Five Singapore Creatives Who Embody The Spirit Of The Rimowa Essential Collection
Rimowa’s Essential line brings colour to travel. FEMALE and the brand spotlight five creatives who embody the energy of its its hues: Verde and Granada.
It’s hard not to take notice of a suitcase from Rimowa’s Essential collection. Debuted in 2019, this line of lightweight yet hardy polycarbonate suitcases bearing the German luggage maker’s distinctive grooves get updated every season in new monochromatic colours, making them a cult hit among collectors.
The latest? Granada and Verde, a pretty dusty pink and milky green respectively (read about the full drop here) that can be said to add a sense of joy and adventure to one’s travels – something the five globetrotting Singapore creatives featured here can certainly vibe with. Watch the video above to find out more about their POV to life and seeing the world.
NATASHA HASSAN
Natasha Hassan pictured with Essential Check‐in L polycarbonate luggage in Verde, Rimowa. Everything else, Natasha’s own
Who she is: The graphic designer, illustrator and big sis in the underground music events collective North East Social Club whose flirty, bass-heavy sets as a DJ (alias TASHASAN) has been getting her booked and playing at all the coolest parties in Singapore and the region
Her philosophy to life: “Stay weird, embrace the chaos, be curious always. And be comfortable with things you are unfamiliar with.”
Most memorable places she’s been to: “I love Amsterdam. The way the city approaches sustainability; its architecture, walkability, and cycling culture, and even its use of doughnut economics – everything is so thoughtful. Another favourite is Tokyo. My recent trip there was inspired by Wim Wenders’s Perfect Days (2023) and I went on a little mission to visit the toilets featured in the film and that are part of the Tokyo Toilet project. The initiative (an urban redevelopment project that invited top architects to build high-quality public restrooms across Shibuya) really highlights how much care has been put into public design and urban planning. I guess discovering how a city is designed is what I enjoy most about travelling.”
EFY RAMDAN
Efy Ramdan pictured with Original aluminium crossbody bag in Black, and Signature Sliding regenerated nylon and genuine leather tote in Granada, Rimowa. Everything else, Efy’s own
Who she is: The creative honcho at Rasa, the new nightlife institution in Singapore with its state-of-the-art interiors and audio system, house-forward sounds, and eclectic programming that mixes music with the arts. Travelling for festivals and to check out clubs and parties overseas has helped to shape her work, she says. “It widens my perspective in life mentally, visually and auditorily. One discovers more freedom to explore more things when you’re not always stuck in the same place.”
A party city she would recommend: “It used to be Rotterdam, which had so many places that hosted arts and culture parties, but – like everywhere else – many of these places shut down due to the Covid‐19 pandemic. So I guess the next place I’d recommend is Japan? It’s where I went for my most recent trip, and I discovered so many bars and clubs that offer different sounds and affordable cocktails. Try Mitsuki in Tokyo and Bar Inc in Osaka. I’m a fan of smaller clubs that are comfy and cute.”
Her philosophy to life: “No matter how far you go, always stay true to yourself.”
What she loves most about travelling: “Living like the locals and doing things the way locals do – talking, eating and partying like the locals”
HO KIN LEONN
Kin Leonn pictured with Essential Trunk Plus polycarbonate luggage in Granada, Rimowa. Everything else, Kin’s own
Who he is: The ambient music wunderkind better known simply as Kin Leonn who, by day, is a producer and composer, working on the likes of the scores for Anthony Chen films – a partnership that’s brought him to the Cannes Film Festival.
His philosophy to life: “I believe in the power of little details. I think when you truly give your attention to something, you’ll reap what you sow in proportion. There are universes to be found in the small moments, and the more you spot them, the more life opens up.”
On travelling for work: “My job does take me places and that’s one of the best things about it. I get to do what I love in these places, sharing my music and connecting quite deeply with strangers-turned-friends. That experience really grounds me in this vast world.”
Most memorable places he’s been to: “The islands Naoshima and Teshima in Japan; Black Spur Drive in Victoria, Australia; Snowdonia in North Wales; Malham Cove in the village of Malham in Yorkshire; UK; Mount Agung in Bali, Indonesia; and the Taroko Gorge in Taiwan”
What he loves most about travelling: “I love the experience of going to a place and having my expectations completely turned inside-out. I love having my imagination reignited.”
ISABEL LEE
Isabel Lee pictured with Essential Trunk Plus polycarbonate luggage in Verde and Essential Cabin polycarbonate luggage in Granada, Rimowa. Everything else, Isabel’s own
Who she is: The go-getting co-founder of pioneering acai speciality cafe An Acai Affair, and all-round design-loving, bohemian lifestyle queen. Clock her Instagram account @isapiaoz that documents her adventure-packed yet postcard-perfect travels, and equally stylish home that’s kitted out in an array of playful artworks, toys and memorabilia – many of which she acquires on her sojourns overseas.
Her philosophy to life: “Life is way too short – make every moment count, have fun, try new things and always be yourself.”
On travelling for work: “Even when I’m travelling to countries that I had previously never been to for leisure, I always end up doing my own version of market research, trying every acai bowl I can find. It’s fun, keeps me inspired, and helps me stay connected to what’s happening globally in this space. I also get to meet so many interesting people. Everyone has their own story and approach to doing things, and I’m constantly gaining new perspectives from them. In this sense, one can say that work takes me to new places metaphorically: to a newer, better version of myself.”
Most memorable places she’s been to: “One memorable trip was to Lombok, Indonesia, back in 2022, when my friends and I did a two-day, one-night hike up Mount Rinjani. It was honestly one of the most physically and mentally challenging things I’ve ever done in my life, and it pushed me to my absolute limits. The mix of exhaustion, relief and accomplishment I felt when standing on the summit is something that I still remember so vividly.”
INEZ ALSAGOFF
Inez Alsagoff pictured with Personal polycarbonate crossbody bag in Granada, Essential Check‐in M polycarbonate luggage in Granada (pictured left), Essential Cabin polycarbonate luggage in Verde and Rimowa X Mykita Visor MR005 Aviator Sunshield, Rimowa. Jacket, stylist’s own. Everything else, Inez’s own
Who she is: A Gen Z marine conservationist whose present job at an organisation dedicated to reef restoration and ocean protection takes her around the globe, seeking partnerships to fund its environmental efforts.
Her philosophy to life: “Find fun in whatever you’re doing – even if it’s super mundane. I think there’s always something to enjoy or laugh about, no matter the situation.”
On travelling for work: “Working in marine conservation has taken me to some of the wildest, most beautiful corners of the planet. I’ve been lucky to work on projects with sharks, corals and other marine life in places I never thought I would go to. I genuinely believe that if you’re open to new experiences and keep putting yourself out there, opportunities to explore the world will always find you.”
Most memorable places she’s been to: “Definitely the Bahamas and French Polynesia”
PHOTOGRAPHY STEFAN KHOO STYLING DAMIAN HUANG & PANG JIA WEI PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT ALIF HAIR WINNIE WONG/FLOW SALON, USING GOLDWELL MAKEUP WEE MING, USING DIOR BEAUTY LOCATION FOR NATASHA, EFY, KIN & INEZ SPECIAL THANKS TO RASA
This article first appeared in the May 2025 Travel Edition of FEMALE