FEMALE People Cam: March 2024
In this monthly column, we document real style as seen on the streets of Singapore.
By Pang Jia Wei ,
Our FEMALE People Cam series is not just about showcasing stylish outfits, but also about delving deeper into the personalities behind the fashion. Since fashion is a form of self-expression, what better way to express oneself than by sharing fascinating stories about our lives? That's why we love asking the question: "Tell us a surprising fact about yourself." In this month's edition, we've unearthed some truly intriguing nuggets. For instance, we've discovered a business student with a secret love for jazz music and a model who possesses the peculiar talent of shaking her eyeballs. Yes, we're all about those quirky conversation starters that make us pause, smile, and wonder.
Name: Thomas Ho
Age: 52
Occupation: Works in logistics
Spotted at: Orchard Road
His fit: "The shirt is Junya Watanabe. The jeans are Moncler X Palms Angel. The bag is a Louis Vuitton by Pharrell Williams, and I styled it with a Chanel basketball bag charm. The shoes are by Louis Vuitton too."
The most expensive thing he bought: "I think watches are the 'more expensive' stuff that I indulge in, and I especially like Hublot and Rolex watches. I keep a small collection of both brands, which I hope to pass on to my daughters."
One fashion advice: "The fit! Wear clothes with the right fit."
A brand he would want to wear for the rest of his life: "If I really have to choose now, I guess Louis Vuitton; I simply love the elements of street and chic in their collection now."
Name: Natalie Seow
Age: 24
Occupation: Political science student
Spotted at: Orchard Road
Her fit: "My top is Ann Demeulemeester. I don’t know if you will consider it a top or a dress as the back is open. You can tie it in different ways which is one thing I love about her clothes. My pants are from Professor E. I’m wearing Maison Margiela's Tabis ballet flats and my bag is from Soma Folk."
The most expensive thing she bought: "My pair of Ann Demeulemeester pants I bought at full price to celebrate my internship. Honestly, it was a rash decision. I love the way the fabric flows, the way the pants sit, and how you can tie and style them. It felt a lot more rational back then."
Her favourite fashion era: "I genuinely enjoy the fashion of today. People have a treasure trove of resources to explore, blending old and new, high and low. You can pick up a French work jacket from the 1950s but also collect Maison Margiela to wear with Comme des Garcons or anything you want. There's a lot of playfulness that I wish I had the guts to experiment with a bit more. What I enjoy the most is seeing pieces styled holistically with makeup, in certain themes like we're playing characters. Immediately, I think of Lara Violetta, who I'm obsessed with right now. She doesn't really label herself or is a self-professed archive junkie, and I enjoy that about her style, which I feel is the best representation of what fashion can be today."
Her favourite model: "You've asked quite an impossible question, but if I had to pick, I’d go with my Tumblr namesake (please don’t find my defunct and dead blog) Fei Fei Sun. I first saw her in a Prada campaign for Fall/Winter 2013, and I thank Prada for launching many models' careers. She was one of the minority faces that stood out in the industry then to me for the way she transformed in every campaign that she appeared in. I remember trying so hard to find videos of her on Models.com or Fashion TV. Seeing her cement herself as an iconic Chinese model gave me a taste of representation and pride that 14-year-old me couldn’t quite articulate yet."
Name: Nurul Natasha bite Zainal
Age: 15
Occupation: Student
Her fit: "I recently got this bag from Anteiku Studios. Everything else is from fast fashion brands."
One trend she is obsessed with: "I'm currently obsessed with anything related to leather jackets because I feel like it’s a must-have; it makes every outfit a 10/10."
What does her friend say about her style: "My friend would usually say that I have a unique way of styling clothes or that I'm very fashionable."
The most precious item in her closet: "A sweatshirt that I was gifted. It has a print of Formula 1, Lando Norris's name, and his Formula 1 car all in one, because Lando has been one of my favourite drivers and he's an icon. My interest started when I had just gotten back home from school, and my sister told me that a Formula 1 driver was having an event for free. So when we reached the place, I saw Lando Norris, and that’s when I started to realise the beauty in Formula 1 and the aspect of the whole thing."
