Fashioning a Greener Way of Life

If you are into sustainable fashion, then you’d be happy to know that one of our Tanglin alumni has launched a line of outdoor clothing that’s designed specifically for the environmentally conscious. Join us as we find out more from Fraser Laing (2020 Cohort). 

My younger brother, Alastair, and I joined Tanglin in August 2015 when we moved to Singapore from Hong Kong. We’re Scottish (both born in Glasgow, as was our sister, Kirsty Laing) but moved to Hong Kong in 2009. Alastair is now in Year 11 at Tanglin and I graduated in 2020. We’re both avid sportsmen and express a special interest in rugby. I competed in four SEASAC rugby tours and co-captained the Tanglin team in my final year, all of which were coached and driven by Mr Ian Farr – a big mentor of mine.

What did you do after graduation?
After graduating from Tanglin, I continued my studies at the University of Edinburgh doing business management. I’m currently in my penultimate year (third year) at university.
 
What inspired you and your brother to go into business and one that’s focused on sustainability at that?
There are many contributing factors that led us to start up Lampbell, our sustainable clothing business. Firstly, our mum has promoted sustainability in our lives and educated us on environmental issues since we were young. Having grown up moving back and forth between Scotland and Asia (Hong Kong and Singapore), it was easy for us to contrast and compare the different cultures toward sustainability and begin to understand the importance of looking to the future. Additionally, during my time at university, my modules have been heavily orientated towards environmental issues and it’s through these modules that I came to understand the details, gravity, and urgency of the situation and the need for change.  Secondly, we wanted to address the market gap - a lack of affordable sustainable clothing alternatives - and do our part in making a difference towards a more sustainable world.  Finally, my brother and I are very close so the prospect of working together on something was exciting.  My sister, Kirsty, who graduated from Tanglin in 2022, is also helping us with marketing and design – and you can spot her on our website! 

What does your company name, Lampbell, stand for?
Lampbell is a combination of my middle name and my last name - Laing and Campbell. Other than the obvious reasons for choosing this, it also pays tribute to my Scottish heritage; one which I am very proud of. My maternal grandfather is a Campbell and my maternal grandmother is a Cameron, both well-known Scottish clans. Laing is a lesser-known clan but a Scottish one nonetheless. A great uncle traced our family tree quite far back and we are surprisingly, but possibly a little uninterestedly, very Scottish!

What were some challenges you encountered while setting up your business?
Challenges have included funding, cash flow, sourcing sustainable material, and getting the brand out there; all of which we’re still working on.
 
Any plans to expand the business in the future?
Of course! We want to take Lampbell as far as it’ll go. Entrepreneurship is a tricky business and can be unforgiving at times but we’re confident in ourselves and in Lampbell.
 
What’s your advice for students who want to set up their own sustainable business in the future?
Starting a sustainable business is an excellent idea for students who care about creating something which has a positive impact on the world. When starting a sustainable business, you have to identify the causes you care about and what you want to work towards, as there are quite a few. Once you’ve got that straight, it is important just to start and not let time get away from you. All businesses have teething problems so try to have confidence in yourself, take the time to work through the issues as they arise, and not let them get you down or put you off your goal of building a successful business.