The crowded landscape of luxury brand names, few houses carry the gravitas of an 87-year legacy. Kwanpen, established in 1930s Singapore, stands as one of Asia’s rare heritage maisons that has expanded across continents while keeping its roots firmly in family, values and craftsmanship. What began as a little handbag workshop in the colonial era has today become a global name, best known for its mastery of exotic leather and the integrity behind every handcrafted bag.
For Jonathan Kwan, the third-generation custodian, the maison’s growth is based on one solid principle: ‘family before business’. It is the principle laid down by his grandfather, a trained goldsmith who lacked the capital to work with precious metals and instead turned to leather. He taught himself the craft by studying bags, training his hands and passing that knowledge to his four sons. Back then, bags weren’t status symbols. They were meant to be functional. His focus was durability and practicality. Over the years the world changed, but the idea of creating something useful, beautiful, and long-lasting stayed within the family ethos.
From a small back-of-house workshop the family business expanded into a factory, then into stand-alone boutiques, all while staying true to a simple design philosophy that was built to last.
After all these years, craftsmanship still continues to anchor the brand’s creative direction. The early bags were built for function and durability, and that clarity still shapes the maison’s aesthetic. Jonathan’s father and uncles sketch their own pieces today, always guided by passion and craftmanship, and never on trends. Their sincerity has created a loyal, discerning clientele across the globe, that values heirloom quality over fashion cycles.
Kwanpen’s presence now includes Dubai, Qatar, Japan, Hong Kong and Thailand, with New York on the horizon. Jonathan travels widely to understand the rhythm of each market, and notes a shift in the region’s luxury landscape. The brand has seen a rise in Indian clients over the last few years, not just in India but also Indians living outside. Singapore felt it first, followed by Thailand and Japan. Indian customers connected quickly to the maison’s heritage and workmanship, and inquiries now flow in from Delhi and Mumbai. Despite being relevant to a worldwide audience, he remains grounded by the house’s origins. The logo carries the Chinese character for the family name, and their heritage in every detail.
www.kwanpen.com | @kwanpen1938
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