Jean Yip Group creative and managing director Mervin Wee and recipient of the Singapore Tatler Award for Business 2016 (with his wife Jean) never shies away from making bold fashion choices—and will do so for years to come, says his daughter Rachel Wee. She tells us more:
“Papa is quite the introvert. He speaks only when necessary, but instead expresses himself best through fashion. He has got a bold, unique style and he isn’t afraid to make a statement."
"He loves pieces that are deconstructed and a little raw. In fact, he told me that when he bought his first pair of Levi’s jeans when he was younger, he didn’t like how it looked too new, too blue and too crisp. So he bleached it, scraped it on the pavement, and then when my uncle—his brother [realtor Dennis Wee]—suggested that he bury it underground for a month to distress it, he did that too."
"These days, Papa has an amazing collection of fashion items, from trousers, which he firmly believes are the foundation to every ensemble, to unusual eyewear and shoes. To me, his glasses are his signature accessory. His wardrobe is filled with pieces from Japanese labels such as Yohji Yamamoto, Comme des Garçons and Issey Miyake, as well as British designers Craig Green and Neil Barrett."
(Related: Watch: #TatlerRaids Episode 2, Rachel Wee's Beauty Vanity)
"He’s not someone who’d wear a full Hugo Boss suit; he prefers something a little more unexpected. He’d pair Yohji Yamamoto with John Galliano for a completely different spin. His approach to fashion definitely stems from his love for hairstyling where he considers shapes, textures and colours in an ensemble to create a look. He’s also someone who sees beauty in imperfection."
"Finally, I love how Papa doesn’t let age hold him back. Even though he’s 60 years young and a new grandfather, he was so game to dress up as King Triton [from Disney’s 'The Little Mermaid'] for my mermaid-themed wedding earlier this year.
He was such a big hit that evening, and even gave a speech on stage in costume! But that’s him. I know that even when he’s 80 years old, he’ll still have no qualms about dressing up like that, or maybe even more flamboyantly!”
(Related: #Tatlergram: The Best Moments From Rachel Wee And Ken Chen's Wedding)
Meet the Tatler Fashion Awards 2019 Winners
Most Stylish Woman | Most Stylish Man | Fashion Newcomer | Fashion Wildcard
