SINGAPORE—The beloved local fashion brand The Closet Lover (TCL) is set to close its doors after 17 years of bringing stylish apparel to its dedicated clientele. The decision comes due to the declining health of its owner, Brianna Wong. Her condition worsened unexpectedly during a two-week trip to South Korea in February.
Brianna’s sister and co-founder, Ms. Bertilla Wong, shared the heartbreaking news with The Straits Times on May 3. She expressed deep concern for her sister’s well-being but also gratitude for the support they have received from loyal customers over the years.
TCL’s journey has been one of passion and creativity, rooted in the bond between the two sisters. As Brianna steps away to focus on her health, Bertilla hopes for a future revival of the brand. “We are not ruling out a comeback,” she states with determination.
The closure marks the end of an era for TCL, but it also opens the door to new possibilities. The fashion community in Singapore will undoubtedly miss the unique flair that TCL brought to the scene.
Despite the challenges ahead, Bertilla remains optimistic about what lies beyond the horizon. For now, the priority is Brianna’s recovery, and perhaps one day, TCL will grace the fashion world once more.
“While in Seoul, Brianna Wong faced a series of alarming health issues. Her blood pressure skyrocketed to dangerously high levels, causing significant concern. Compounding her discomfort, her legs and limbs became severely swollen, creating a noticeable physical strain.
At times, breathing became a daunting task for Brianna. The episodes were so severe that she had to seek medical attention on two separate occasions during her stay in the city. Despite these challenges, she tried to carry on with her trip, albeit with growing difficulty.
Brianna, 39, had been living with systemic lupus erythematosus for some time. This autoimmune disease, commonly known as lupus, causes the immune system to attack the body’s healthy tissues and organs mistakenly. It can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild to life-threatening.
Upon returning to Singapore, her condition necessitated immediate hospitalization. The medical team acted swiftly to address the complications arising from her lupus flare-up. Brianna’s situation served as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of autoimmune disorders and the critical importance of timely medical intervention.”
The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that more than five million people around the globe suffer from some form of lupus. This autoimmune disease disproportionately affects women, who make up the vast majority of those diagnosed. Scientists have long suspected that sex hormones may play a significant role in this disparity, though the exact mechanisms remain elusive.
Lupus manifests through a range of symptoms that can vary widely among individuals. Common indicators include persistent joint pain and overwhelming fatigue. A distinctive butterfly-shaped rash often appears across the cheeks and nose, serving as a telltale sign of the condition.
For Ms. Bertilla Wong’s older sister, the journey with lupus took a concerning turn when her doctor revealed that her kidneys and heart were inflamed. The inflammation was attributed to the immense stress she had been under, a stark reminder of how stress can exacerbate this complex disease.
The doctor urged her to prioritise her health, emphasising the importance of managing stress and taking steps to alleviate her symptoms. This advice resonated deeply with Ms. Wong’s sister, prompting her to reassess her lifestyle and make necessary changes for her well-being.
In the face of such challenges, individuals like Ms. Wong’s sister find themselves navigating a delicate balance between managing their health and coping with the demands of everyday life. Her story is a testament to the resilience required to live with lupus and the critical need for awareness and understanding of this multifaceted disease.
When I first heard the news, a wave of worry washed over me. My sister’s well-being was my top priority, and I knew she needed time to recuperate. “I want my sister to live,” I emphasized, urging her to put an end to the business for now, so she could focus on herself.
TCL, which began as a humble online blog shop in 2007, is preparing to close its doors on June 15. The brand has since grown into a beloved fashion label with a significant following—137,000 on Instagram and 13,400 on TikTok. Despite the impending closure, TCL remains committed to its community, continuing with its weekly live streams and product launches.
TCL’s grand finale will take place on May 25. This final act is shrouded in mystery and excitement, as it involves a collaboration with an international brand. However, Ms. Bertilla Wong remains tight-lipped about the details, adding an air of anticipation to the brand’s farewell.
Ms. Wong has been on a remarkable journey, marked by both challenges and triumphs. Much like her older sister, she received a diagnosis of the same medical condition, but today, she finds herself in a far better situation.
Reflecting on her health, Ms. Wong shared, “It’s been many years since my last flare-up. Occasionally, I experience joint pain when I’m stressed, but thankfully, my organs remain healthy.” She mentioned that she has taken the reins of the family business for the past few months, allowing her sister time to recover.
At one point, Ms. Wong and her sister considered selling their fashion brand. However, they ultimately decided against it. “Our brand and sales are closely linked to us,” she explained. Selling would be pointless if we still had to be involved afterwards.”
For now, their primary focus is on taking a well-deserved break from the pressures of managing the business. “Rest and recuperation are our priorities,” Ms. Wong emphasized.
Navigating the post-COVID landscape hasn’t been easy for Ms. Wong, especially with TCL’s annual revenue under $10 million. Yet, she acknowledges the journey has been challenging but rewarding, as she continues to steer the company through these uncertain times.
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