About Us

Est. 2003 • Singapore Social Impact Enterprise

The Singapore Shawl

Singapore heritage shawls, scarves and wearable art inspired by orchids, culture and craftsmanship.

Founded by designer Shelley Siu in 2003, The Singapore Shawl brings together Singapore storytelling, botanical design and a long-standing social mission through limited handcrafted pieces and personal service.

2003 Founded
20+ Years Heritage
Singapore Designed

How It Began

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 marginalised 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.

Shelley’s role as founder and designer remains central to the brand’s personal approach, from heritage storytelling to direct customer enquiries and collection guidance.

Shelley Siu, founder and designer of The Singapore Shawl
Shelley Siu
Founder & Designer, The Singapore Shawl
The Straits Times feature on The Singapore Shawl and its social mission

“We have become like friends now… She even invites us over for Chinese New Year.”

— Featured in The Straits Times (*Wrapped up in helping underdogs*, Feb 2014)

As Shelley reflected, The Singapore Shawl continues to be a “mantle of blessings” for those who need it—whether for fashion and elegance, or as a fundamental means of livelihood.

🎙️ Featured Interview: The Singapore Shawl Story

Listen to Shelley Siu discuss the journey, social impact, and heritage craftsmanship behind The Singapore Shawl on Buzzsprout:

Listen to “Living Diplomacy & Heritage Craftsmanship” →

Our Core Philosophy

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 honouring the Environment with sustainable wearable art.

Country, Community, Environment - The Singapore Shawl

Global Reach & Founder’s Vision

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 former Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat for National Day.

The Singapore Shawl Founder and Milestones

National Recognition

Former 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.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat wearing a bespoke piece by The Singapore Shawl

Recognised Through the Years

Over more than two decades, The Singapore Shawl and Shelley Siu have been featured by Singapore media, public institutions and organisations for the brand’s design heritage, social-enterprise journey and community impact.

Explore selected media features, institutional recognition and heritage milestones from The Singapore Shawl’s journey since 2003.

View Press & Recognition →

Connect Directly with Shelley

Have a question about our heritage collections, current availability or choosing a meaningful gift? Shelley is happy to assist personally via WhatsApp.

Chat directly with Shelley on WhatsApp

© 2026 The Singapore Shawl. All rights reserved.

Singapore • Est. 2003