Shanghainese Tailor in Singapore

Auntie Letty has been telling me about her Shanghainese tailor since I became part of Tien's family. Auntie is a thoroughly meticulous seamstress and, if she says Mr. Lam is a genius, I believe it because of her own beautiful stitchwork -- Auntie knows what she's talking about. When a skilled seamstress goes to a tailor, to be sure, he'd better know what he's doing.

Mr. Lam turns out the best made-to-order cheungsam and has sewn several for Auntie Letty over the years. When she lost track of him, we were both disappointed. In 2005 Auntie and I even went to the mall where his shop was just to look for him -- no luck. Eventually, she found him working out of his home.

It's February 2011 and we're going to Singapore again. I have cloth, but my concern was, is the color red age-appropriate? Sure! So I pulled from my stash a length of wool crepe and premium Bemberg lining purchased specifically for a project like this, had it dry cleaned to prevent shrinkage, and packed it carefully in my suitcase. The Britex receipt read October 17, 1994 -- this crepe has waited patiently for its transformation.

When we got off the plane, Auntie Letty was at the arrival gate. Two hours later, I was in Mr. Lam's sewing/living room. It was furnished with a sofa, TV, cutting table and a treadle sewing machine. Impeccable, I thought, just like Auntie Letty described his sewing.

He took surprisingly few measurements, then Mrs. Lam showed me her husband's buttons and, oh my, they're artful and intricate. I chose one for the shoulder of my dress. With one gorgeous button, there's almost no need for a corsage or a brooch. Mrs. Lam proudly showed us a magazine article about her husband's work.

We went back the next day for a fitting. It's already gorgeous! I took pictures of the inside because it would be my only opportunity to see the inner workings before he lined it. Gosh, the dress fits perfectly and it's not even done. Despite this, Mr. Lam made a few adjustments. I feel beautiful wearing this dress. Auntie Letty and I have been talking about this for more than ten years and I'll wear it for a lifetime, providing my figure doesn't change.

Two days later, the dress was ready. Mr. Lam's skills are incredible and I was giddy with excitement. I wanted to wear it on Friday to the family dinner, but casual thong sandals were all I brought. That afternoon, I also wanted to shop on Orchard Road and buy off-the-rack without doing alterations for my petite frame. WAIT, what for? I just acquired the most perfect dress.

Thank you ever so much, Auntie Letty!