Ying Tong Tan on STITCHED Customized’s Craft & Artistic DNA


Picture: Courtesy of STITCHED

Stitched is a Singapore-grown firm that specialises in bespoke fits which are each inexpensive and exquisitely made. From customising material, collars and cuffs to monogram embroidery, Stitched goals to create a swimsuit that not solely completely suits but in addition instils a sense of confidence and delight within the wearer. Head of Alterations and High quality Assurance, Ying Tong Tan, breaks down the intricate processes of Stitched and shares important recommendation for these seeking to get a {custom} swimsuit of their very own.

STITCHED Customized was launched in 2016. You truly began interning in trend ateliers and workshops quite early. Inform us about your first steps within the girls’s and males’s trend & tailoring world?

The place did your ardour for tailoring originate from?

Ying Tong Tan (YT): My ardour for tailoring started once I began working at a tailor store as a full-time guide. Whereas there, I had the chance to watch the older era of tailors meticulously engaged on buyer clothes. Witnessing their talent and dedication resonated deeply with me, as I discovered the craft each helpful and significant. It struck me that this talent, handed down by generations, would possibly ultimately fade away if not embraced by youthful people. Recognising the significance of preserving this conventional artwork kind, I turned obsessed with studying and persevering with the legacy of tailoring.

Inform us in regards to the material choice course of and becoming steps at STITCHED? What’s the typical timeframe between the primary session and the pick-up day?

YT: At STITCHED, the material choice course of and becoming steps are integral elements of our personalised service. Throughout the preliminary session, we take the time to know our shopper’s preferences, model, and necessities. We provide a variety of high-quality materials sourced from respected suppliers, making certain there’s one thing to swimsuit each style and event

As soon as the material is chosen, we proceed with the becoming course of. Our expert tailors meticulously take measurements and make any obligatory changes to make sure an ideal match. Relying on the complexity of the garment and the shopper’s schedule, this will likely contain a number of becoming periods to realize the specified outcome

As for the timeframe, it normally take round a month first session to the pickup date. However this timeline, varies from availability of cloth, and the shopper’s preferences. we attempt to ship distinctive service with an affordable turnaround time, making certain our purchasers obtain their custom-tailored clothes in a well timed method. All through the method, we keep open communication with our purchasers to maintain them knowledgeable in regards to the progress of their order and deal with any questions or issues they could have.

The DNA behind STITCHED Customized is actually distinctive, and we delight ourselves on a number of key features that set us other than different related shops in Singapore.

Personalisation: At STITCHED Customized, we prioritise to know our clients’ wants, preferences, and luxury ranges. We consider that true bespoke tailoring is about extra than simply measurements; it’s about understanding the person and crafting clothes that replicate their character and life-style.

Customization: We provide a variety of customization choices, from the fundamental to the intricate, principally included in our service with out further prices. Whether or not it’s deciding on the right lining or selecting the best buttons, our purchasers have the liberty to personalize each facet of their garment to swimsuit their style.

Innovation: Whereas honoring conventional tailoring strategies, we additionally embrace innovation to reinforce the custom-tailoring expertise. Whether or not it’s by superior measurement expertise or fashionable design parts, we attempt to remain forward of the curve whereas preserving the timeless artwork of tailoring. We’ve got lately revamp our web site with 3D Visualization, allow clients to raised visualize their chosen customizations. This immersive expertise not solely enhances the net buying course of but in addition supplies purchasers with a clearer understanding of how their chosen choices will look in actuality.

Distinctive Buyer Service: Our dedication to offering distinctive customer support units us aside. From the second a shopper walks by our doorways to the ultimate becoming, we attempt to exceed expectations and guarantee a seamless and fulfilling expertise.

What vary of equipment do you plan to your purchasers?

 YT: At STITCHED Customized, we provide a spread of equipment to enhance our bespoke clothes and improve our purchasers’ general look. Right here’s a glimpse of what we suggest:

Free Pocket Sq.: With each swimsuit buy, we embody a free pocket sq. that matches the liner chosen by the shopper. This provides a contact of sophistication and coordination to their ensemble.

Cufflinks, Tie, bowties, and lapel pin: For these wanting so as to add a refined but fashionable accent to their apparel, we do have a spread of equipment for buyer to strive on along with their becoming.