Name: Syahid Nirman
Age: 40
Occupation: Sales advisor
Spotted at: Orchard Road
His fit: "I'm wearing a complete Issey Miyake outfit, both top and bottom. The bag, along with the Boyfriend watch, is from Chanel. The shoes are Vans."
His inspiration for his outfit: "Honestly, I don't have a specific inspiration for this look, but rather it's based on the 'vibe' of the day. I typically plan my outfits for the entire workweek and then improvise based on my mood. Clearly, I'm feeling playful today."
The most precious item in his closet: "This might sound mundane, but sneakers. They can either give you a nice and casual look or elevate your appearance for the evening. As a famous quote I heard goes, 'Good shoes take you to good places.'"
A surprising fact about him: "I am actually quite self-conscious about my looks and body; hence, my clothes act as my armour to conceal that awkwardness."
Name: Tamaara Shan
Age: 19
Ocupation: Music student
Spotted at: Funan
Her fit: "The necklace is from Gucci. The rings are all gifts from my girlfriend, and she has matching ones. The boots are from Charles & Keith. Everything else is from Shein."
Her current music obsession: "Beyonce and Yebba. They are both so good! If those two had a baby, that’s who I'd like to be as an artist."
An underrated shopping spot she recommends: "I don’t really shop in stores as much as I do online, but I'd recommend thrift stores or curated thrift stores, mostly around Haji Lane, Peninsula Plaza, Golden Landmark, and, as most would know, Lucky Plaza."
Her ultimate go-to hangout spot in Singapore: "Stage on Prinsep Street. I usually end my day quite late, so Stage is perfect since it closes late, offers good food and drinks, along with live music. It’s a good place to have a chill night or a catch-up session with friends."
Name: Wang Yicheng
Age: 21
Occupation: Student
His fit: "The clothes are from Fear of God and the shoes are Balenciaga."
What he finds most exciting about fashion today: "The inclusivity and the ability to connect through everyone's diverse styles, attitudes toward life, and personalities."
The most expensive fashion item he bought: "A silk scarf shirt from Yohji Yamamoto F/W 2020. It is so smooth, and it flows beautifully. I fell in love with it when I first saw it on the runway. I think this shirt represents the brand's style perfectly."
His favourite designer: "Definitely Yohji Yamamoto. His pieces are clean, rhythmic, and flowy. He is also very anti-trend and anti-fashion, which is cool. He is exceptionally good in menswear, and his clothes remind me of the words in a Chinese poem: '出淤泥而不染, 濯清涟而不妖' which translates to “Coming out of the mud but not stained, washing the clear ripples without being evil."
Name: Yuki Zhu
Age: 43
Occupation: Sales manager
Spotted at: Orchard Road
Her fit: "The full fit is Diesel. The Jadon boots are from Dr. Martens and the watch is a Cartier Santos 100."
One trend she is obsessed with: "After experiencing what we went through with Covid-19, I appreciate my freedom more than ever. I feel it’s essential for me to express that attitude through different fabrics, textures, patterns, and styles."
Her favourite designer: "John Galliano fell from grace after Dior but picked himself up and was reborn when he joined Maison Margiela. I admire him for accepting his complicated past and yet making his new identity a success. He is someone who particularly inspires me both creatively and in terms of life."
The most precious item in her closet: "My La Perla Corset. Lingerie for a female is like a second skin; it makes me feel seductive but comfortably vulnerable at the same time. This corset embraces my femininity and freedom yet commands respect and care from the admirer."
Name: Ally Teo
Age: 20
Occupation: Model and content creator
Spotted at: Orchard Road
Her fit: "The jacket top is from Lululemon. The skirt is thrifted from Vietnam. The shoes are from Onitsuka Tiger, and the bag is the Prada Cleo bag."
A surprising fact about her: "I can shake my eyeballs."
The most precious item in her wardrobe: "A pair of pyjama pants that I’ve worn and owned since I was three."
One brand she will wear for the rest of her life: "Impossible, I’d create my own brand so I can wear everything from it.'"
