus on creativity while building a sustainable business.

Brought to you in partnership with Singtel, the inspiring Innovators featured in our SG60 issue are women who are driving Singapore’s progress through their bold choices and achievements. With their stories of resilience, reinvention and selflessness, we hope to inspire and empower the next generation of women to take charge of their paths and turn possibilities into reality. Singtel wishes all women a Happy International Women’s Day and Happy SG60.

To learn more about the 60 women who have shaped Singapore as we know it today, click here.