If it is true that the couple that dresses together stays together, then these seven fashionable couples are certainly tight-knit units. In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we get them to share the secret to making their relationships tick and their mutual admiration for each other’s personal style.
Who: Project manager and educator Amaliah Kaiyat has been married to hawker Afiq Rezza for the past five years but claims they are “constantly dating”.
SHE SAYS…
How she describes his style: “Sprezzatura, non-conformist, yet timeless and casual.”
What she loves about his fashion sense: “I love that he dresses for himself. He is versatile and experimental, and pulls off what he wears well.”
Her secret to a blissful relationship: “Communicate even when it is uncomfortable; have faith no matter how challenging it is.”
HE SAYS…
How he describes her style: “Timeless and modest but sometimes unconventional (like wearing her top in reverse and I’ll have to button it up for her).”
What he loves about her fashion sense: “She can pull off almost everything but still looks modest. How like that? (sic).”
His secret to a blissful relationship: “Never let the wife be hungry.”
Amaliah wears dress, shirt, skirt, socks and bag from Comme des Garcons, sandals from Hermes, glasses from Celine glasses, and headscarf from Adlina Anis. Afiq wears blazer and T-shirt from Wanderwonder, pants from Uniqlo, bag and socks from Comme des Garcons, and slides from MoonStar
Who: Photographer Hosanna Swee and her watch specialist fiance Tom Chng have been together for three and a half years.
SHE SAYS…
How she describes his style: “I would say ‘ying and yang’ best encapsulates his personal style. He has two distinctly different personae when it comes to dressing up. There’s a classical Italian sartorial facet on one hand, but he is often seen in streetwear as well.”
What she loves about his fashion sense: “I love how he’s a creature of habit and not wavered by trends or pressure from his peers. He’s also a chameleon of sorts and never fails to surprise me with how he can pull off almost anything and everything. As I am a perfectionist, Tom has taught me the importance of not taking myself too seriously, right down to the way I style myself. It’s apparent how we influence each other’s style over the years.”
Her secret to a blissful relationship: “To continually pursue each other. As clichéd as it may sound, being in a relationship is a conscious choice we make every day, and it is a journey of constant forgiveness.”
HE SAYS…
How he describes her style: “Hosanna is more drawn towards understated and timeless designs, staying clear of trends and fads. She likes clean lines and strong and robust silhouettes. Her favoured colours are deep and mysterious for cool tones, yet airy and rich for warm earthy tones.”
What he loves about her fashion sense: “Her stringent criteria for self-expression, using primarily classic designs with a twist.”
His secret to a blissful relationship: “We spend a lot of time together working on common interests, and try to involve each other in various areas of our lives that overlap. We also seek to continually pursue each other, and not take things for granted.”
Hosanna wears jacket from Low Classic, pants from Uniqlo, boots from Cos, watch from Audemars Piguet, and cap from Public School NYC. Tom wears jacket from In Good Company, jeans from Uniqlo, Nike x Ambush Dunk High sneakers from Nike, Audemars Piguet watch, and Ermenegildo Zegna x Fear Of God cap
Who: Wedding stylist and style advisor Asmira Haryati and videographer and editor Iyaad Salleh have been dating for four years and tied the knot last month.
SHE SAYS…
How she describes his style: “Iyaad always strives for comfort in his dressing. His getup usually comprises of a piece of oversized clothing, which in my opinion, is practical, relaxed and cool. Somehow, he looks more approachable than me when we’re out together.”
What she loves about his fashion sense: “I love that he rarely follows trends and sticks to his own distinct look – it is refreshing. Plus, with his build and signature curls, he can rock anything!”
Her secret to a blissful relationship: “Communication and respect are vital. It is always good to talk things out to minimise conflicts or misunderstandings. I love to reminisce and be playful with my partner – these keep things healthy and fun in our relationship.”
HE SAYS…
How he describes her style: “She’s eccentric and versatile. She tends to experiment with all the clothes she owns and flaunt it. I call it the ‘Asmira style’.”
What he loves about her fashion sense: “The fact that she looks cool and can pull off anything she throws on.”
His secret to a blissful relationship: “It’s definitely too early to answer this as we just got married recently. The universe is vast and there is so much to learn. Just keep it simple and genuine. Love will prevail.”
Asmira wears blazer and pants from Zara. Iyaad wears thrifted top and pants and boots from TheLeatherAble
Who: Delphine Rama is a Belgian abstract painter while Didier Jaba Mathieu is a Belgian-Colombian graffiti artist. The Singapore-based duo has been married for two years.
