Nestled inside Culinart, a cosy restaurant opened by his business partner, Aaron Hii is on the path to redefining traditional tailoring through Panaché. The space itself reflects his approach – inviting, personal, and versatile – allowing clients to enjoy fittings while sharing a meal with friends or family.
With a background in law, it was this same business partner who encouraged Aaron to pursue tailoring as a venture. Drawing on the precision honed in his legal career, Aaron combined his admiration for the craft – sparked during his studies in the UK – with his personal frustrations with traditional suitmaking to create Panaché.
In a world dominated by mass-produced fashion, the art of tailoring offers a rare alternative: individuality, craftsmanship, and purpose. “Lawyers always wear boring suits,” Aaron shares with a laugh. “I wanted something that stood out.”
However, his experience was met with frustration when he realised the rigidity of traditional suitmaking. “Tailors often only offer one or two fittings, and they insist the suit ‘should’ fit a certain way,” he recalls. “But I believe a suit should fit you the way you define it – not how the tailor defines it.”
As an extension of his admiration for the craft and a way to explore creativity and self-expression beyond the structured confines of the legal world, he attests that Panaché offers as many fitting sessions as needed for no extra charge. “If the suit is not perfect, it will not leave Panaché.”
Mastering the craft, stitch by stitch
Despite having significant experience as a customer of tailor-made suits, Aaron Hii found himself facing a steep learning curve when he decided to venture into the world of tailoring. With no formal training in fashion design, he relied on his personal experience and sought guidance from seasoned master tailors.
“I had to learn everything from scratch,” Aaron reflects. “Every part of the measurement, every detail – it was a process of trial and error.” His hands-on approach meant starting from the ground up, learning the fundamentals of tailoring, and immersing himself in the art of crafting a perfectly tailored suit.
Fortunately, Aaron’s passion for the craft didn’t go unnoticed. Many of the master tailors, some with over 20 to 25 years of experience, were eager to pass down their knowledge. “They’ve been so kind and helpful,” Aaron shares, grateful for their mentorship.
These tailors, who have spent decades honing their craft, embraced the opportunity to teach him the finer points of tailoring. “Tailoring is a traditional craft, and I believe they’re happy to see young people like me continuing the legacy,” he adds.
The purpose of tailor-made clothing
Tailor-made clothing addresses the limitations of mass-produced fashion, which caters to standard body types and often leaves individuals feeling overlooked. Whether it’s broad shoulders, larger thighs, or a unique physique, Panaché tailors suits to fit each client’s specific needs.
“Mass-produced clothing doesn’t accommodate everyone,” Aaron notes. “Some people sacrifice fit for oversized options, but a tailored suit eliminates those compromises, offering both comfort and confidence.”
Beyond practicality, custom suits resonate with those seeking to mark new milestones or express a unique identity. Aaron sees many clients who turn to tailoring after achieving professional or personal milestones. “They want to stand out and reflect their individuality,” he says. A tailored suit serves as an emblem of success and self-expression to many.
Besides providing the perfect fit and marking new milestones, tailor-made suits celebrate exclusivity and personal taste. “No one wants to show up at a meeting wearing the same suit as someone else,” Aaron laughs. Tailoring ensures every detail, from the cut to the fabric, reflects the client’s vision – making it not just a garment, but a statement.
When asked what message he hopes clients carry when they wear a Panaché suit, Aaron’s answer reflects the very ethos of his brand. “Panaché means confidence, boldness, and flamboyance,” he says. “We want people to feel proud of what they’re wearing – comfortable in their own clothing and ready to take on the world.”
Blending tradition with innovation
As tailoring continues to adapt to the changing demands of modern life, Aaron Hii envisions a future where tradition and technology converge seamlessly. At Panaché, this evolution has already begun, with early steps toward integrating artificial intelligence into its processes.
“We’re incorporating AI in preliminary stages,” Aaron shares. “Our goal is to make fittings faster, more efficient, and cost-friendly without compromising on quality or individuality.” Panaché is also working on developing an app to enhance convenience for its clients, signaling a move toward a hybrid tailoring model.
Inspired by companies like Suitsupply, Aaron envisions a system that combines the efficiency of mass production with the precision and uniqueness of bespoke tailoring. “It’s a different kind of mass production,” he explains. “Tailoring, but faster – offering suits that fit your body uniquely, yet are created in a way that’s scalable and accessible.”
Despite embracing technology, Aaron believes the heart of tailoring will always lie in its roots – craftsmanship, individuality, and the personal touch of a skilled tailor. The future of tailoring, in his vision, isn’t about replacing tradition but enhancing it, making it more inclusive and accessible while preserving its artistry.
With its thoughtful blend of tradition, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality, Panaché is not just shaping bespoke tailoring today but redefining what it could be tomorrow. After all, a tailored suit is more than a luxury; it’s a purposeful investment in oneself.
Find more inspiring people and stories here.
Photography by Imran Sulaiman