Her ultimate hangout spot in Singapore: "Apart from my house, the beach. It’s my safe space to reflect and enjoy the sun."
Name: Amrutha Varshini
Age: 19
Occupation: Fashion business student
Spotted: Haji Lane
Her fit: "The top is from Shein. The jeans are from Bershka. The necklaces are a mix of pieces that belong to mum or bought from thrift shops and Aliexpress. The bag is thrifted from Kuala Lumpur, and the shoes are from New Balance."
A surprising fact about her: "Not many people know that I secretly love jazz music."
Her recommended shopping spot: "It would be the New2U thrift shop. They offer many amazing options, and a portion of the proceeds goes to charity, so you contribute to charity while shopping."
Her ultimate hangout spot in Singapore: "Tiong Bahru or the Central area because I just love the city, and there are so many cute cafes and stores to explore."
Name: Rui Jia
Age: 22
Occupation: Student
Spotted at: Singapore Indoor Stadium
Her fit: "I bought the sweater overseas, so I can't remember where it is from. The jeans are from Brandy Melville, and the bag is from Cos. The beanie is from Charles Jeffrey Loverboy."
A fashion advice she swears by: "Try something different to find what suits you best. Don’t be afraid to break your own mould; you may discover that the style you thought was right for you might not be the best fit, but the style you never dared to try could give you a pleasant surprise."
The most precious item in her closet: "It's hard to choose… I can only think of the wool Charles Jeffrey Loverboy Loverboy hat with bunny ears I am wearing in the photo. Because it’s the same style as my favourite group, Enhypen. I wore it to their concert and they saw me in it and reacted to it, so it is now a precious memory to me."
Current music obsession: "I'm currently obsessed with anything K-pop. While I listen to a variety of songs and music genres, K-pop makes up the overwhelming majority. It's hard to say why – maybe because I am a dedicated fan (stan) of K-pop idols, and I'm more familiar with it? Interestingly, some idols' clothing and makeup styles serve as my reference and fashion inspiration. At times, I even directly buy the same items as my bias."
Name: Syakirah Maliyana
Age: 21
Occupation: Student
Spotted at: Singapore Indoor Stadium
Her fit: "Both my top and skirt are from Ugly Shadow, a Korean-based brand. The leg warmers are from Krank, another Korean brand. I paired them with some Adidas. The bag is from Carlyn, which is also a Korean brand."
One brand she will wear for the rest of her life: "There are so many; I can't choose, but I love Korean brands in general, as you can tell from my outfit."
Her fashion hero:"Jennie from Blackpink is someone I admire. I love all the different ways she styles her hair, both on and off stage. She's just really cool."
Her current music obsession: "I love K-pop, with BTS being my ultimate group."
Name: Fadhilah Yacob
Age: 28
Occupation: Freelance stylist
Spotted at: Orchard Road
Her fit:"The blazer, bodysuit, and jeans are all from Zara. My sneakers are from New Balance, the necklace is from Lovisa, and the sunglasses are from Gentle Monster. Lastly, my bag is from Myshell, which is a Korean brand."
What she finds most exciting about fashion today: "To me, the most exciting aspect of fashion today is its inclusivity. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from; fashion connects people! As someone who wears the hijab, I feel proud to see my fellow hijabi sisters on the cover of magazines or strutting down the runway. It’s touching and inspiring to witness. There is someone to look up to for everyone."
A surprising fact about her: "I did not always work in fashion. I have a background in interior design before transitioning to fashion, but I’ve always had a passion for anything that involves art and design."
An underrated label in Singapore: "I’m not sure if they're underrated, but I recommend our local modest-wear brand called Kaifiyyah. Its oversized designs are not only suitable for those who are into modest wear, but anyone can wear them. It’s very minimalistic, and you can dress up or dress down accordingly."
Name: Maeve Tan
Age: 23
Occupation: Fashion business student
Spotted at: Haji Lane
Her fit: "The top is a recent purchase from Cherry Thrift. The skirt is from Phuket. I forgot where my belt is from and lastly, the bag is Balenciaga."
