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Studio Qiling is art and elegance in motion. A Singaporean brand, it transforms hand-drawn prints into versatile fashion pieces that move effortlessly between shawl, skirt, and dress—designed not just to be worn, but to be lived in. Behind the label are founders Melissa Tan and Jasline Ang, longtime friends whose creative and professional synergy breathes life into the pieces. With Tan’s background in luxury retail and Ang’s expertise in illustration and design, they’ve created a brand that stands at the intersection of artistry, quality and thoughtful craftsmanship, and sartorial grace.
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Built on Trust, Designed with Intention
The idea for Studio Qiling was born from a shared desire to build something intentional rooted in artistic freedom. After years navigating their respective industries, both founders reached a pivotal point in their careers where the urge to create something personal, lasting, and meaningful could no longer be ignored.
“After over a decade working with luxury houses and creating diverse pieces for clients, I reached a point where I felt I needed room for more creative growth,” Ang shares. “I chose to focus on prints because it’s where my strength naturally aligned, illustration, and my ability to turn drawings into versatile and timeless patterns.”
Tan echoes this sentiment, grounding the brand’s beginnings in both admiration and timing. “I spent many years in the corporate world, and while I loved my work, there was something in me that wanted to create something of my own. I’ve always been amazed by Jasline’s artistic flair, and when the conversation of creating something together came up, I saw the potential of building something beautiful. I guess both Jasline’s and my strengths naturally complemented each other.”
This dynamic—creative spontaneity paired with business acumen—is what continues to drive Studio Qiling forward. But like most entrepreneurial ventures, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. From navigating high operating costs to the emotional weight of wearing multiple hats, the founders have faced the realities of running an independent label head-on.
“One of the greatest advantages of building Studio Qiling has been doing it alongside a partner I trust completely,” Ang reflects. “With Melissa handling the business side, from operations to finance, that has allowed me to focus fully on the creative direction. Without her, that would’ve been the steepest learning curve for me. Right now, the biggest challenge we face is scaling in a way that’s sustainable. Singapore is a wonderful base, but the costs are high, whether it’s rent, production, or logistics. We’re constantly finding ways to balance growth with long-term sustainability.”
She also reflects on how creatively liberating the experience has been. After spending years in the highly structured, brand-led world of luxury, she has found it deeply fulfilling to create freely under her own name. For her, the real challenge lies not in the creative process itself, but in building the right foundation to sustain that creativity over the long term.
Tan, meanwhile, says that the learning curve as first-time founders has been steep—but manageable, thanks to trust and shared purpose. “It’s easy to feel paralyzed by fear and the need for perfection, but we support each other and keep ourselves moving forward. I think what helped us greatly in navigating this is our friendship—we trust and respect each other and are very open with our discussions.”
At the heart of Studio Qiling is that foundation: one built not only on complementary skills, but on deep mutual respect, trust, and a shared vision for thoughtful fashion made with intention. Ang summarizes, “Studio Qiling became our shared canvas, a meeting point between imagination and discipline, spontaneity with structure.”
When Women Lead with Vision—and Friendship
While many might caution against mixing friendship with business, for Tan and Ang, their personal bond has been a significant asset in building and sustaining Studio Qiling. Their shared history has fostered a deep foundation of trust—one that supports both creative freedom and clear-headed decision-making.
Tan emphasizes the importance of alignment and emotional safety in their collaboration. “I really don’t think I could have started a business with someone I wasn’t familiar with and confident that we have the chemistry to make it work. Being on this journey with my best friend has allowed me to be vulnerable in times of uncertainty, to embrace the unknown and know that we will support each other regardless of what we face.”
“Our partnership is naturally complementary—when one of us falls short, the other steps in,” Ang tells MEGA. “We’re both clear on our shared vision; our focus is never about being right individually, it’s always about making the best decisions for the brand’s growth. That clarity and openness allow us to navigate challenges without ever getting personal.”
As female entrepreneurs navigating the competitive landscape of luxury fashion, both founders bring a grounded, values-led approach to leadership. Their perspective is shaped not only by their past experiences, but by the work they are now doing—hands-on and deeply intentional. Ang says that, from her experience, the luxury fashion industry hasn’t felt overwhelmingly male-dominated—at least not in a way that has limited her creatively or professionally. She feels fortunate to have worked with inspiring women throughout her career, and at Studio Qiling, she and Tan have built everything from the ground up, shaping every detail—from design to operations—with their own hands and vision.
As both creatives and decision-makers, we hope our journey shows that women can lead with heart and precision, and build something meaningful on their own terms.
– Jasline Ang on creative leadership and female entrepreneurship
Tan adds, “We have a strong sense of purpose with what we do at Studio Qiling, creating from a place of authenticity and shaping a brand that reflects our values, and I think there is real power in this. I hope we can show that it is possible for women to carve out our own space and thrive while staying true to who we are.”
Singapore Heritage, Global Perspective
For many creatives, the notion of “homegrown” carries weight. But for Studio Qiling, being a Singaporean luxury brand is more than a label—it’s a statement of origin, identity, and quiet defiance in an industry often dominated by legacy Western fashion houses.
