Founded during the 2003 market downturn by Ms. Shelley Siu, The Singapore Shawl began with a clear vision: providing meaningful employment and sustainable income for marginalized and mature women. Moving away from a background as a corporate trainer, Shelley chose retail with a deep social mission—giving women facing difficult circumstances, single mothers, and cancer survivors a place to learn new skills and earn market-rate salaries.

Every creation from The Singapore Shawl is anchored by a triad of foundational pillars representing our identity, our community, and our responsibility to the earth.

Represented through our signature orchid motif, we remain dedicated to celebrating Country through living heritage, uplifting Community through flexible empowerment, and honoring the Environment with sustainable wearable art.

With a legacy spanning over two decades, our pieces have graced world leaders, royalty, and international state events across Geneva, New York, San Francisco, and France.

Rooted deeply in local empowerment, our milestone moments include bespoke pieces worn by Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat for National Day.

Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat wearing a bespoke piece handcrafted by The Singapore Shawl to celebrate our community empowerment mission.

Recognizing the dedication of local social enterprises and the beauty of our heritage designs.