FEMALE People Cam: Jan 2024
Our monthly compendium showcasing true Singaporean style as captured on the streets
By Pang Jia Wei,
You know the drill: new year, new resolutions. Could that same tune be sung by some of the new-gen style set we often meet for this column? In this month's edition, we shake things up at the trendy 35A in Kampong Bahru – it went from being a hair salon loved by Gen Zers to a mini nightclub for just one wild night last December, all in celebration of its first anniversary. The perfect moment to toss out our burning question. Plus, we hit the streets, our usual turf, to snap some folks. Wondering what gems they dropped? Keep scrolling for the scoop.
Name: Fangcee
Age: 26
Occupation: Singer-songwriter
Spotted at: Joo Chiat
Her fit: "The blazer is thrifted, and these shorts used to be a pair of jeans, but I decided to turn them into micro shorts. The bag is Balenciaga, and the fur shoes are from Shein."
Her style inspiration: "Doja Cat doesn't follow any particular style; she follows what she believes in."
The most precious item in her closet: "My Cagole XS bag from Balenciaga, which was made exclusively for the Year of the Rabbit."
Name: Natalie Tjia
Age: 27
Occupation: Senior project manager
Spotted at: Orchard Road
Her fit: "Both my bag and boots are from Charles & Keith. The top is from a brand called Another Muse, and I bought the skirt in Korea."
What might surprise people about her: "I lowkey enjoy partying despite being an extreme introvert."
One trend she'd like to try in the new year: "There’s nothing in particular I want to try, but I do want to wear fewer athleisure outfits."
Name: Donna Chua
Age: 21
Occupation: Student
Spotted at: 35A first-anniversary party
Her fit: "Starting with the ribbons in my hair together with the socks – both are from Taobao. The dress is from British online label Motel Rocks. The belt is from thrift store Unwasteland in Queensway Shopping Centre, and the boots are New Rock dupes. My temporary tattoo on my chest and my necklace are from my brand @ep1cgirl – all designed by me."
One fashion advice she swears by: "I dress according to my mood, comfort, and aesthetic. All these factors are equally important to me because that's how you'll feel your best self that day."
The most precious item in her closet: "I have a gorgeous vintage pink asymmetrical patterned top from the French brand Morgan de Toi that is extremely unique. I happened to have found it in Bali too, so that's cool."
Name: Matthew Judah
Age: 25
Occupation: DJ
Spotted at: 35A first-anniversary party
His fit: "The shades are from Gentle Monster. The jacket is from a Chinese designer; I forgot who. The mesh tank top is from Uniqlo, from the women's section. The pants are from American brand Delia's, and lastly, the boots are from Timberland."
His favourite designer and why: "I love to support my friends’ brands: @ghostboy.club, @notinlist, @lasikindustries, and @__doubleback. I also really like Korean brands such as Post Archive Faction and Thug Club."
How has being a DJ influenced his style: "I am constantly on the lookout for pieces that I think would resonate with my sound. The more experimental I get with my sound, the more adventurous I become with my dressing."
Name: Jewel Chin
Age: 21
Occupation: Undergraduate majoring in data science and artificial intelligence
Spotted at: 35A first-anniversary party
Her fit: "My top is from Godung11, a Thai brand. The jeans and belt are both thrifted from Johor Bahru. The loafers are from Taobao, and the pleated sleeves is a hand-knitted piece from my brand String of Kisses."
A piece of fashion advice she swears by: "Dress intuitively! While we might want to be perceived a certain way by others, we should let loose and put ourselves first."
A new style she would try in this new year: "I would like to incorporate gorpcore pieces into my current mix of styles, especially when I'm doing an internship soon, and also try new colours I don't usually wear, like purple and muted yellow."
Name: Megan Vanessa
Age: 24
Occupation: Model
Spotted at: 35A first-anniversary party
Her fit: "My top is from my Thai friend who makes crochet tops under the label @aek_starbull and sells them at BangSue Junction Market in Bangkok. My jeans are thrifted, my shoes are from Asos, the bag is from a small handmade goods shop in Bangkok, the jacket is a vintage 1980s Scully piece I got on eBay, my glasses are from @thehippieshake, and the jewellery is from everywhere – mainly from my aunt or local businesses."
Fashion advice she swears by: "I live by this quote from the late, great Vivienne Westwood: 'Buy less. Choose well. Make it last. Quality over quantity.' Labels don’t mean much when you put it into perspective because if something works for you and you like it, you’ll feel like a million bucks anyway."