What she finds most exciting about fashion today: "Seeing more Singaporeans creatively expressing themselves through fashion inspires me to think outside the box in styling myself both fashionably and comfortably in this humid weather."
A surprising fact about her: "When I was younger, I was obsessed with singing, so I auditioned for a role in my primary school musical and performed for several nights."
The most precious item in her closet: "A Coach Ergo 33 upcycled woven leather shoulder bag in brown. I always receive compliments and questions when I wear this bag out because it makes such a statement piece and serves as a conversation starter. It is sustainably made from remnant leather strips from past Coach collections, forming its colourful woven panels."
Name: Jermaine Ho
Age: 24
Occupation: Owner of fashion store Plop and content creator
Spotted at: Orchard Road
Her fit: "The top is from Ghostboy. The shorts and bag are from Vietnamese brands, but I can't remember the names. The shoes are from Korean brand, Ugly Shadow."
Her usual style: "My style is usually black and white. I do like monochrome quite a bit, but I'm trying to explore more colour in my style this year. That's my resolution for the year. Hold me accountable for it."
One brand she will wear for the rest of her life: "If I have to choose, I do like Balenciaga, Prada, and Rick Owens."
Name: Kwan Kavan
Age: 21
Occupation: Student and part-time model signed to Now Model Management
Spotted at: Orchard Road
His fit: "The jacket and jeans are both from Zara. I'm wearing a tank top from Cos underneath it. The shoes, Adidas x Wales Bonner Sambas, were purchased from End Clothing."
What he finds most exciting about fashion today: "Recently, undoubtedly, it's the promotion of androgynous fashion and dressing. It’s great to see people experimenting with what’s traditionally marketed as 'masculine' or 'feminine' and embracing what they feel comfortable and confident in."
His style icon:"Jacob Elordi. It's the way he blends New York street style attitude with the quiet luxury he possesses, and I truly adore it."
His ultimate hang-out spot in SG: "Cheng Mun Chee Kee Pig’s Organ Soup in Foch Road. I've been going there since Primary Four. It's a great escape from the bustle of shopping malls, and, most importantly, it serves really good pig’s organ soup."
Name: Louis Poh
Age: 26
Occupation: Model signed to Now Model Management
Spotted at: Orchard Road
His fit: "My brown suede jacket is thrifted from Johor Bahru. The inner shirt is from Uniqlo, and the jeans are from No Faith Studios. The boots are from Zara."
The most expensive item in his wardrobe: "My Maison Margiela Tabi boots. I mean, come on, how can you resist a good pair of Tabis?"
One brand he will wear for the rest of his life: "Diesel. Growing up, I always had random Diesel shirts and underwear at home. It's one of the first brands I was ever exposed to. Its recent comeback under Glenn Martens is exceptionally good. I feel a strong resonance with the direction, along with the added sense of nostalgic sentiment I have with the brand."
The most memorable experience he's had as a model: "It has to be my very first placement in Hong Kong. I had the pleasure of experiencing a whole different living and work culture, all while meeting other like-minded models from all over the world. It was something that was never in my plans, and I am eternally grateful."
Name: Matilda Patricia Wuysan
Age: 22
Occupation: Fashion advisor
Spotted at: Orchard Road
Her Fit:"Everything I'm wearing today is actually thrifted. The top, bustier, and skirt are from Indonesia; I got them from an online store called Fairytale Corset. Oh, the belt is thrifted too. My Balenciaga City bag is secondhand. I bought it in Singapore for only $250!"
Biggest misconception about working in fashion: "Many think fashion is all fun and games, that we only 'play dress-up' to look pretty. But in reality, at the back end, it's a crazy mess and chaos. There's little sleep, pattern making and sewing are not easy, and we look lifeless most of the time behind the scenes."
One brand she thinks people need to know now: "I had to point out one, I would say Doublet. It is doing something super interesting and fun. Its concept is always very weird, in a good way. It needs more recognition."
A surprising fact about her: "I thrift for people too. I run an Instagram page with my friend where we personally thrift and customise selections for people!"