How do you dress for everyday and on vacations? Does your fashion style express your personality?
I would describe my style as smart casual, I wear a lot of black and white and add a splash of colour such as red or pink through my accessories.
I like classics with a bit of a twist, I also look for good quality and try to support local designers/ businesses. I never buy anything just for the logo, in fact I own very few big brand names. I do own some McQueen scarves but that is because I love the prints and the quality of the silk. I think of my clothing in terms of pay per wear. I am willing to spend a lot on something if I know that I will wear it often and it is classic that will last a few seasons. I also like to think in terms of sustainability, I don’t like throwaway fashion and I always try to pass on my clothes or recycle them when I know longer want or need them.
On holiday I pack the bare minimum I try to just take cabin baggage as I have had experience of losing my luggage more than once. I love to swim so a selection of bathing suits and beach wraps are essential otherwise it shorts t-shirts and one or two loose cool dresses;I look for things that will not crease easily.
What kind of clothing and accessories do you feel connected with? What special about it?
I have some items in my wardrobe that I have had for many years and I still wear them; a black jacket with chinese embroidery is one example. I bought it in 2005 and people still comment on it when I wear it. The other is a pleated silk evening dress that was designed by a friend of mine Tonia Bastyn. I love her clothes; she really understands what women like to wear and the cuts are always interesting. I have worn the dress to many special occasions and parties so it has a lot of memories attached to it.
Looking how you enjoy wearing your clothes right now, what are the stories behind them?
The blue dress I bought from a local brand Bunga, I had the sleeves altered to suit my style, I love the cut and it is very well made. The white shirt is from Shanghai Tang a well-known brand in Hong Kong where I used to live , this was given to me by a friend because it didn’t fit her anymore. I like to recycle clothes and often swap things with friends. I love the simplicity of the cut and the lovely knot button detail. The chinos are from Marks and Spencer; they have been making this style for some time and I have bought them in navy, black and cream. I find it difficult to find trousers that fit well and work with the weather here; these are perfect and good quality.
How would you make your clothes matched with?
I commissioned a tailor here in HCMC to make a shirt from some beautiful red silk that I found in a store in District 1 . The colour is stunning and it has a Chinese motif woven into the fabric that is subtle but pretty. I can dress it up for an evening with silk pants or down for daywear with jeans. I have a pair of red tassled earrings with Chinese knots that go perfectly with it. People always comment on it when I wear it and it is extremely comfortable.