A big year for this Singapore bespoke tailor

Looking to tailor a suit in Singapore? Meiko Tailor has been doing it beautifully for nearly five decades! Celebrating its 48th anniversary this month, the Singapore bespoke tailor’s ADELE CHUNG reflects on a year filled with exciting highlights – including rebranding and opening a new atelier in Boat Quay – and looks ahead to what’s next.

This was a big year for Meiko Tailor, with the opening of your Boat Quay atelier and a rebrand. Tell us how it all went.

2025 has been a milestone year for us. The opening of our new Boat Quay atelier and the launch of our refreshed brand identity marked a turning point. It is one that honours our heritage as a Singapore bespoke tailor while embracing a modern, creative and conscious direction. This rebrand is more than a new look. It’s a rediscovery of who we are today as we bridge timeless craftsmanship with a forward vision inspired by my father’s legacy.

Our new promise, “Tailoring for people, through every chapter of life,” reflects the relationships and trust we’ve built over decades. The highlight was bringing this vision to life at our new Boat Quay studio and unveiling Uncommon Hem, our in-house label that celebrates the playful, sustainable and design-driven side of Meiko Tailor.

Uncommon Hem seems to represent a more contemporary philosophy for the heritage Singapore bespoke tailor. What’s the vision behind this new label?

It carries a distinctly contemporary spirit, rooted in fine tailoring yet reimagined with a modern design language and purpose: to give new life to what already exists. Each garment is consciously crafted using responsibly sourced materials, archived textiles and surplus fabrics from luxurious European mills. Featuring menswear and womenswear, every piece reflects our belief that true style is both thoughtful and enduring.

Uncommon Hem is our expression of tailored casual luxe – one-of-a-kind pieces and limited productions created with intention and imagination. It represents the playful, creative and mindful side of fashion, and the future we envision for Meiko Tailor, where sustainability isn’t a trend, but a natural extension of our craft.

Are womenswear and ready-to-wear something you are looking to expand further into?

Yes, we’re continuing to deepen our expertise in tailored womenswear in Singapore, from bespoke power suits and tweed blazers to tailored trousers and occasion wear such as cheongsams and evening gowns. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see more women turning to us for pieces that celebrate both strength and femininity through craftsmanship and fit.

At the same time, we have pre-order and limited ready-to-wear collections under the Uncommon Hem label. These are designs that carry our tailoring DNA yet offer everyday versatility. Think about our signature palazzo pants and the Uncommon White Shirt series, which are timeless staples crafted with precision and purpose. Each piece reflects our enduring philosophy as a Singapore bespoke tailor: tailoring that is timeless, well-made, and made to last.

Give us an insight into what you enjoy most about your job, and also your working relationship with your dad, master tailor Chung Chi Kwong, the founder of Meiko Tailor.

I feel incredibly blessed to have my father as both my life and work mentor. Running a family business is completely different from being a solopreneur or working in corporate. The stress hits differently. Business sustainability becomes a daily goal, and the weight of responsibility can feel immense.

Do I enjoy it all the time? Honestly, no. The responsibility is heavy, and the stakes always feel personal. But over time, I’ve discovered a bit of business acumen and learned to lean into my natural strengths – ideation, connectedness and empathy – in how I approach customers and lead our team. It’s still a constant effort to focus on what’s truly important, rather than just what feels urgent.

What I love most now is the time spent with my father. Growing up, we weren’t particularly close; my mother was my main caregiver while he was always working. But working side by side, we’ve slowly built a bond I treasure deeply. Seeing first-hand the dedication, artistry and integrity he pours into his craft has left a lasting impression. What began as a desire to continue the family legacy has grown into a genuine passion for the business. I’ve always been fascinated by colour, fabric and texture, and that curiosity has only deepened. I love the freedom of design – mixing elements, experimenting with form and bringing ideas to life through fabric. It’s where creativity meets craftsmanship, and it’s incredibly fulfilling.

I never thought I’d become an artisan, so I like to think of myself as an accidental designer! Design has become a space where I can blend creativity with functionality – an unexpected, yet deeply rewarding, part of my journey.

What’s next for Singapore bespoke tailor Meiko Tailor in 2026?

With our new studio and sub-brand, we are focusing on deepening our craft – continually refining our techniques and strengthening our commitment to sustainability. While Meiko Tailor remains focused on our heritage in bespoke craftsmanship, we are also embracing a modern voice. It’s one that is rooted in values, family and artistry. We envision the business as more than a Singapore bespoke tailoring house for tailored suits and pieces. It’s a space for co-creation, where friendships are nurtured and every commission tells a story, marking a meaningful chapter in each customer’s journey.

At 76, my father continues to personally draft and cut every suit. Every jacket and pair of trousers still bears his soul in it. As we look toward our jubilee year – we’re just two years shy of our 50th anniversary – my hope is that he can finally enjoy a well-deserved rest, confident in the strong foundation of trained drafters who will carry forward his legacy of craftsmanship and passion.

Meiko Tailor
• #02-01, Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard
• 35A Boat Quay
6334 6911 | WhatsApp 8180 6418 (for appointments)
meikotailor.com

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