There’s a deep pride in being able to build something original and art-led from this part of the world, especially in an industry where most of the attention still centers around Western fashion capitals.
– Jasline Ang on building proudly local, globally resonant design
This blend of global aspiration and rootedness is evident in every corner of the brand’s aesthetic. Ang draws heavily from her Chinese heritage—seen in the brand name, logo, and prints—while infusing it with a modern sensibility. As a Singaporean with Chinese ancestry, she embraces the duality of Eastern roots and Western influence, subtly weaving that balance into her work.“It’s my way of keeping our roots alive, while expressing them in a form that feels contemporary yet personal,” she says.
That intention—to preserve tradition while embracing the now—also fuels their commitment to conscious craftsmanship. While “sustainable fashion” is a phrase that gets thrown around often, Studio Qiling approaches it not as a trend, but as a philosophy.
Conscious consumerism is a core part of the brand’s sustainability ethos, Tan tells MEGA. Each piece is thoughtfully designed, crafted with care, and made to last. “We want to offer products that our customers will love, use, and treasure for years to come,” she says. With limited production runs and a focus on quality, the brand embraces a slower, more intentional approach—one that aligns deeply with its values while keeping its environmental impact in check.
But thoughtful doesn’t mean rigid. If anything, Studio Qiling’s design language is built on adaptability—clothing that flexes with the wearer’s lifestyle, not the other way around.
“I believe in comfort and versatility, and that our clothing should move effortlessly with us,” Ang tells MEGA. “That’s why I design pieces that can be styled in multiple ways. Take our double-sided scarves, for example—they offer two colour-ways in one, and can be worn in countless ways, depending on your mood or setting. Timelessness is also key. I aim to create pieces that don’t follow fleeting trends, but instead hold emotional and functional value across seasons and years.”
Tan adds, “In today’s world clouded by trends and fast fashion, we hope to bring value through our conscious creations. We have been very encouraged by many of our customers’ feedback on the designs and quality of our products, especially when they share how often they reach for their Studio Qiling pieces and how it made them feel—this longevity and connection our customers have with our products is what we strive for.”
Design Rooted in Detail
It’s no surprise that each Studio Qiling piece begins with a meticulous creative process—one that blends whimsical storytelling with exacting technique. The magic, quite literally, is in the details. Ang often finds inspiration in nature and mythical animals, which she says “tend to spark joy and connection in all of us.” Collections like Mythical Creatures of the Orient and Enchanted Forest reflect this, featuring hand-illustrated beings such as unicorns, kitsune, and jackalopes. Each print begins with a magical creature at its heart, and from there, she lets instinct guide the rest—composing elements from nature to reflect a specific mood.
“My strength lies in my sense of composition and colour, creating prints that feel both familiar yet fresh,” she explains. “It is always about finding the right balance.”
Once the illustration is complete, Ang carefully considers how the artwork will interact with the body: its scale, placement, and flow on different silhouettes. She samples various print sizes, adjusts colour palettes, and tests the artwork until it feels in harmony with the design. Only then does it move into production—an intentionally slow, immersive process that upholds the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship.
That attention to detail carries through to material selection. Prints are matched with fabrics like silk, chosen for their ability to hold colour and drape beautifully. Ang is meticulous about ensuring that the final product enhances the design rather than compromising it—always striving for pieces that are as wearable as they are artistic. “I’m constantly thinking about how the print will move, how it will be styled, and how it feels on the skin. A design might look striking as a flat artwork, but it also needs to become something people genuinely want to wear,” she asserts.
Studio Qiling’s Next Moves
As for what’s next? Studio Qiling may still be in its early chapters, but the ambition is anything but small.
“Studio Qiling is still very young, we’re barely two years old,” the founders say. “It’s been such a fulfilling journey so far but we’re only just getting started. Our next milestone is to secure a space for Studio Qiling—a place where we can create, grow, and connect more meaningfully with our community. We want to let our customers experience our designs, quality, details and storytelling of our products in person. Beyond that, we’re also working on launching a womenswear collection, which we’re incredibly excited about.”
Reflecting on their own entrepreneurial journey, the two are candid about the challenges of stepping into the unknown—and equally honest about the fulfillment that comes from building something original and lasting. Their advice to aspiring female founders is as practical as it is empowering.
Ang shares that coming from the structured world of luxury fashion, she was used to creating within set boundaries. “Building Studio Qiling has taught me to trust my own design instincts and creative vision—and most importantly, to have the courage to follow my voice,” she says. One of her biggest fears was the financial uncertainty of leaving a stable salary to start something on her own. “It was daunting at first, but far less intimidating than I imagined—and deeply rewarding,” she reflects. Her advice: trust yourself, and surround yourself with people who believe in your vision—because that encouragement makes all the difference.
Tan, meanwhile, asserts, “Stepping out of a world I was familiar with was scary, and it can be tempting to just turn back and return to familiarity. Yet, today I can say that I have no regrets. Having taken that first step, I will say if you believe in your vision, trust your gut and start by putting one foot in front of the other. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect, momentum builds from action.”
Photos and Featured Image: STUDIO QILING (via Website and Instagram)
