Last week, we came together to celebrate three years of Vogue Singapore’s dedication to empowering and inspiring readers through intelligent storytelling and thought-provoking content. Since its launch in 2020, you could sum Vogue Singapore up as a trailblazing platform, always thinking of the future with an astounding record of Vogue-firsts under its fashionable belt—the NFT issue, melding fashion with AR technology, the pioneering use of AI for cover models and so much more.
In present day, Next in Vogue really was all about championing new talent and bringing together voices in this space of innovation and fashion. As host, moderator and emcee, I feel as if I’ve had a special guest pass into the event, which allowed me to step right into the pages of the fashion bible, even just for a fleeting weekend. While it was incredibly glamorous, those operating behind the veil of media know that it takes a ton of grit and graft before we get to the pretty pictures.
Speaking of—let’s talk fashion. This is Vogue after all, so the most important question on my mind was: “What am I going to wear?” For a usually very indecisive individual, I’m very selective and discerning when it comes to my personal style. I’ve never engaged a stylist and instead conjure up all my looks in my mind, then embark on a mission to find the pieces.
Here’s a snapshot of my weekend as the host of Next in Vogue.
DAY ONE
My first gig on the rundown was moderating a panel discussion on “music and entertainment and how it’s influencing fashion.” I’m old school, so old-fashioned cue cards are always a must. My process for this type of work is largely spent in the weeks leading up, researching and scripting. My make-up artist Kat and I love to play with different styles, especially if it’s a fashion event. We settled on a dark lip and little curl, because, why not?
I decided to wear a Dolce & Gabbana black sheer number with white capped sleeves and collar—professional meets fashion, sprinkled with a little sexy. A chequerboard colour-way would end up being my aesthetic for the entire weekend. I adore Italian cutting—it’s ultra feminine and hugs you in all the right places.
The scene for the conference. No matter how many years I’ve been hosting (I think it’s been 15 years and counting) I still get pre-showtime nerves. But actually, I lean into those feelings now as it reminds me that I’m focused. Hopefully I come off as confident and cool as a cucumber to the audience, though. Thanks for sharing the couch with me Kheng Hua, Andrea, Glenn and Fiona—it felt like old friends having a meaningful chat.
DAY TWO
Starting the day with my fairy glam-mother Kat and Chanel Beauty. We decided our inspo would be Lily-Rose Depp’s sultry smokey, feline eye and over-lined pout. Of course, fresh, glowy skin is always a priority, especially now I’m officially in my 40s.
This wasn’t your everyday glam experience though. We were filming a Vogue Singapore ‘Get Ready With Me’ video which was just so much fun. I am full of gratitude to be part of it—teamwork makes the dream work and there are so many people that work tirelessly behind the scenes to make someone like me look good.
Interviewing on the black carpet commences. There is no buzz like a carpet buzz. You have zero idea when guests will show, it’s variable who you will end up interviewing, there are bright lights flashing and just overall incredible fan fare. It seems surreal. As a fan of Emily in Paris, it was very chouette to interview actress Ashley Park.
As for my own look—the theme for the Gala was ‘Power Play’, and immediately a classic suiting silhouette came to mind. There is a serendipitous backstory to how these looks came to be. Brandy Dallas, a dear friend and founder of locally-based label Sans Faff, had given me a preview of her SS24 collection months ago. As soon as I heard the theme, I immediately secured these epic ensembles, which really are first-looks seeing as they haven’t dropped yet. A truly Next in Vogue moment.
Time for a quick outfit change for the emceeing portion of the evening. I went with another Sans Faff suit, a Jacquemus conch earring and this incredible ‘Biomorph Saucer’ by Eskpade Millinery, a Singapore-based brand. This hat is a blend of the traditional (in its shape and velvet texture) and modern, with its unique oil slick feature. Fun fact: Vogue Singapore editor-in-chief Desmond Lim commissioned this piece and it was featured in the magazine.
My co-emcee Andrea Savage was a joy to work with. She let me style her in Sans Faff SS24 as she knows I’m pedantic about a cohesive and complementary appearance on stage (I say this half jokingly). Above, we are seen getting in our Next in Vogue feels, only a prelude to the star-studded night.
Producer David Bay
Director Paul Christian
Editor Jack Sutcliffe
Production Manager Skye
DoP Chris Dickinson
Assistant Camera Dominic Cheok Huang
Camera operator Fathir Ismail
Make-up Katrine Zhang
Hair Yann Beyrie
Production assistants Anna Ivanova and Natalia Sienna
Words Yvette King