Every issue, GRAZIA Singapore highlights a Game Changer who inspires, educates and celebrates individuality, beauty and style. This month, meet Tifany Ng, the founder of the 10-year-old fashion label Clementine. A designer who trained in London and Jakarta, Ng champions elegance, functionality and timelessness in her designs—including her first leather goods collection.
Growing up in Indonesia, what were your first encounters with fashion?
I grew up in Medan, and my earliest memories are intertwined with fashion. My mother loved dressing me up and capturing those moments on camera. In Indonesia, people generally have a strong love for fashion, though many follow whatever trend is in the spotlight. My mother’s style definitely influenced me, but I always knew I didn’t want to be overdressed or uncomfortable. From a young age, I gravitated toward quality pieces—something unique, with a bit of an edge.
What made you decide to launch your own fashion label, Clementine, in 2015?
Launching my own label wasn’t a sudden leap; it was a natural progression. After graduating, I took a gap year in London and interned as a junior fashion designer at Dorothy Perkins and Sibling London. It was an incredible experience, especially at Sibling, where I worked on designs that made it all the way to London Fashion Week.
When I returned to Indonesia, I joined a fashion label led by one of the country’s top style influencers. At the same time, I began receiving personal commissions from clients who trusted me to create pieces uniquely their own. Those experiences showed me there was space for my voice and vision in the industry. I had seen both the creative and business sides of fashion, and I realised I wanted the freedom to build a brand that reflected my values: timeless craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and individuality. Clementine became the space where I could bring all of that together—creating not just clothing, but pieces destined to be part of someone’s most important moments.
As the founder of Clementine, how do you balance both the creative and business sides of your role?
I knew early on that I didn’t want to do this alone, so I brought in my co-founder to strengthen the business side. My focus has always been on design—creating, refining, and ensuring every piece that carries the Clementine name meets my standards. But I’m still closely involved in major business decisions and always consider how the creative vision aligns with our growth. My partner and I share responsibility for steering the brand forward, learning from each other along the way. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of business strategy, while he’s developed an appreciation for the creative process. That exchange keeps Clementine balanced, allowing me to focus on artistry while knowing our foundations are strong.
What inspired you to expand Clementine into leather goods?
I wanted to create pieces that could stand the test of time—beautiful items that age gracefully and become even more special with use. Leather felt like the natural next step. It’s a medium that demands both precision and respect, and it challenged me to refine my craft in new ways. I believe in pushing myself creatively, exploring materials and techniques that allow the Clementine woman to carry our aesthetic into every facet of her life. These bags and accessories are designed as companions—functional, versatile, and made to last.
What are some craft techniques that you incorporated in your new collection?
For this collection, I wanted to focus on techniques that truly celebrate craftsmanship. Every bag is hand-cut with care, the edges are burnished until silky smooth, and the stitching is reinforced for strength while remaining quietly beautiful. I inspect every seam because I want these pieces to last. Small details—like the seamless meeting of stitching and edges—give the bags an understated elegance you notice up close.
Clementine is marking its 10th anniversary. How has the brand evolved over the years?
In the past decade, Clementine has grown from a bespoke clothing label into a brand with a broader vision. Just last year, we launched our accessories line, focusing on leather goods and signature prints—an exciting new chapter. The philosophy remains the same: every piece is designed to last, timeless yet with a distinctive statement element. What has evolved is our reach and our ability to create for every facet of the Clementine woman’s life, from the gown she wears to a milestone event to the bag she carries every day.
PHOTOGRAPHY ZANTZ HAN
CREATIVE DIRECTION KELLY HSU AND MARISA XIN
STYLING KELLY HSU
HAIR AND MAKEUP ZHOU AIYI USING LANCOME AND REVLON PROFESSIONAL
PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT KACY CHOO
This story first appeared in the September 2025 issue of GRAZIA Singapore.
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