Collaborations with Native Distributors: We collaborate with native distributors to supply distinctive equipment that showcase Singaporean craftsmanship and creativity. Partnerships with manufacturers like FreshlyPressed socks permit us to supply our purchasers with unique choices that elevate their model.

Upcoming Shoe Model: Whereas we beforehand collaborated with shoe distributors, we’ve determined to launch our personal shoe model. Keep tuned for the disclosing of our new shoe assortment, designed to enhance our bespoke clothes and supply our purchasers the right of entirety to their ensemble.

Which frequent errors do males do when dressing? And girls?

 YT: Following Tendencies Blindly: Dressing solely primarily based on present traits with out contemplating whether or not the model fits their physique sort, character, or private preferences can result in trend fake pas. It’s essential to decide on clothes that aligns with one’s particular person model and luxury degree quite than merely following what’s in style for the time being.

Ignoring Match: Sporting ill-fitting clothes can detract from one’s general look and make even essentially the most fashionable outfit look sloppy. Whether or not it’s clothes that’s too tight, too unfastened, or just not tailor-made to their physique form, neglecting correct match is a typical mistake that may simply be prevented.

Ignoring Consolation: Dressing in clothes that’s uncomfortable or restrictive can negatively impression one’s confidence and general demeanor. It’s important to prioritize consolation whereas nonetheless sustaining model by selecting clothes that permits for ease of motion and makes the wearer really feel relaxed.

By avoiding these frequent errors and specializing in dressing in a manner that aligns with their private model, consolation, and physique sort, each women and men can make sure that they all the time feel and appear their greatest.

Who’re your typical purchasers for alterations work?

YT: My typical purchasers for alterations work embody a various vary of people, each female and male, who’ve various wants and preferences:

  1. Revampers: These purchasers wish to breathe new life into their current wardrobe by having their previous garments altered to raised match their present model or physique form. Whether or not it’s updating the hemline of a skirt, taking within the waist of a pair of pants, or resizing a jacket, alterations can rework outdated or ill-fitting clothes into modern and wearable items.
  2. Tailor-made Match Seekers: Some purchasers buy off-the-rack clothes that they love however require minor changes to realize the right match. Whether or not it’s shortening sleeves, tapering pant legs, or adjusting the shoulders of a jacket, these alterations make sure that the garment flatters the wearer’s physique and enhances their general look.
  3. Brides and Wedding ceremony Occasion: Alterations for brides are a big a part of my clientele. Whether or not it’s adjusting the size or match of a marriage robe, including elaborations, or creating {custom} alterations for bridesmaids’ attire, I cater to the distinctive wants of brides and their marriage ceremony events to make sure that they appear gorgeous on their special occasion.

Can our readers order from STITCHED on-line?

YT: Sure, readers can certainly order from STITCHED on-line by our web site, which options 3D visualisation to assist clients higher visualise their alternatives. Whereas on-line ordering supplies comfort, we extremely advocate that clients go to our retailer for at the least one becoming session to make sure correct measurements and a personalised expertise.

Whereas our on-line platform presents a handy technique to discover our choices and customise clothes, nothing beats the precision and a focus to element that comes from an in-person becoming with our expert staff. By visiting our retailer, clients can obtain personalised suggestions, contact and really feel the materials firsthand, and make sure that their bespoke clothes are tailor-made to perfection.

Finally, our objective is to supply a seamless and fulfilling expertise for our clients, whether or not they select to order on-line or go to us in individual. We try to supply the most effective of each worlds – the comfort of on-line buying with the personalised service and craftsmanship that units STITCHED aside.

Inform us about the important thing recommendation you present to grooms investing in a tailored swimsuit for his or her marriage ceremony day? 

YT: When advising grooms who’re contemplating investing in a tailored swimsuit for his or her marriage ceremony day, I all the time emphasise the significance of selecting a swimsuit that not solely displays their private model but in addition enhances the general marriage ceremony theme and the bride’s apparel.

Contemplate the Wedding ceremony Theme: The groom’s swimsuit ought to harmonise with the general theme and vibe of the marriage. Whether or not it’s a proper black-tie affair, a country out of doors celebration, or a contemporary metropolis marriage ceremony, the swimsuit ought to align with the aesthetic and ambiance of the occasion.

Coordinate with the Bride’s Apparel: It’s important to coordinate the groom’s swimsuit with the bride’s robe and general bridal occasion apparel. This doesn’t essentially imply matching precisely however quite complementing one another by way of model, color palette, and degree of ritual.

