Why This Neighbourhood Is A Gentleman’s Paradise | Singapore Hour

Key Concepts

• Men's grooming as self-expression and self-care
• Capsule wardrobe: a collection of versatile clothing items
• Made-to-measure tailoring
• Tanjong Pagar as a blend of heritage and modern business
• Community spirit and collaboration among businesses
• Panama hats as a cultural artifact and fashion accessory
• Local flavors and culinary experiences
• Work-life balance and community engagement

Sultans of Shave and the Men's Grooming Industry

Lewis Lim, owner of Sultans of Shave, discusses the evolution of men's haircuts from a simple trim to a form of self-expression. He started the business in 2013 with two partners and now has five outlets in Singapore. He emphasizes that grooming is not just a ritual but an experience. He chose the men's grooming industry because he felt he could make the biggest impact there.

Edit Suits and Made-to-Measure Tailoring

Lewis visits Edit Suits, a made-to-measure tailoring company with locations in Singapore and the UK. Glenn from Edit Suits explains their comprehensive tailoring program, which generates the best-fitting garment for customers. Customers can visualize the final product, and experts refine the fit. Edit Suits focuses on building a capsule wardrobe, where a few versatile pieces can be mixed and matched. Glenn advises Lewis on pairing a linen jacket with grey trousers for a casual wedding event. Edit Suits and Sultans of Shave support each other by offering discounts to each other's customers, showcasing the "Tanjong Pagar community spirit."

• Made-to-measure: Clothing specifically tailored to an individual's measurements and preferences.
• Capsule wardrobe: A limited selection of interchangeable clothing pieces that maximize the number of outfits that can be created.

Cane Collective and Panama Hats

Lewis visits Cane Collective on Keong Saik Street to find a Panama hat to complement his suit. Raina measures Lewis's head size and explains the history of Panama hats, which are hand-woven in Ecuador. The founder, Bill Cane, wanted to bring these hats to Singapore. Raina introduces Lewis to different styles, including the "Sean Connery" and the "Truman." Lewis finds a hat that "says something about" him.

• Panama hat: A lightweight, brimmed hat traditionally made in Ecuador from the toquilla straw.

Messina and Local Culinary Experiences

Lewis visits Messina for gelato, highlighting the diverse food options in Tanjong Pagar. He tries the "kaya toast" flavor, a coconut gelato with kaya (Pandan coconut jam) and dehydrated toast. Messina creates Singapore-exclusive flavors like kaya toast, salted egg yolk, and durian. All gelato is made in-house, and customers can view the process through a glass window.

• Kaya toast: A traditional Singaporean breakfast consisting of toast with kaya (coconut jam) and butter.

Community and Recreation

Lewis plays badminton with his friend Philip, showcasing the community facilities in Tanjong Pagar. He then visits a friend at Pinnacle@Duxton, a public housing development with seven connected towers and nearly 1,850 flats, completed in 2009. At the time, it was the tallest public housing development in the world. His friend enjoys the view from his unit.

Conclusion

Lewis reflects on his time in Tanjong Pagar, emphasizing the importance of details, energy, and people in the grooming business. He appreciates the area's constant reinvention and the connections he has built. He concludes by admiring the skyline and reflecting on how far he and the neighborhood have come.