At the age of 43, Pat Liew made a bold decision to leave behind a 15-year career as Merchandising and Fashion Director. Her departure was driven by a deep sense of outrage at the insensitivity of her new employers towards their staff, sparking a determination to build something of her own. Despite facing financial constraints, she found a key partner in the Myer family from Australia, allowing her to pursue her vision.
With a small but dedicated team, BritishIndia was born in a makeshift office. The early days were a whirlwind of hard work, with Pat and her team setting up eight outlets across Malaysia and Singapore in just four months. They were hands-on in every aspect, even painting the stores late into the night to meet deadlines.
The Essence of BritishIndia’s Design Philosophy
Pat’s philosophy for BritishIndia revolves around effortless elegance for individuals with busy lifestyles. She believes fashion should be comfortable, luxurious, and timeless, designed for travel, work, and social occasions. Natural fibres are at the heart of her collections, reflecting a commitment to simplicity, integrity, and quality.
Since stepping back from the daily operations in 2011 with a new CEO in place, Pat has dedicated more time to her design team, where her meticulous editing process ensures each piece meets her exacting standards. Her work ethic is uncompromising—passion and commitment are non-negotiable traits in her team.
Leadership and Ethical Business Practices
Managing over 300 staff while producing six collections five times a year, Pat thrives in the fast-paced fashion industry. She embraces its challenges with resilience and preparation, knowing that swift decision-making is essential. For her, leadership is about practical judgment, clear communication, and the ability to inspire and nurture talent.
Beyond fashion, Pat is committed to ethical business practices, ensuring fairness and integrity in every aspect of BritishIndia. She firmly believes businesses must stand against injustice and uphold a culture of fairness, refusing to be either a bully or a victim.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Pat’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: be humble, work hard, and stay resilient. She emphasizes the importance of starting from the bottom, learning the craft, and finding mentors willing to guide the journey. Talent alone is not enough—sustained success requires dedication and continuous learning.
With BritishIndia now operating from a 60,000 sq ft headquarters on 4.5 acres of land, the brand is on a steady path toward international expansion. However, Pat remains clear that growth is not just about scale—it’s about building a company with strong ethical foundations. From its inception in 1994 to today, BritishIndia’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable, and under its new leadership, the brand’s legacy continues to flourish.