Deal with Match and Consolation: A well-tailored swimsuit not solely appears to be like fashionable but in addition ensures consolation all through the marriage day. I emphasise the significance of reaching the right match. You have to really feel snug in your special occasion, the place you should mingle round with the visitor. the groom also needs to really feel assured in his swimsuit.

Plan Forward: Investing in a tailored swimsuit takes time, so I counsel grooms to begin the method effectively prematurely of the marriage date. This permits ample time for fittings, changes, and any customisations to make sure that the swimsuit is ideal for the massive day. Discover totally different tailors and discover one perceive what you want. Discovering a vendor, you should discover somebody who you’ll be able to work with and in a position perceive and cater to your wants.

Finally, my key recommendation to grooms is to decide on a tailored swimsuit that they love and really feel snug in, whereas additionally making certain that it enhances the general marriage ceremony aesthetic and coordinates with the bride’s apparel. By specializing in match, model, and a focus to element, the groom can feel and appear his greatest on this special occasion.

The place do you see your Firm STITCHED 5 years down the road: which further bodily presence in Singapore? Having expended to different South-East Asian markets?

YT: In 5 years, I envision STITCHED persevering with to thrive and increase its presence in Singapore and doubtlessly past. Right here’s the place I see the corporate:

Expanded Bodily Presence: I hope to see STITCHED transfer to a bigger and extra distinguished location in Singapore, permitting us to raised showcase our bespoke tailoring companies and supply an enhanced buyer expertise. A spacious and well-appointed storefront can appeal to extra foot visitors and elevate our model presence available in the market.

Worker Development and Growth: As STITCHED grows, I prioritize offering our staff with aggressive wages, alternatives for development, and a supportive work setting. Investing in our staff’s progress and improvement is essential to sustaining the excessive requirements of expertise and repair that outline STITCHED.

Introduction of New Merchandise: With the introduction of our new shoe model, I anticipate reaching a wider buyer base and increasing our product choices. By diversifying our portfolio, we are able to cater to a broader vary of preferences and additional set up STITCHED as a vacation spot for premium menswear and equipment. 

What manufacturers within the present world of trend encourage you essentially the most?

YT: No present trend manufacturers significantly inspiring, but it surely’s the dedication and keenness of the older era of seamstresses and tailors that actually captivate me. Their unwavering dedication to stitching and their lifelong pursuit of studying, even of their superior years, function a continuing supply of inspiration for you. Regardless of the challenges of age, lots of them proceed to stitch with exceptional talent and dedication. A few of these skilled people have generously shared their information with me, serving as mentors who not solely train me the artwork of stitching but in addition impart priceless insights into alterations and sample drafting. Their dedication to their craft, their willingness to share their information, and their continued pursuit of studying even of their later years are admirable qualities. They characterize a legacy of expertise and talent that’s value preserving and celebrating.

Getting a swimsuit is a long-term funding. What are your views on the idea of “quick trend”?

YT:Quick trend certainly presents comfort and affordability, making fashionable clothes accessible to a variety of customers. Nonetheless, it typically comes at the price of high quality, sustainability, and moral concerns. Every little thing comes with a worth, and the true value of quick trend extends past its price ticket.

Investing in a well-made swimsuit, whereas it could require a better preliminary funding, presents quite a few advantages by way of high quality, sturdiness, and timeless model. A tailor-made swimsuit not solely suits higher and lasts longer but in addition carries a way of expertise and personalization that can’t be replicated by mass-produced clothes.

Finally, it’s essential for customers to weigh the professionals and cons of quick trend and make knowledgeable decisions primarily based on their values, priorities, and finances. By supporting sustainable and moral trend practices, we are able to contribute to a extra accountable and acutely aware trend business whereas nonetheless having fun with fashionable and better-quality clothes.

Your final mantra in life?

YT: My final mantra in life is to “embrace happiness and dwell life to the fullest.”

This mantra jogs my memory to prioritise my happiness and well-being, looking for pleasure in each huge moments and small pleasures. It encourages me to embrace new experiences, pursue my passions, and savour each second. Life is a valuable present, and by dwelling it to the fullest, I purpose to create significant recollections, domesticate genuine connections, and discover fulfilment within the journey.

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