Always Proper People

PROPER PEOPLE was founded by two designers looking for a space to express the way they see the world, to gather new experiences, and of course, to make a living.

They look to tell stories through their work, whilst learning from and growing alongside the people they work with. They are constantly curious about how different people work, what drives them, and how different approaches could be fused to push creative and entrepreneurial boundaries even further.

Consulting

The duo began by providing design services to businesses. From consulting on branding and working through print and packaging mediums, the consultancy quickly moved to include designing for digital and physical spaces. Covering both design and manufacturing, taking clients all the way from concept to production. PROPER PEOPLE has since moved away from this part of the business to focus on their retail sector efforts.

Retail

At the same time, the duo’s interest in retail led them to explore that aspect of business. The team designed, produced and launched a series of thoughtful paper products under the label Mosaic.

And in October 2015, the founders launched a contemporary fine jewellery label, State Property, that has become a cult favourite, steadily gaining traction both in Singapore and internationally. With a flagship location on Armenian Street, and a boutique in Takashimaya Shopping Centre that opened in September 2022, the brand has gone from strength to strength.

PROPER PEOPLE discovered an American label of artisanal botanically-inspired bronze jewellery, Michael Michaud, and brought it to stores in Singapore, most memorably in Tangs Orchard. They are also the first to bring in to Singapore the Australian jewellery box brand, Trove.

The Founders

Lin Ruiyin is a jeweller trained in Central St Martins in London, under the tutelage of industry heavyweights in the contemporary jewellery scene like Caroline Broadhead and Naomi Filmer.

Afzal Imram was trained in Industrial Design at the National University of Singapore by the leading designers and thinkers in Singapore such as Patrick Chia and Dr Christian Boucharenc.