Five Minutes With Javin They, Founder Of Common Suits
The entrepreneur tells us what inspires him
Javin They
If being a dapper gentleman were a choice, then 32-year-old Javin They found his calling at an early age. In 2014, he launched Common Suits and grew the brand into a reputable purveyor of tailored suits for the digital generation, with two locations in Singapore and Manila. He cites his grandmother for teaching him patience and hard work, but the appetite for success is truly all his.
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VISION FOR COMMON SUITS
“To allow men to feel and perform their best by being their wingman. We want to help men develop taste that is fearless yet grounded, unapologetic yet humble, refined yet effortless.”
THE FASHION DESIGNERS AND BRANDS TO KNOW NOW
Angel Chen and Minju Kim (Photo: Netflix)
“Minju Kim and Angel Chen, who were on Netflix’s Next in Fashion, are pretty cool. I also think more people need to know about Cifonelli.”
THE COOLEST STYLE BELONGS TO...
Tom Ford (Photo: 123rf)
“Tom Ford.”
GO-TO FASHION PIECES
Photo: Common Suits
“A dark suit, a striped shirt, high-waisted pleated trousers and a vintage timepiece.”
FIRST MEMORY OF FASHION
Sean Connery and Honor Blackman on the set of the James Bond film 'Goldfinger' in 1964. (Photo: Ron Burton/Getty Images)
“I’ve always thought James Bond looks charming in his suits. During my university days, we had to wear suits for presentations. After I made my first tailored suit, there was no turning back.”
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BEST FASHION PURCHASE
“A pair of Cole Haan horse-bit loafers. It’s six years old and still serving me well.”
IDEAL DATE NIGHT
“Having Italian food with my girlfriend.”
MAIN INSPIRATION
Javin They and his grandparents (Photo: Javin They)
“My grandmother, who went through a lot of hardship to raise her children; she learnt to manage her finances and made many sacrifices for the family. These traits of hers shaped and moulded me to see hardship as a teacher, to think of it as part of the process and to embrace it.”
LAST HOLIDAY
“My last holiday was to Bali with my secondary school friends.”
AN IDEAL DAY
A man practising wing chun on the beach. (Photo: 123rf)
“Morning workouts, production team meetings, client appointments and Wing Chun training before some quality time with my dog, Koko, and my girlfriend.”