SHE SAYS…
How she describes his style: “My partner’s style is very influenced by hip-hop culture because he has been a major actor in the graffiti scene in Europe since the early ’90s. But his wardrobe is now mixed with more classic items.”
What she loves about his fashion sense: “He is very confident in general and [what I love] is more is the way he carries off his clothes.”
Her secret to a blissful relationship: “Patience and always trying to fulfil each other’s desires in a respectful manner.”
HE SAYS…
How he describes her style: “She is very aware and up to date about today’s fashion and is very knowledgeable and trying to be one step ahead.”
What he loves about her fashion sense: “I like the fact that she doesn’t necessarily need to be wearing big brands in order to be stylish. She will combine different items to create a unique look. That’s not an easy thing – maybe that’s why she takes three times longer to get ready compared to me. I also like the fact that she doesn’t go crazy for makeup on a daily basis, but when it’s the time for a special occasion she always looks stunning.”
His secret to a blissful relationship: “Don’t keep hard feelings, solve differences as soon as possible and never go to bed in dispute mode.”
Delphine wears shirt and pants from Zara and Nike X Stussy Air Zoom Spiridon sneakers from Nike. Didier wears shirt from Urban Outfitters, jeans from Uniqlo, and Ninja ZX Torsion sneakers from Adidas
Who: Tomoyoshi Takada is a fashion creator who works with brands and retailers in his native Japan and Singapore. Among them is Japanese multi-label boutique Colony Clothing at UE Square, where he is creative director. He is assisted by his wife of six years, Yoko Takada.
SHE SAYS…
How she describes his style: “He likes to play and experiment with different styles when putting an outfit together.”
What she loves about his fashion sense: “He is confident in what he thinks will look good on him. In addition, he has a wealth of knowledge, not only about clothes but also about style and culture.”
Her secret to a blissful relationship: “Share each other’s hobbies and favourite things and enjoy doing everything together.”
HE SAYS…
How he describes her style: “She enjoys fashion and knows what looks good on her.”
What he loves about her fashion sense: “I love how she pulls off anything from more boyish clothing to feminine outfits in her own unique way.”
His secret to a blissful relationship: “Never forget to respect each other.”
Yoko wears top and skirt from Ray Beams. Tomoyoshi wears top from Vandori and pants from Sovereign
Who: Mansoor Hassanbhai is a director of a scrap metal and recycling company. He has been married to his homemaker wife Maria Hassanbhai for 45 years and the two are now “living their best lives”.
SHE SAYS…
How she describes his style: “I help update his style occasionally.”
What she loves about his fashion sense: “He likes to dress up and look decent when we go out.”
Her secret to a blissful relationship: “Patience and communication.”
HE SAYS…
How he describes her style: “Classic with a tinge of trendy style (something she got from our daughter).”
What he loves about her fashion sense: “It’s simple and chic.”
His secret to a blissful relationship: “Patience and communication.”
Maria wears top and pants from Comme des Garcons and Oxfords from Chanel. Mansoor wears jacket and shirt from Kevin Seah Bespoke, pants from Comme des Garcons, and brogues from Berluti
Who: Graphic designers Alicia Wee and Matthew Ryan Lee, who had been dating for 11 years, tied the knot a year ago.
SHE SAYS…
How she describes his style: “Minimal and versatile. He basically runs on a capsule wardrobe – just a handful of essentials in the same fit and the same few colours but it works for every occasion.”
What she loves about his fashion sense: “His eye for details amazes me at times. Some clothes may look exactly the same, but he’s able to pick out the tiniest of details that set them apart.”
Her secret to a blissful relationship: “Communication and trust are the main factors to me. But it’s also important to learn to accept and appreciate both the good and the not-so-good traits of each other.”
HE SAYS…
How he describes her style: “Modular, elegant, structured and chic.”
What he loves about her fashion sense: “The fact that she can pull off almost any look. I also love the fact that she isn’t afraid to shop in the men’s section. It’s all about the layering and the cuts — it’s a combination that she manages to piece together well all the time.”
His secret to a blissful relationship: “Patience, understanding each other’s flaws, lots of food and doing things as a unit.”
Alicia wears tunic from Cos, pants from Muji, and sneakers from Excelsior. Matthew wears shirt from Muji, pants from Cos, and sneakers from Excelsior