MAKING A SPLASH
Laura Natalie may be a young brand, but it is fast gaining recognition with its vibrant, distinctive structured crocodile and alligator bags and customisation services
FOR A TRAINED business and finance professional to venture into launching his own luxury brand, it takes guts and gumption. But three years on, Julian Chu has proven that his gamble has paid o: Though it started out as a pet project, Laura Natalie, which he named after his two daughters, has won ardent fans across Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, China and Dubai, thanks to its unique and instantly recognisable designs.
Specialising in exotic leather handbags and accessories, the homegrown label caters to a selective circle of clients who appreciate sumptuous materials, exquisite design, and the freedom to create customised items that reflect their taste and personality. With classic silhouettes and vibrant colours as hallmarks of its pieces, Laura Natalie collaborates with designers in Italy and Singapore, and artisans in both countries with more than three generations of experience in handcrafting handbags. And to ensure exclusivity, the brand makes a limited quantity of each design.
With an emphasis on top-of-the-line quality for his label’s creations, Chu insists on procuring the softest, most valuable part of crocodile or alligator leather — the centre cut of the belly — sourced from some of the best tanneries in the world that are certified by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This ensures every item by Laura Natalie fulfils globally recognised ecological standards.
What’s more, Laura Natalie even oers the option to customise handbags, such as adding fine jewellery embellishments. According to Chu, the brand has received requests such as setting white diamonds and pink diamonds on alligator and crocodile leather handbags.
Those looking to own a unique piece by Laura Natalie will not be able to find the brand in an ordinary mall: The label does not have a boutique in Singapore just yet, so its creations are acquired by appointment only. The young brand has its sights set on establishing itself beyond Asia and the Middle East, and has lined up events in Europe and the US this year to boost its profile and introduce its distinctive style and savoir faire to new audiences.