After a few minutes in the presence of veteran designer Thomas Wee, one is ready to accede to him as Singapore’s foremost fashion critic.

Armed with exuberance and a sharp, dry wit, he speaks with an undeniable air of authority.

“I cannot stand badly made clothing,” he says resolutely. “It makes me sick.

“So many designers these days just draw their patterns and then rely on a seamstress to cut and sew but I take pride in knowing that I can do everything myself.”

Best known as one of Singapore’s most successful designers from the 80s and for using only the finest fabrics, the 59-year old made a triumphant return to the fashion scene at this year’s Singapore Fashion Festival after a 10-year teaching hiatus, picking up the interest of fund manager Ferrell Asset Management who is backing his first standalone boutique after more than a decade. It is due to open next year.

A self-confessed lover of all things luxurious, he reveals that his new collections will use only the finest fabrics and cater to a premium crowd.

“I only design for intelligent women, there is something very beautiful about someone who has substance up there, they seem to glow with it.”

Harsh of others though he may sound, he spares no mercy for himself as a designer.

“I remember when I first went to Tokyo more than 20 years ago and saw the clothing made by Issey Miyake and Yohji Yamamoto. Then I came back and looked at my own designs – I wanted to throw up,” he recalls.

“Compared to them, my clothing was like child’s play, there was just no comparison. I told myself if they can design like that, so can I.” And it is with that same resolute desire that he approaches this newest venture and its prospects.

“Let me tell you something. I’ve spent so many years cultivating myself as a designer and I’m still deemed local. I’m not satisfied.

“I know it’s every designer's dream but I think my kind of clothing would be appreciated by consumers in New York and Tokyo.

“Of course I don’t expect to have a big boutique there but I hope to be able to see my designs being sold internationally and I don’t mean through a cart in a park somewhere but a department store like Barney’s would be nice. And I hope Ferrell can take me there.

“I’m not young anymore and I really want to retire soon and by retire I mean not do anything at all, that’s why I’m give myself five years to make things happen.”

So watch this space.

This article was first published in The Business Times on Dec 14,2008.

» Hedge fund Ferrell turns to fashion

» Thomas Wee's 08/ 09 Holiday Collection