Ms Ethel Neo (centre, in black) with the models at Milan Fashion Week. SINGAPORE – The lights may have dimmed on the catwalks of Milan, but Singaporean entrepreneur Ethel Neo, founder of Eclat by Oui which crafts jewellery using stimulant diamonds, is still buzzing with excitement and elation. Relaxing in her Paris accommodation, the 32-year-old beams with pride over a video call with The Straits Times two days after the home-grown brand made its international debut at Milan Fashion Week on Sept 22.
“When I saw the models wearing my jewellery for the first time, I was completely overwhelmed. I felt a huge sense of gratitude over what the brand has built the past seven years,” says the only daughter and eldest child of local film-maker Jack Neo, reflecting on the journey that has taken her to one of the fashion world’s most prestigious events. Milan Fashion Week ran from Sept 17 to 23.
Ms Neo has no idea how organisers of Flying Solo – an event highlighting the world’s most promising emerging fashion designers – heard of her brand, but they reached out to her earlier in 2024. However, her disbelief quickly faded as things began to progress. Potential designers were required to undergo an interview process, so she shared Eclat by Oui’s story and submitted jewellery samples.
To her delight, the brand was chosen to feature in the Flying Solo show at Four Seasons Hotel Milano. “I was so excited,” she says. “I’ve always believed in my designs and wanted to t.