Some temptations, says Ethan Koh, are worth giving into. As Singapore’s best-known handbag designer, the London-based aesthete has long let the art of desire inspire his label Ethan K, which is stocked at Harrods and most recently, his first local flagship at Scotts Square.
Koh’s Temptations collection features a rainbow of colourful bags and accessories. The Scotts Square space even has a Temptations Room, a reserved private section with unique, never-before-seen pieces that can only be ordered seven days in advance.
As an extension of his favourite theme, he’s releasing Temptations, a 50ml eau
de parfum for $188, which is available exclusively at his Singapore flagship and online boutique.
Photo: Ethan Koh.
Sicilian lemon and saffron dominate the top notes, followed by jasmine, Sumatran patchouli, and rose petals in the heart notes. An intense burst of freshness is followed by a warm, embracing dry down, infused with sandalwood, amber, vanilla, and white musk.
As a tribute to Van Gogh’s ‘The Starry Night’, a whimsical package holds the fragrance, while the bottle itself is surprisingly minimal, giving the fragrance all the attention.
“It is elegant, distinct, and very light,” says Koh, who cites such perfume inspirations as Frederic Malle, Ghawali, and Hermès’ Terre d’Hermès by iconic nose Jean-Claude Ellena.
In his student days at Central Saint Martins, Koh frequently visited Grasse’s lavender fields and perfumeries, stoking his interest in perfume.
Photo: Ethan Koh.
Temptations also alludes to Koh’s heritage with its use of Asian spices. It is also light and airy (“A great scent shouldn’t be overpowering”) and versatile (“It can be worn both in summer and winter”).
Though Koh has dabbled with fragrances in the past, Temptations marks the beginning of a new brand métier. “I wasn’t creating a scent for a season with Temptations. When I smelled the final version, I knew it was going to be a scent I would love for years to come.”
