In celebration of Singapore’s 60 years of independence, Tatler looks at how the country continues to make an outsized mark on the world—not through scale, but through foresight and ambition. From tech visionaries and design trailblazers to cultural leaders and a decorated Paralympian, these individuals reflect the nation’s unique blend of agility, integrity and global influence rooted in a strong sense of identity. Here, Rachel Lim reflects on her entrepreneurship journey, evolution fuelled by resilience, and how she’s advocating for the modern Asian woman
Two decades ago, Rachel Lim set out to solve a simple but profound problem: she couldn’t find clothes that truly fit Asian women—our proportions, our climate, our culture.
Sparked by sartorial struggle, Lim transformed that quest into a cultural movement. Today, as co-founder of Love, Bonito, she leads one of Asia’s most influential fashion brands—a multimillion-dollar powerhouse that empowers women through self-expression and style.
Lim’s ethos was shaped not by privilege, but by perseverance. Raised by a single mother who navigated bankruptcy while raising three children, she witnessed first-hand how mindset can shape reality. “Growing up wasn’t easy,” she shares, “but my mom taught me to stand tall with grace, to work hard, and to always give more than I take.” Her mother’s resilience became her blueprint: “She always told me the world may take away your job, your possessions, even your title—but never your mindset.”
Read more: National Pride: We fete the Singaporean icons fuelling our mighty nation’s SG60
