People in Menswear: Charles Yap
The "accidental retailer" from Singapore.
Welcome to our new series - here we will be talking to our industry friends, business owners and the people who inspire us, often with an unusual backstory. Expect to see both familiar faces & unexpected guests!
Today, you will be meeting Charles Yap from Singapore.
Mateusz: Actually, there is the funny story to tell! In 2022, on my first-ever trip to Asia, I dropped by The Decorum Singapore per my usual habit of checking out menswear places wherever I go. When I entered the store, I was immediately greeted by the owner, Charles himself, as if he knew me well… but obviously, he has mistaken me with another guy. It happens!
Fast forward to January 2025: we bump into each other at one of the Pitti Uomo parties - turns out we both remember the story and we joke about it. The very next day - we spot each other at Fortezza… wearing raglan coats from exactly the same fabric. Two weeks later - we’re meeting up in Singapore to enjoy the hainanese chicken rice together. A very fortunate series of coincidences, isn’t it?
That’s how the best menswear relations - friendships even - are born.
1. What is the one thing you can't imagine starting a day without?
An awakening shower... regardless of the season, weather or temperature outside.
2. Lace-ups or loafers?
Loafers!!!
3. Is there anything you bought at the beginning of your menswear journey that is still in your wardrobe today?
My first pair of loafers from Crockett & Jones. 8 years and going strong. It's the Harvard unlined in dark brown suede with City rubber soles... and continues to be our best seller in store till today.
4. Belt or braces?
Braces with classic tailoring.
Belts with jeans and chinos.
5. Do you consider yourself as a uniform wearing kind of a person?
Somewhat... I've been known to sometimes wear my favorite suit for five consecutive days.
6. Name one thing that you once really wanted to buy, but now you're happy you didn't.
Quite the opposite... I once bought a vintage military jacket from a friend though the fit was a little snug. No regrets. I worked with Sarto Ginza from Japan to transform that jacket into a tote bag.
I think it's ok to indulge... buy first and then plan later. You might be in for the sweetest surprise.
7. Cufflinks: yes or no?
Only with black tie.
8. If you could turn one of your hobbies into a full time job, would you do it?
I think I might have just done it!
9. What is your favorite season and why?
Winter! I love the fun of layering and wearing the clothes I don't normally get to wear in Singapore.
10. Order or chaos?
Order within chaos. We need a balance of both.
11. Name one activity you're not going to quit no matter what.
Intermittent fasting... I like how it makes me feel.
12. If you could only wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be?
One of my navy double breasted suits!
Charles Yap (@charlesyap_) - “the accidental retailer”, as he likes to call himself. Since 2022, he’s been running The Decorum Singapore branch with no previous experience of working in a shop; coming from the world of marketing for the hospitality and media industries.
In late 2017, working as a hotel executive in Bangkok, he walked into the week-old The Decorum and met Sirapol (Guy) Ridhiprasart, one of the original founders of the store. From that one visit and first purchase of a simple Kamakura pocket square, through hanging out at the store, friendship with Guy and Ball, dinners and outings with the team, up to buying trips to Tokyo - he naturally became a part of The Decorum family. Eventually, “one rainy evening in late 2019, over bubbles at a champagne bar along Ginza”, as Charles remember, the idea to set up The Decorum in Singapore came up. Although the initial plan was to open the store in April 2020, COVID pandemic and the restrictions delayed Charles’ relocation back home and shop’s opening by full two years, to April 2022.
Since then, The Decorum in Singapore has earned a reputation of a go-to menswear destination in the city - while The Decorum in Bangkok has expanded into a several locations around the town, each one with a different concept behind it.
It’s amazing to see how serendipitous encounters can turn into long-lasting friendships! I’m from Singapore myself and would definitely have to pay a visit to The Decorum!
Thanks Nicholas… and thank you so much, Mateusz!