Rivy Ng [7] is emblematic of a new generation of international, entrepreneurially-savvy fashion designers. Now based in Milan, Ng hails from Singapore, studied languages in France and design marketing in the USA, and worked with Italy's Staff International and AEFFE to build the DSquared2 and John Bartlett brands in America, respectively. He is also an experienced painter and home furnishings designer. Oh, and he served two years in the Singaporean Armed Forces, starting at the ripe age of 17. If that's not a CV to give him the steely determination and broad base of creative and business experience to build a fashion label, then we don't know what is.

Ng quietly founded his own label in 2004, tracking down high-quality factories in Italy and convincing them to support him in his new mens and womenswear venture. The first was a knitwear factory in Italy's Veneto district. They worked with Rivy in developing and researching new production techniques, and the Rivy Ng knitwear collection was born as a testimonial to good old-fashioned Made in Italy quality.

Rivy's long, laid-back knits were quickly picked up by influential womenswear retailers like Linda Dresner in New York, Ikram in Chicago and Podium in Moscow. From there, he set out to tackle other product categories, one by one. Last season, he added belts, some of which are hand-cut to Rivy's exacting specifications, and for a/w '08, coats and trousers will appear as well.

Unlike many young designers, Rivy has focused on the production side of the business, shying away from the press—which is why you may not have heard of him as yet. But, he understands you, the discerning global fashionista—someone who expects impeccable quality, great design and good value for your hard-earned dollars, euros or yen.

—Imran Amed [8]

Rivy Ng is available online at Aloha Rag [9].