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Man With Style: Entrepreneur Jebson Tan

Man With Style: Entrepreneur Jebson Tan

Like the brands his stores carry, Jebson Tan is not one to shy away from prints and colour.

Jebson Tan (Photo: Courtesy)
Jebson Tan (Photo: Courtesy)

Jebson Tan (Photo: Courtesy)

It has been more than a decade since Jebson Tan opened The Corner Shop at Far East Plaza, which is still surviving—and thriving—amid the e‐commerce boom and the pandemic. So, too, is the 45‐year‐old’s other retail concept, The Lucky Shop, which has two physical stores. “I’m living my childhood dream,” says Tan, whose shop aesthetics and products are inspired by Chinatown in the 1980s and Hong Kong films. Like the brands his stores carry, Tan is not one to shy away from prints and colour. We hear him loud and proud.

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“I appreciate Daiki Suzuki of Engineered Garments. I bought my first high‐waist white shorts from the label and never looked back.”





Photo: Engineered Garments spring/ summer 2022 collection


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Jebson Tan
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“Three words: Flamboyant, outdoorsy, Americana.”









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Jebson Tan
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“The Corner Shop is not just a passion project but also a form of nostalgia for the 1980s. I didn’t start out to make money—a wise guy once taught me that passion will always be more important than money. Of course, it’s vital for all businesses to adapt to ever‐changing times.”













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“I’m inspired by music and film. I’m a big fan of Cantopop—Shirley Kwan and the likes are always on repeat. Wong Kar Wai is my biggest inspiration; his art style and cinematography have shaped the foundation of The Corner Shop.”













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“I love Alessandro Squarzi’s style.”





Creative Director of Fortela, Alessandro Squarzi













“People should practise being gracious and cancel cancel culture.”





The heart is an international symbol for kindness








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“My favourite place in the world is my newly renovated home, which I helped style and design. It’s the perfect place to be, given the current global situation.”





Tan’s home is an extension of his distinctive style.








Jebson Tan
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“I once modelled for Levi’s back when I was serving my National Service. My most treasured item is actually a pair of vintage Levi’s Big E denim jeans.”

Amazon
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“My sound world would be ‘Great Southern Land’ by Icehouse, which was on the soundtrack for the movie Young Einstein. It played during the scene where Einstein was in poverty but still had the willpower to pull through to reach his goal. It inspires me.”





Icehouse’s Primitive Man, $69.21, Amazon.sg










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