Women On Top: Carolyn Kan, founder of Carrie K.

Carolyn Kan, founder of the brand Carrie K. (PHOTO: Carrie K.)
Carolyn Kan, founder of the brand Carrie K. (PHOTO: Carrie K.)

SINGAPORE —When Carolyn Kan left her high-flying position at an advertising agency, little did she know when she started her new journey, she would hone her skills with a silversmith in Florence, Italy. But she did, and after a month-long apprenticeship, Carolyn returned home to follow her passion and created the local brand Carrie K. in 2009.

It’s been ten years now since the brand was birthed, and the Carrie K. brand has won the ELLE Awards Jewellery Designer of the Year in 2010 and in 2016 won the Singapore Fashion Awards Designer of the Year. Accessories. In 2017, Carrie K. bagged three awards at the Singapore Fashion Awards including Best Collaboration, Bespoke and Champion for Creatives and Designers.

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Carolyn doesn’t just stop at designing; she also manages the overall aspect of the business down to partnerships and distribution. But she wouldn’t be able to pull off all of that, as she gets help and support from her husband Chiew Huan Chong.

Today, at her beautiful atelier, the Carrie K. brand celebrates Singapore’s bicentennial anniversary with its limited-edition collection, Icon. The brand drew inspiration from the social history and design of Singapore’s National Theatre, showcasing architectural elements and Singapore’s spirit of inclusivity and collaboration on which it was built.

Limited to 20 pieces per design, the Icon Collection is available in 925 sterling silver, and 9KT and 18KT yellow gold with hand-set pavé Moissanite, a sustainable diamond alternative. The range carries pearl necklaces, statement rings, brooches, as well as drop earrings.

Carrie K. Atelier, Funan, 107 North Bridge Road, #02-K05 Singapore 179105

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 12pm to 7pm

‘Women On Top’ is a series focusing on women entrepreneurs who initiate, innovate and run their own businesses whether individually or in collaboration with others. These trailblazers seem to do it all with grace, establishing their enterprise while balancing their personal, social and family life.