Inspired by tech
Fashion stylist and digital trendsetter Haida Illiani Yusof-Yeomans shares with Amalina Kamal her views
01
HOW IMPORTANT IS TECHNOLOGY AND
THE INTERNET TO YOU?
I depend a lot on technology because nowadays it
is all about living up to the hype. As a stylist, I find social networking platforms essential to my
portfolio.
People today crave instant access, they are not bothered to flick through print unlike yesteryear where hard copy was the only way for clients and customers to get to know our
work.
Instagram, in particular, has allowed me to advertise my activities with more control and provide inside access to my followers, generating widespread interest in my
creative pursuits.
02
SIGNIFICANCE OF OPTIMISING SOCIAL
MEDIA ENGAGEMENTS?
People in general love to put a face to a brand or art they value. That’s why it’s not surprising
that the social media community is hungry to get to know the person behind a
certain work.
This is why I continuously share my work online — because it helps me optimise my engagements with people further.
Social media is very significant to professionals because the public can get to know them and their personalities well; maybe not 100 per cent but a large portion of their online profiles are able
to showcase what they do best.
I notice that some clients are a little shy about
reaching out.
Social media is an effective way to reach out because people may be less hesitant to work with you if they have already seen
your work.
03
WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION?
I do digital reads. People may think I’m obsessed with gadgets but I actually do a lot of research
relevant to my work.
Other people may have multiple inspiration boards on Pinterest but I find it hard to manage because I get so disorganised when I am on it. I prefer to go on Instagram and utilise its archive
posts feature.
I follow a lot of profiles on Instagram and it’s not just random accounts because I do take time to creatively explore them, most of them are art
accounts.
I still go through print publications but I am very particular about what I read. Mostly foreign publications such as Wonderland, Pop, Garage and
Tank.
04
IF YOU CAN DEVELOP YOUR OWN MOBILE
APPLICATION, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I would definitely build some kind of app that can
highlight local talents. I think what’s missing is knowledge about and protection for such talents. Although the scene is thriving in this country, the public still don’t understand and/or value our work
as much as we hope for.
I would also allow users to book services through the app, making it easy for the public to access the works of creative professionals. This may help
strengthen the network/relations further. However, what would really help me with my work as a stylist is an app where local designer clothes are updated and listed in one single platform for easy resourcing. Who knows, this idea may benefit
a bigger audience and not just stylists.
05
WAS THERE ANY MOMENT IN TIME WHERE THE TECHNOLOGICAL REVOLUTION
SURPRISED YOU?
That is a hard question to answer because there is a lot. Surprises in exciting and daunting ways. The beauty industry has certainly transformed a lot with advanced innovations and tools such as the airbrush
make-up pen.
However, I think one moment that really astounded me was when China moved to rate its citizens based on economic and social status. The scores were meant to evaluate one’s “trustworthiness” level when applying for loans, education programmes, etc. Truly a “life imitating art” kind of moment because there was an episode on this in Black
Mirror (sci-fi TV series). It’s super scary, to be honest, because it can be abused if
unchecked.
06
DO YOU THINK WE NEED TIME OFF
FROM THE INTERNET FOR AT LEAST A
DAY?
Why should it only be a day? I would go for a week if I could. I once unplugged myself for two days and loved it. I did not bother to update or worry about my styling needs. My line of work is obviously very superficial because everything is about image. I have certain unrealistic goals to meet so it’s definitely nice to disconnect once in a while so that I can reconnect
with my loved ones.
When you are constantly bombarded with new information every second, you will definitely need time away from your gadgets. I think we should all be able to disconnect as much as we would
like to stay connected.