The annual invite-only, Singapore Tatler Ball is fast approaching, and when a dress code calls for ‘black tie’, it’s got to be black and white, or full black, right? Well, not exactly. We talk to six fashion-forward men on how they work a tuxedo – on their own terms.

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Lawrence Basapa

Independent Director at KS Energy Ltd

Lawrence Basapa's rules for black tie are the same as most: a tuxedo – all black, or black and white. The key lies not in the colour set chosen, but in Lawrence’s choice of label for his suits and shirts.“Most of mine are from Gieves& Hawkes”, he shares, a bespoke gentleman's tailor that opened at Singapore’s Paragon shopping mall in February this year. He also points out that the bespoke tailor isn’t just another designer label, but an established name that prides itself on an outstanding heritage, ever since its launch in 1771. “With an address like 1 Savile Row, London, to put Gieves & Hawkes into the category of ‘designer labels’would be akin to describing a Rolls-Royce as a ‘neat car’,” he muses.

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James Beeland Rogers

Chairman of Rogers Holdings and Beeland Interests

When we flip through our expansive picture library of Singapore Tatler Balls over the years, there’s always one thing that stands out – Jim’s enduring penchant for waistcoats.

The procedure for selecting his tuxedos come down to an age-old adage: ladies first. “Honestly, Paige picks her stunning ball gown and then I choose a waistcoat to compliment her. She’s the star” he shares. Although he adds that “no customisation should be done on a tuxedo for black tie”, Jim has still found a way to inject a part of himself into every year’s Tatler Ball, explaining to us, “it’s all about the waistcoat!”

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Adrian Ng

Anaesthetist 

Ever the perfect gentlemen, Adrian believes in not veering too far from the protocol of the traditional black tie dress code – just so the lady gets to shine. He is of course referring to his wife, Loh May-Han, also an anaesthetist, based at the National University Hospital.

For his tuxedo, Adrian goes to Kingsmen Shop, a bespoke menswear tailor in Singapore. “I go bespoke because of my smaller frame –the usual brands don't do anything my size!” he laments. However, there is a silver lining to this problem. “I like getting pampered by the guys at Kingsmen, who are patient, old school and non-pushy,” he shares.

As we probe a little further, we discover that although a black tie dress code for the Tatler Ball requires a strict adherence: standard black tuxedo, bow tie, black patent shoes, cufflinks, a simple white pocket square, and maybe a simple dress watch – Adrian has over the years taken style cues from his fellow friends of Tatler, resulting in him experimenting with small subtle accessories, such as jewelled cufflinks, slightly off-black-red patent shoes, or a special wrist piece.

He adds, that “Chan Kok Weng, Bernard Cheong, Dick Lee and Gilbert Cheah are quite an inspiration for the rest of us mortals though. Their striking and dazzling jackets are quite a sight to behold!”

 

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Bernard Cheong

Doctor and watch collector

He has attended the Tatler Ball since 2004, and one thing has remained steadfast – Bernard’s adventurous style when it comes to fashion. “Over at the Tom Ford and Kiton boutiques, the staff know me – and I am a known eccentric. It’s almost a tailor’s dream chance for him to go creative”he explains.

So, what’s the thought process like when getting dressed for the Tatler Ball? “I just tell the tailor about the theme, and let go,” he shares matter-of-factly.

While he used to regularly head to Europe to get his suits made, Bernard has a new love – the Tom Ford boutique at Marina Bay Sands, going specifically for the made-to-measure service. “When it comes to cool, it has to be Tom Ford. Last year, they began running a made-to-measure service about twice a year, and the suit is put together like a Swiss tool. It has that particular cut, which makes me look better" he explains.

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Chan Kok Weng 

Aesthetics doctor who runs his own private practice

When we asked Kok Weng – who was inducted into the Fashion Hall of Fame this year together with his wife, Elaine Lim-Chan – to share a few of his favourite Tatler Ball suits; Prada, Tom Ford and Dolce&Gabbana were a few of the choice designer labels on the top of his list. “I like variety, and it also depends on my mood and the theme of the party,” he quips.

To give a better idea of his fashion style, he quotes last year’s Ball Masque theme as the one he enjoyed getting dressed for most, where he “went with the crazy funky ‘candy crush’ Christian Louboutin Pik Pik shoes – where the spikes are like a mask in itself”.

The stylish man goes to Prada and Tom Ford for their suits with classic, clean lines, and when he wants that hint of unique, funky detailing, he prefers Dolce&Gabbana. Also, just a quick look at our picture galleries would make you see why Kok Weng says that "no suit is complete unless you have the right accessories. For me, statement shoes and glasses are a must!”

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Oscar Mico 

Director of Hollywood Secrets International Pte Ltd

He might not favour any particular designer for his suits, since he buys his off the peg on his trips to Paris, but that doesn’t mean Oscar Mico goes for just any tuxedo that fits the traditional black-tie mould.

“My favourite tuxedos that I’ve worn to the Tatler Balls, would firstly have to be the white linen suit from Steven Bee that I bought in France at La Vallée Village. The other one would be my Hugo Boss suit, which has a checked pattern with myriads of reflections, full black with a stylish, shining finishing, which I bought in Galleries Lafayette Paris. The suit shines even in the lightest light and evokes a sense of a grand, glam party,” he shares.

His suits also carry a subtle message, such as the Steven Bee tuxedo that is fresh and light – great for Singapore’s weather – and that also matched the garden theme for one of our Tatler Balls, where Oscar likened the colonial-looking suit to the memory of Sir Stamford Raffles discovering Singapore.

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