Feature: May I Suggest A Tie, Sir?

The next time you hear someone behind you offering you a tip on how to knot a tie while you shop at G2000, don’t be surprised if you are greeted by friendly in-house stylists, who are always ready to offer your some suggestions on how to wear the brand’s collections.

Last weekend, I was invited to try out the styling services offered by two members of the brand’s style team, Nigel and Li Qing. I know, personal styling may not the most groundbreaking type of service a brand can offer to value-add to your shopping experience, but I do think that it’s a step in the right direction. Without dwelling much on this, I will say that the Singaporean working crowd - though decently dressed for most of the population - could do with a little help to turn a humdrum outfit into something even more. After all, who can deny that when you dress well, you feel a little more confident with a little more spring in your step.

I started by styling experience when I was asked to fill out a form on all matters relating to my style and the preferences I have in dressing. I am told, however, that customers do not need to apply for the services because these stylists are stationed at G2000 outlets in the central region of Singapore. Walk up to anyone of them and they would be more than willing to work out which shade of pink best suits your skin tone.

The session was very thorough. You are greeted and seated, and the presentation of proposed outfit options is narrated by the stylist. For Nigel, he understood that I needed clothing that could easily bring me from day to night. I liked that he respected my preference for a monochromatic wardrobe, but I was more impressed with how astute he was in paying attention to ensure that the outfits he prepared could be broken up and reworked amongst the existing pieces. I particularly liked a very Sofia Coppola-esque look, which consisted of a navy blue merino pullover and a crisp white shirt underneath. The fit was sublime.

See, Nigel wasn’t just proposing outfits, he was building a wardrobe. And this is something I realised that some personal shoppers forget - that the pieces you buy cannot just work for one look, but should give a sensible amount of mileage with your existing wardrobe.

Li Qing, on the other hand, created what I felt personally to be the most successful outfit of the day. It was a blazer from G2000’s new line, AT-20. The main fabric was a handsome looking wool in a cool grey, with lines of maroon running down and across in a checkered pattern. The shoulder yoke and sleeves were done in a darker tone of charcoal. Paired with a classic shirt and a tie made from slub knit, it’s a rakish option for the modern gentlemen, without coming off as being intimidatingly dapper (yes, there is such a thing).

On top of being available to regular walk-in customers, another great part about the styling services are that you never feel pressured into buying the pieces chosen for you. More often than not, in-house stylists veer upon being pesky when they try to push you in the direction of the cashier, even though you’re not in the mood to spend. What I liked about the stylists were that they were respectful of your personal decision, and were upfront in telling you that you can take your time to think about the look. Just be wary though, some of their designs run out pretty fast so don’t ponder too long.

Images courtesy of G2000

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