THE FASHION IT GIRLS
Three newcomers to Singapore’s best-dressed scene put their own spin on the season’s key looks.
JAMIE QIANQIAN WU
For this Shanghai-born stylist and TV producer, it’s as important to keep up with fashion trends as it is current affairs. “It’s like reading the news. You need to know what’s happening now,” she says. And Wu, who moved to Singapore in 2016 with her husband, certainly walks the talk. Her IG account (@jamieqqwu) is regularly updated with images of her at A-list events or exotic destinations, wearing the latest, mostbuzzed-about catwalk pieces: Versace’s Warhol-print S/S ’18 minidress at LACMA’s Hong Kong Art Basel party; Jacquemus’ XXXL straw hat on vacay at Amanjiwo; a host of edgy, up-and-coming labels like Y/Project and Wanda Nylon at Paris and Milan Fashion Week. Cheeky irreverence, along with a fearlessness – and gift – for mixing and matching, lends editorial flair and distinguishes her from label-loving society types. Her approach is best captured when she speaks of her favourite fashion decade: “The ’80s, when truly independent female icons like Madonna, Grace Jones and Princess Diana fought against institutions and stereotypes. (It was an era when) fashion was best used as a weapon.”
HER SENSE OF STYLE
“A mix of street and luxe, retro and modern, feminine and masculine.”
HER STYLE INFLUENCES
“As a teen, TLC and Missy Elliott, who made me wear anything oversized and androgynous. Then Carrie Bradshaw, who would wear a belt on her exposed midriff with a long flowy skirt and Manolo Blahniks. Then Rihanna, who ties all these influences together.”
HOW SHE ALWAYS LOOKS GLAMOROUS
“Details, details, details – and shoes are the most important... They’re the best (part of an outfit) to over exaggerate.”
MANIKA YUJUICO KWAN
The terms “eclectic” and “effortless” don’t always go together, but for this Manila-born mother-of-one, it does – refreshingly well. Scroll through her IG (@manikayujuico) for a documentation of how she puts an intellectual, slightly boho spin on simple, practical summer-ready staples. A crisp pale pink shirt paired with hot pink plisse pleated berms and rust-coloured clogs. A breezy, off-shoulder polka-dot dress that could look fashion bloggergirlie, if not for the striped foulard worn the way men do at Pitti Uomo (wound twice high on the neck, then knotted). Unlike typical OOTDs, she doesn’t show her face, doesn’t pose, and doesn’t caption or tag any brands. It’s simply her way of expressing her love for dressing up, she says. Before moving to Singapore with her family last year, she worked in merchandising, wholesale and PR at luxury labels in Hong Kong and New York.
HER STYLE MANTRA
“I’ll try everything.”
HER STYLE INFLUENCES
“I get ideas about mixing textures and shapes from Instagram accounts like that of French multidisciplinary designer Mathieu Lehanneur (@mathieulehanneur). Filipino designers like Rajo Laurel (@rajolaurel) and Araw (@araw. theline), who work with linen, also give me plenty of wardrobe inspirations for this climate.”
WARDROBE MUST-HAVE
“Belts are heaven-sent as they accentuate my straight figure, especially when wearing dresses. My favourite are from Alaia.”
AMANDA CHAANG
We’re sure that we’ll be seeing lots more of this bubbly Malaysian TV host, and not only because she’s now Mrs Jon Chua (of The Sam Willows fame) and has uprooted over. Doe-eyed beauty aside, she exudes a cool sophistication that’s beyond her 27 years. Sure, she wears a lot of LBDs, body-con and cropped tops, but she keeps everything else – hair, makeup, accessories – classic and effortless. At the same time, she has a playful streak – it was her idea to layer Prada’s tulle gown and nylon bustier over her own Boss maxi gown and sneakers. It’s not surprising, considering her fashion influences. She says: “My mum has been a style hero even before I was born. I look at photos of her when she was pregnant with me – dressed in a flowy maxi with red lips – and love her look. She likes things classic, simple and elegant. There’s also Lauren Santo Domingo, who’s like a modern day Carolyn BessetteKennedy. She exudes glamour and opulence, and she’s not apologetic about it.”
HER SENSE OF STYLE.
“It’s never clearly defined. I wear what feels and looks good to me on the day itself.”
HOW SHE LOOKS SEXY YET SOPHISTICATED
“It’s all about understanding your body, proportions and what looks good on you. If it works, it works. If it doesn’t, hide it in your closet and make sure it never sees the light of day ever again,”
WARDROBE MUST-HAVES
“A crisp white shirt, a pair of skinny jeans that flatters your behind, and sunnies.”