If being a dapper gentleman were a choice, then 32-year-old Javin They found his calling at an early age.
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.
Designers Angel Chen (left) and Minju Kim, as seen on Netflix’s Next in Fashion
THE FASHION DESIGNERS AND BRANDS TO KNOW NOW
“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.”
Designer Tom Ford, at his brand’s fall/winter 2020 runway show
THE COOLEST STYLE BELONGS TO...
“Tom Ford.”
A man practising Wing Chun on a beach
AN IDEAL DAY
“Morning workouts, production team meetings, client appointments and Wing Chun training before some quality time with my dog, Koko, and my girlfriend.”
An aerial view of Kuta beach in Bali, Indonesia
LAST HOLIDAY
“My last holiday was to Bali with my secondary school friends.”
Steel Tank Solo watch, $3,750, Cartier
GO-TO FASHION PIECES
“A dark suit, a striped shirt, high-waisted pleated trousers and a vintage timepiece.”
One of They’s Common Suits creations
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.”
Sean Connery and Honor Blackman on the set of the 1964 James Bond film, Goldfinger
FIRST MEMORY OF FASHION
“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.”
Loafer, Cole Haan
BEST FASHION PURCHASE
“A pair of Cole Haan horse-bit loafers. It’s six years old and still serving me well.”
Zucchini blooms from Bar Cicheti
IDEAL DATE NIGHT
“Having Italian food with my girlfriend.”
They and his grandparents
MAIN INSPIRATION
“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.”
PHOTOGRAPHY: 123RF; BAR CICHETI; NETFLIX
