With more than 226,000 followers on her Instagram, Willabelle Ong (@willamazing) is one of Singapore’s rising fashion stars. Thanks to her impeccable style, envy-inducing wardrobe, and a willingness to not take herself so seriously on social media (her TikTok videos are fashion comedy gold that will have you hooked), she has endeared herself to fans with her tongue-in-cheek approach to fashion. Here, the style star shares her tips for getting a great shot, her go-to look for a night out and her style pet peeves.
Occupation: My love for photography and fashion has led me to being a digital creative, and on the side I am also currently pursuing my passion for art and paintings.
What’s your favourite social media platform? Instagram and TikTok.
First app you check when you wake up: WhatsApp, to wish my family in Australia ‘good morning’.
Describe your personal style with three hashtags: #Eclectic, #elegant but #masculine.
What was the last thing you saved on Instagram? How adorable are these mini Loewe bags?
Do you prefer posting on Stories or grid? Grid, simply because of how much more aesthetically pleasing it looks.
Filter or #nofilter? Depends on the image, but typically #nofilter or very subtle.
Favourite filter: I love the Negative filters on RNI Films.
Favourite editing apps: Snapseed, Lightroom and RNI Films.
What pisses you off the most on social media? Fake news.
Favourite accounts to follow on Instagram: @kellywearstler, @roseinc, @archdigest
One idea/thought that you heard recently that you found interesting: A session on Clubhouse was discussing how Instagram could be implementing in-app monetisation through IGTV in the near future, meaning an audience could potentially gift ‘badges’ or ‘donations’ to a user. Not sure how true this is though.
The secret to getting a great shot: Composition, lighting, and nailing the perfect angle.
Style icons/inspirations: I love the elegance of Grace Kelly, the timelessness of Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, and the eclecticism of Tilda Swinton.
Go-to look for a night out: An oversized blazer with shoulder pads, preferably embellished and black, over leggings paired with slouchy knee-high boots.
Best beauty secret: Always wear sunscreen, even when you’re indoors.
Style pet peeve: VPL (Visible Panty Line).
Last purchase you made: I’ve been revamping my art room, and its latest addition was the Hermès Avalon throw blanket.
What’s always in your bag? Wallet, hand sanitiser and lipstick.
One style quote that you live by: “You can never be overdressed or overeducated.” —Oscar Wilde.
Most prized possession(s) in your closet: A classic timepiece that was gifted by my husband.
Last book you read? Killing Commendatore by Haruki Murakami
Greatest accomplishment: Being brave enough to turn my passion into a full-time business. I’m also incredibly humbled to have been commissioned by brands and private collectors for my paintings.
