Carolina Kumala wanted to be in fashion. On a page of a journal dated October 28, 2004, the then 13-year-old student at the Singapore American School had drawn a skirt-suit in camel, complete with pink heels and a matching purse. Written above the detailed sketch are her aspirations to "study in Lasalle College of the Arts","enter competitions", "work in a famous designer house" and "create my own unique brand".
In the classroom, she was known among her peers to have a great sense of style, always looking impeccable and polished. The young fashionista had an admiration for European fashion houses Versace and Chanel, as well as Lebanese legends Zuhair Murad and Rami Kadi.
However, life has other plans for Carolina. Born and raised in Singapore, the daughter of Indonesian property developer Haryadi Kumala and prominent socialite Chiang Yu Lan moved to Boston for her bachelor's degrees in business and communications after graduating from high school here. Then she went on to obtain her MBA in hospitality administration and management at global hospitality school Les Roches in Switzerland. As a scion of a real estate magnate and hotelier, it seemed fitting for her to head in this direction, even though her parents never expected her, or her sisters, to join the family business.
Says the 32-year-old, "They have always given us the freedom to do what we want to do. I think they believe in the decisions that we make, because they've raised us to be independent - that we don't need to rely on anybody. I didn't choose to pursue fashion because I thought that I would have more opportunities majoring in business. That it was a safer option for me, as you can go into any industry, or make something on your own with the skills gained from a business degree."
Bu hikaye Prestige Singapore dergisinin April 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Prestige Singapore dergisinin April 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Raise a Glass to China
At the inaugural Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards, three experts tell Prestige why you should consider picking up a bottle for your next dinner party or date night.
TOAST TO LOCAL SPIRITS
A growing class of \"Made in Singapore\" liquors give drinkers a taste of home.
HERITAGE, REFINED
Kyoto's artisanal roots and the push to evolve traditional Japanese aesthetics find voice in the city's luxury hotels.
CHASING THE SUN
Inspired by its gutsy female founder, Veuve Clicquot partners luxury travel purveyor Belmond to offer champagne-filled rumbles in destinations around the globe.
FAIRWAYS TO HEAVEN
Home to the Masters, the first men's Major tournament on the annual golfing calendar, the Augusta National course is as beautiful as it's fiendishly difficult. And this year, thanks to the competition's 25-year partnership with Rolex, Prestige was there to follow the action.
HIS TIME TO SHINE
2024 is the year men’s jewellery is shown off for what it ought to be bold, brilliant and tastefully transgressive.
WATCHES AND WONDERS 2024: A SHOW OF RANGE
In the second instalment of our report on Watches and Wonders the horological trade fair took place in Geneva in April we highlight standout new releases from 10 brands, ranging from stealthy tool watches to statement pieces you couldn't miss, even if you tried.
Guarding a Grand Heritage
In an exclusive interview with Prestige, fourthgeneration Patek Philippe chief THIERRY STERN discusses meaningful innovations, business continuity and what surfing's got to do with it.
TROPICAL BLOOMS
The Reverso is unique with its signature swivelling rectangular case. Flip the caseback of the monoface model of the Reverso One, and you'll find a canvas for artistic expression.
EMPIRE STATE OF MIND
Harry Winston's New York Collection is a love letter to the city that never sleeps. The jeweller's latest high-jewellery collection explores NYC's landmarks and symbols through several chapters.