Blood & Water

When it comes to family businesses, its members grapple with a lot more than just the numbers in accounting statements. The Peak speaks to three families operating in different fields about the unique challenges, succession plans and the disagreements that are bound to happen.

- Karen Lee, Weets Goh

STITCHED TOGETHER

When old school meets new school at Joe’s Tailoring, the result is a dynamic bespoke business catering to both the old and the young.

Silk pyjamas, bridal lingerie and outfits for beloved pet pooches. These are not the typical articles of clothing one would expect to find at a traditional suit tailor. But what the VIP clients at Joe’s Tailoring want, they get – as long as it can be tailored.

At this stalwart of Singapore’s tailoring industry, the three millennial scions of founder Joseph Koh are boldly shaking things up by offering an unconventional range of bespoke clothing that includes polo T-shirts and swim shorts.

“We are still a bespoke tailor, but we try to make pieces that are more relevant to current trends as well as the local climate,” says 30-year-old Joanne. She spent 30 months learning the art of tailoring in London’s Savile Row. To cater to changing sartorial preferences, she has modified some designs of traditional suits to produce unlined jackets with natural shoulders and higher armholes.

Her dapper brother Justin, 27, is the source of many newfangled ideas such as reversible coats with waterproof technical fabrics. He’s also introduced a new category of accessories to the business that ranges from dress shoes to umbrellas. Bubbly Joy, 28, holds the ropes as the company’s de facto spokeswoman and handles the paperwork.

Since joining the family business, helmed by their mother and boss Wai Wan, who “oversees everything”, between two and four years ago, there is no doubt that they have infused their youthful energy.