No fast fashion please, I'm bespoken for

Nothing to wear for Chinese New Year? If you eschew fast fashion, seek out a traditional tailor. Here are some tips to get you started

Bridalwear designer Suzanne Chua runs an atelier, Zann & Denn’s, with her husband Dennis Koh, where she also tailors sharp suits and office wear. ST PHOTO: TIMOTHY DAVID
Mr Ang Kum Siong and his son Eric source for designs featuring motifs of birds as well as butterflies. Ms Li Qiying picked up the finer points of sewing from her mother and has been servicing a loyal customer base since 2007.
Mr Ang Kum Siong and his son Eric source for designs featuring motifs of birds as well as butterflies. PHOTO: WELLIE BATIK FASHIONS
Ms Li Qiying picked up the finer points of sewing from her mother and has been servicing a loyal customer base since 2007. PHOTO: ST FILE
Toko Aljunied ST PHOTO: CHANTAL SAJAN
A colour block on one side paired with a darker tone wrapover tricks the eye into seeing symmetry and discreetly hides bulges around the mid-section. PHOTO: ZANN & DENN SINGAPORE
The V-neck is visually slimming, the draping at the front smooths out the mid-section, flowy sleeves conceal heavy upper arms and a see-through lace effect for the sleeves gives the dress a lighter look. The A-line skirt creates a pleasing silhouette with the illusion of a smaller waist. PHOTO: ZANN & DENN SINGAPORE
Pairing a fitted top with palazzo pants addresses lower section shortcomings such as unflattering legs or to hide varicose veins. Palazzos look good in a variety of fabrics, from stretch cotton for sharp office wear to breezy chiffon for casual weekends. PHOTO: ZANN & DENN SINGAPORE
Chantal Sajan
Updated
Jan 10, 2020, 02:06 PM
Published
Jan 10, 2020, 05:00 AM
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(A typical exchange with my long-time tailor Suzanne Chua at Zann & Denn's in Kreta Ayer Road)

"Suzanne, it's a little tight at the sides for this blouse - do you think you can unpick the seams just a little?"

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on January 10, 2020, with the headline No fast fashion please, I'm bespoken for. Subscribe

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