What began as a humble part-time job at a luxury boutique blossomed into a deep passion for bespoke fashion—and ultimately, a transformative career. Today, Mae Tan stands as one of Singapore’s most recognized fashion influencers, celebrated not only for her style but also for her commitment to sustainable and circular fashion. But how did she make the leap from sales assistant to fashion powerhouse and creative consultant?
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Where Fashion Took Root
In her late teens, Tan took a part-time role as a sales assistant at Surrender, a luxury multi-label store. Immersed in the world of designer fashion, it wasn’t long before she developed a genuine connection to the industry. After her father, owner of luxury watch brand Richard Mille, acquired Surrender, the influencer chose not to rely on privilege—instead, she climbed the ranks on her own merit, progressing from marketing assistant to executive, and ultimately to creative consultant.
Throughout her time at Surrender, Tan directed campaigns and organized high-profile events for brands like Gucci, Off-White, and Christian Dada. As her career matured, so did her awareness of fashion’s environmental toll. This prompted her pivot to champion sustainable and circular fashion, and volunteer with non-profit organization Zero Waste Singapore.
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Fashion opened many doors—but it also brought cameras, and she soon found herself embracing the spotlight with ease.
A Taste for the Camera
Tan’s charisma led her to television, where she hosted the travel-reality series Miss Korea in 2013, documenting her two-month journey in South Korea. Two years later, she co-hosted Wondernesia, further deepening her connection to storytelling and travel.
With growing confidence on screen and a rising profile in fashion, she was cast as one of the leads in Netflix’s reality show Singapore Social, catapulting her into international recognition in 2018. Here, she showcased the glamorous life of an influencer, one that started with a small blog and a dream.
The Influencer Grind
The Singaporean began her digital journey with a personal blog, where she regularly shared product reviews, makeup tutorials, and fashion features. Her authenticity quickly attracted a loyal audience. As social media evolved, so did Tan, transitioning seamlessly to Instagram, where she now commands a following of over 140,000.
To see her joining the likes of style icon Heart Evangelista in couture weeks, Tan has solidified her place not just as Singapore’s fashion elite but as a fashion authority on a global scale.
Mae Tan’s path to influence may be unconventional, but it was paved by persistence, creativity, and a clear sense of purpose. From her independent climb at Surrender to her reality television roles on-screen and her trailblazing advocacy in fashion, she is undeniably a rising global force. And as the world of fashion continues to evolve, she is poised to lead it with style, sustainability, and an unstoppable spirit.
Follow Mae Tan for your daily dose of conscious living, luxury fashion, and behind-the-scenes glamor.
Featured Image and Photos: MAE TAN (via Instagram)
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