With Singapore being a key centre of Peranakan culture, it would only be a matter of time before the National Heritage Board launched the Peranakan Museum.

Peranakan Culture is unique to this region of the world, and is concentrated around what are historically known as the Straits Settlements – colonies established along the sea route down the Straits of Malacca. Other areas of Peranakan influence include Penang and Malacca.

Origins of the culture are complex. The Peranakan people themselves may have originated from seafarers left behind at these ports from the time of Admiral Cheng Ho's explorations, and over the centuries intermarriage with local Malays led to a fascinating sub-culture, consisting of its own dress, food and customs.

With the coming of the Victorian age, the wealthy Peranakans again absorbed much of the stylistic elements and practices of that era into their already eclectic culture. High tea rituals and ornate furnishings intermingled with Chinese decorative elements.

Describes Simon, “This eclecticism formed the basis for the approach to the brand design – to capture a living, evolving culture whose peoples still exist today, yet convey a sense of history and ornate style”.

Marcel adds, “The final brandmark utilises a mix of fresh, modern colours and a proprietary piece of typography that captures the character of both Eastern calligraphy and Western type”.

The branding system goes further to incorporate stylistic elements key to the culture, such as the Peony and the Phoenix. Colour combinations were based on very specific cues, such as the turquoise and green usually found in Chinese ceramics.

A classic yet modern brand, the Peranakan Museum was officially launched by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong during a grand reception attended by a bevy of VIPs and Press.