One celebrity’s closet she would raid: “Alexa Chung’s without a doubt.”
Name: Rice Tan
Age: 24
Occupation: Photographer
Spotted at: 35A first-anniversary party
Her fit: "My top is from a brand called IScreamColour from Taobao. The necklace is by Vivienne Westwood. The cargo pants are from Adidas. The bag is the Croissant by Lemaire. The shoes are from Moopie Nazca."
A new style she'd like to try in the new year: "I love the small top, big pants moment, but I would like to experiment with small tops paired with small pants."
How being a photographer has influenced her style: "I pay attention to elements such as proportions, textures, and shapes, considering the character or image I want to portray with my outfit. This process is akin to storytelling through the images I capture."
Name: Loo Wen Xin
Age: 26
Occupation: Photographer
Spotted at: 35A first-anniversary party
Her fit: "The denim vest is vintage Levi’s. The skirt, belt, and bag are all from (Singapore handcrafted goods brand) The Roller Parlour. The Mary Janes are from Charles and Keith."
Her favourite designer: "Hedi Slimane. In my opinion, his designs stand out but are still wearable for any occasion. The models, music, lighting, clothing, and location are all so distinctive that it’s unmistakably Hedi. Everything he produces evokes a feeling of nostalgia while introducing something fresh."
A new style she'd like to try in the new year: "I am hoping to incorporate more feminine formal pieces into my daily wardrobe, blending them with the essence of whichever music I'm feeling."
Name: Sherinn Azman
Age: 24
Occupation: Model
Spotted at: 35A first-anniversary party
Her fit: "The sequin dress is from Mango. The tube top under it is from Cotton On. The jeans are thrifted. The boots are from Aldo, and the bag is from (British brand) Keddo."
Her favourite designer and why: "Simon Porte Jacquemus, period! I love the colour palettes in every collection – how there's a range from conservative to sexy, a little bit for everyone. I'm always manifesting for my tai-tai era with a full Jacquemus wardrobe."
Her style inspiration: "I’m always looking up to Kylie Jenner for style inspiration, and she’s currently in her clean, minimal girl era. As someone who loves camp, I’m intrigued to see if I can pull it off just as effortlessly as her."
Name: Chervin Lois
Age: 23
Occupation: Activewear designer
Spotted at: 35A first-anniversary party
Her fit: "The star of the show, aka my headpiece, is from (Singapore beadwork label) Denise Chong Adornments. The boots are Ann Demeulemeester. The top is just a basic black crop top, and the pants are from Taobao."
What might surprise people about her: "Occasionally, I like to switch things up and go by a different name when I'm hitting up events, parties, or just chatting with strangers. It's all in good fun, just to spice things up and explore different facets of life incognito."
A new style she'd like to try in the new year: "Incorporating activewear into my styling, such as sports leggings with kitten heels. Why not?"
Name: Beki Zhang
Age: 27
Occupation: Business developer
Spotted at: Orchard Road
Her fit: "My hair accessory, shoes, and bag are all Chanel. The tank top is Prada, and the skirt is Thom Browne."
Her style inspiration and why: "I enjoy observing celebrities' airport fashion because it often strikes a balance between practicality and style. Blackpink's Jennie, in particular, resonates with me. Her overall fashion sense is both practical and aligns closely with my own."
The most precious item in her closet: "My Patek Philippe watch, given to me by someone very important."
Name: Kulvinder Singh
Age: 23
Occupation: Barista
Spotted at: Orchard Road
His fit: "My denim jacket is from Uniqlo, and the tote is something I got from a music gig I attended. The pants are from a local market in Thailand and lastly the boots are Dr Martens."
Spotted at: Orchard Road
What might surprise people about him: "I like to eat raw garlic sometimes."
One thing he’d like to try in the new year: "Getting more into meditation and also learning how to surf."
Name: Foo Yiwen
Age: 24
Occupation: Fresh Graduate
Spotted at: Orchard Road
Her fit: "My whole outfit is from Taobao. The bag is a Lemaire dupe, and the split toe 'Margiela'-esque sneakers are from Nike."
Fashion advice she swears by: "Dress to impress yourself, especially by building a style with clothes that make you feel comfortable. It’s crucial to establish a connection and joy with the clothing you wear as they serve as instruments of self-expression. For instance, if a leopard-print top feels empowering and is your calling, just go for it."
The most precious item in her closet: "A Hermes scarf that belonged to my mum. It was given to her as a present 20 years ago, and it's still in very good condition. I am in awe of its quality and workmanship. Even after 20 years, there is no sign of deterioration."