Creative Capital: This local tailor wants you to invest in 'made in Singapore'
Men's tailor Kevin Seah is a whisky guy, so much then that he always has a few bottles on hand in his bazaar cum atelier with which to treat his regular customers. So when I asked this veteran designer what whisky was well-nigh similar him, he named The Macallan 1975 (18 twelvemonth old).
Fitting choice, this whisky is rare and pricey; it'southward also been described every bit mellow, smoothen and a little sweet. The start 2 descriptors could easily be ascribed to Kevin's clothes, while the latter seems to fit the human himself. Kevin himself described this tipple as having a "long, lingering finish" and if I'm reading between the lines correctly, I suspect he's alluding to a long, influential and successful career.
Described by The Rake magazine equally Singapore's 'top bespoke tailor', Kevin, curiously never set up out to exist a men'due south tailor. He started out as a nuptials dress designer. I met him when I was helming a small local magazine for tourist and he had just launched Kevin Seah Atelier.
Over the next decade, Kevin established himself every bit i of the country's foremost nuptials wearing apparel designer. And then, like many, I was more than a picayune surprised when he switch to menswear.
Kevin launched Kevin Seah Bespoke in 2009 and in the following year, was featured in The Rake, the men'south fashion bible headquartered here in Singapore but edited from London; his was the offset local tailor featured in the publication, which celebrates the art of tailoring around the world.
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Since then, Kevin has been winning fans and accolades globally. This, in plough, has led to some very special collaborations with discerning brands such as Leica and Rimowa, and personalities like French graffiti artist Kongo (who has more recently collaborated with Karl Lagerfeld and watch maker Richard Mille).
Here, in CNA Lifestyle'south serial, where we speak with creatives making their marker in Singapore, Kevin discusses being a creative and overcoming Singapore's supposed limitations.
HI KEVIN, LET'S KICK THIS OFF WITH MY FAVOURITE QUESTION. DO You lot FIRST CONSIDER YOURSELF AN ENTREPRENEUR OR A CREATIVE?
Always a creative commencement. Information technology'south the ideas and philosophy that make a make or business. A business ever starts with an idea, then comes managing the idea and turning information technology into a business program to market the idea or production.
You'VE BEEN SELF-EMPLOYED FOR A LONG Time. WHAT DO You lot WISH YOU HAD KNOWN AT 21 THAT YOU KNOW NOW?
Coin! I wished I had enough money to ever sustain the business organization without worrying most non having enough.
WHAT IS THE KEVIN SEAH Wait? Can Yous DESCRIBE It?
Information technology'due south difficult to define a certain wait. What I accept been doing really, is to open people's mind to unlike styles and ideas that can be practical day to day, from office attire to casual wear.
Men need to exist more open minded when it comes to styling and to be more adventurous with wearing color. A suit can be worn with sneakers in the right surround and shorts tin can be worn with leather loafers instead of just flip flops. Commencement with a bones wait first. And then add on colours or accessories to give personality.
We have been promoting lightweight outerwear, like an unconstructed shirt jacket which is a skillful alternative to a blazer. That await is perfect for our climate. It is smart casual without compromising on comfort.
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WHAT'Southward YOUR Stance ON HOW THE AVERAGE SINGAPOREAN MAN Apparel?
Actually, guys are starting to put in more effort to dress upwardly, but more so for the office – Yous know, a overnice shirt and a pair of trousers. I call up this is largely due to social media and online publications that focus on men's way. But having said that, in that location's still room for improvement, peculiarly in educating our men to lean towards quality, not quantity.
Practise YOU HAVE A SIGNATURE Pattern?
I try not to promote a signature design considering I believe in creating new products all the time. I wouldn't desire the Kevin Seah brand to stagnate and not be able to expand into other products. Our team is e'er trying out new things rather than just focusing on one single product. To be good, we must be able to practise many things. That'southward inventiveness for me.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT INSPIRE YOU?
Music, photography, movies, furniture and fine art always excite me. I'1000 very inspired by things that brand me dream and take me places. Everything is connected to creating an emotion or film. An prototype with music volition heighten the senses. Furniture makes me appreciate design and craftsmanship. Art makes me realise that anything is possible and real beauty lies with i's own estimation.
WHO IS YOUR OWN DESIGN HERO?
Rei Kawakubo, Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto and Christian Lacroix were the ones who inspired me to become a designer and go into making clothes. The radical 'anti-establishment' concept of Rei and Yohji helped me focus on being myself and believing in myself. Issey Miyake opened my mind to fabrics, forms and shapes. Christian Lacroix inspired me to study art, history, colours, couture and interior design.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE Future OF RETAIL?
The hereafter of retail lies in going back to basics. We must non forget to go out, see, smell and feel once more.
Brands should improve on enhancing the shopping experience because experiences are never forgotten. Retailers sometimes forget the importance of human communication. A staff with the right knowledge and flair to excite a customer helps create a memorable and pleasurable feel. Unforgettable service is the key.
Other important factors, similar smell, music, lighting and display should also be improved on in general.
WHAT'S YOUR OPINION ON THE LOCAL Design SCENE Every bit A WHOLE? WHAT Tin can AND SHOULD BE Washed TO MAKE It STRONGER?
The local fashion scene seems to accept diminished as compared to the 1990s when there were many more manner designers and labels from Singapore. I think rental costs and the lack of manufacturing back up in Singapore are the main reasons for this change.
Besides, Singaporean brands lack support from the locals who prefer to buy foreign brands that give them a sense of prestige and street credibility. People are buying into hype. Unless at that place is a change in the Singaporean mindset, the situation is unlikely to improve.
They too have to realise that 'Made in Singapore' does not equal to smaller cost tags.
WHAT'Due south HARDER, DRESSING A BRIDEhoped-for OR THE WORLDLY Gentleman?
Brides for sure. They're dealing with all the stress and anxiety from a wedding.
WHAT'S THE HARDEST Matter YOU Have Always HAD TO DO?
Borrowing money!
WHAT DOES 2022 HOLD FOR YOU? WHAT SHOULD WE LOOK OUT FOR?
2019 is Kevin Seah Bespoke'southward 10th anniversary. We are planning a line-up of collaborative projects with friends and artisans from round the world. Everyone says it's going be a tough year ahead but nosotros simply have to keep on pushing and do our best to make things work. My mantra is, "Never give upward. Continue to excite!"
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Source: https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/entertainment/creative-capital-made-in-singapore-tailor-bespoke-kevin-seah-255946
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