ELAINE CHAN
The founder of Macaroon Wardrobe and former model on her style icons and the business of fashion. By Mughni Che Din.
“SMacaroontyle is an attitude, a way of life, and it’s how you share your personal story with the entire world,” proclaims Elaine Chan, as we touch on her personal style, over freshly brewed coffee at her fabulous abode in Desa Sri Hartamas. I first met Elaine at a fashion event earlier this year, and I remember thinking, “Girl knows her fashion!” Upon learning that Elaine owns and runs Wardrobe, a fashion boutique in Publika Shopping Gallery that she started in 2016, it all clicked. “I’d like to believe that our business goes beyond selling clothing and accessories. With more retailers opting for e-commerce, we continue to offer a more intimate and traditional shopping experience, focusing on customer service and interaction,” says Elaine. “It is one way for us to add value to our products in a way online shopping simply can’t duplicate.” It’s hard to imagine this statuesque beauty being a late bloomer in the game: “In my early days, I was never much of a risk-taker when it came to fashion. It was not until I was in my 20s that I started experimenting with clothes,” Elaine reveals. “These days, I cannot imagine my life without fashion.” A style maverick in her own right, Elaine describes her style as sophisticated, elegant, and expressive. The 40-year-old entrepreneur also notes that it was her modelling career back in the ’90s that first sparked her interest in fashion. “It was not until then did I acknowledge the true power of dressing—how it can alter your physical appearance and how it makes you feel emotionally.” As we dive into the shoot, Elaine demonstrates her fashion finesse by teaming a polka-dot blouse and an asymmetrical skirt from Macaroon Wardrobe, with white ’50s-inspired kitten heels from Dior and steel accessories—a fresh update to a classic black-and-white look. Another signature Elaine aesthetic involves injecting a dose of hyperfemininity into the mix. Cue an all-pink, Elle-Woodsmeets-Olivia-Palermo ensemble. A dramatic cascading ruffled top from C/Meo Collective and tailored high-waisted trousers from AQ/AQ are paired with an eclectic MSGM tweed jacket and a pair of chic Valentino pumps. In between shots, Elaine speaks warmly about Olivier Rousteing, whom she admires. “I love what he [Olivier] has done for the brand. His bright, sexy, and youthful designs appeal to people of all ages— something that is tough for most brands to achieve these days,” she explains. As a mother of two and a full-time business owner, Elaine recognises the importance of female empowerment, and cites Victoria Beckham as one of the style icons she adores. “She is such a success story. On top of being a powerhouse entrepreneur, she is a devoted wife and loving mother to four kids, and I respect her for having that balance,” she muses. And to Elaine, having a humorous take on life is essential for that balance. When asked who she would want to be trapped on a deserted island with, she replies without hesitation: “Jennifer Lawrence! She seems like a person who is always up for good fun and laughter.” In that regard, Elaine incorporates a similar lightness in her approach to everything: “Life can be grey, so you may as well have fun while you’re at it!” @ec88love; @macaroon_wardrobe