Most Stylish Women 2013

ZAIREEN IBRAHIM

ZAIREEN IBRAHIM

Dress, Roland Mouret. Earrings, her own.

Your personal style?

I never shy from a good piece that I can wear forever and love reinventing classics to create my own look.

Fashion inspiration?

Grace Coddington once said “Always keep your eyes open, keep watching. Because whatever you see can inspire you.” Most of the time it’s instinct.

How has your style changed in the last 10 years?

I’ve grown a deeper appreciation for quality and design.
Your favourite gold piece?

A fully-embellished jacket from Farah Khan. It’s the fastest way to go from zero to hero; throw it over anything and the look is completely elevated.

A defining fashion moment?

During a recent trip to Milan and Paris Fashion Week, I got to meet some of my favourite fashion designers and style icons like Kate Moss. Also, meeting Bill Cunningham – he took a photo of me taking a photo of him!

LYNETTE OW

LYNETTE OW

Dress, Emilio Pucci. Givenchy shoes, her own.

Your personal style?

I’d like to quote Matchbox 20: “Not crazy, just a little unwell.” It runs from severely corporate to downright costume-y (I like the thought of being ready for a surprise themed party).

Fashion inspiration?

Music, movies, and the way the clothes move. In terms of personalities, I subscribe to the regal-rock vibe of Florence Welch, Keira Knightley, and Leandra Medine of Manrepeller.com. Right this moment though, I’m particularly inspired by architecture and home décor. The two books I’m immersing myself in are Living With Design by David Hicks and Mark Hampton On Decorating.

How has your style changed in the last 10 years?

I dress with the same sensibility and vigour as I did a decade ago. The difference is that the fashion statements are quieter, or at least I think so. I’d like to think that I’m wiser, cooler, more “effortless” now.

Your favourite gold piece?

My Delfina Delettrez fly ring, which looks extra-conspicuous with fire-engine red nails.

Style is … in the way you walk, talk, and tango.

STEPHANIE TI MAY LING

STEPHANIE TI MAY LING

Jacket and pants, both Michael Kors. Ring, Emilio Pucci. Necklace, her own.

Your personal style?

Vivacious pretty much sums it up. Orson Welles once said, “Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn.”

A perennial icon?

My mother. I remember watching her dress while I frolicked in her pearls, danced in her high heels, and played with her Elizabeth Arden lipsticks.

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How has your style changed in the last 10 years?

I was a lot more laidback then. I loved the beach, and was friends with surfers who lived in torn jeans, loose shirts, and bikinis. Later, I fell in love with structured blazers, tailored dresses, and knee-length skirts. These days, it’s dresses by Alannah Hill, Cue, and Review, paired with a pink or yellow blazer.

What will you never part with?

My Elie by Elie Saab wedding gown. It’s fantasy and seduction in a single dress.

Your favourite gold piece?

An Hermès Collier de Chien cuff in black leather and gold hardware my husband bought for me in Paris this year, and a pair of black patent Ferragamo pumps with metal gold ribbons.

Style is … a celebration of life.

ESTEE SOO

ESTEE SOO

Trench coat, Burberry Prorsum. Rings, her own.

Essential items?

I am so in love with my huge pearl earrings right now. My boys call them ping pong balls.

Fashion inspiration?

Instagram. I follow instagrammers and bloggers, and their posts inspire my OOTD (outfit of the day).

What will you never part with?

My diamond Cartier Love bangles and the Juste Un Clou bangle my husband gave me. I haven’t taken them off since.

A defining fashion moment?

When I purchased my very first classic black lambskin Chanel handbag with yellow gold hardware in my early ’20s. I love its timeless look and since then have collected quite a number in different colours, leathers, textures, and designs.

What do you currently have your eye on?

A pair of Hodel baroque pearl earrings in the shape of a swan encrusted with delicate diamonds and rubies. My heart palpitates when I see it.

Style is … personal and individual. It has to come from what you want and not what others think you should follow.

TENGKU SISKA ALISA TENGKU ALAUDDIN SHAH

TENGKU SISKA ALISA TENGKU ALAUDDIN SHAH             

Essential items?

Large sunnies, oversized watches, pencil skirts, printed dresses, wide belts and tuxedo jackets. Oh, and sky-high heels, of course.

Which fashion trend will you be

trying on next season?

I don’t really follow fashion trends. I wear things that I like, that suit my style. That said, I can’t wait for the new Victoria Beckham collection to hit the stores – major love!

A defining fashion moment?

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When Hedi Slimane joined Saint Laurent.

One item you currently have your eye on?

A Rolex Daytona Rainbow in white gold.

Style is … individual expression. It is the combination of the way you dress, talk, move. It’s a reflection of your inner being.

IZABEL JAHJA

IZABEL JAHJA

Jumpsuit; and heels, both from Gucci.

Your personal style? 

Elegant and chic. Sometimes exotic, sometimes androgynous.

Your current look?

Right now, classic, often monochromatic pieces, which are practical for a mum who’s constantly on the move.

Perennial icons?

Kate Moss, Sofia Coppola, and Diana Vreeland. I also love Lenny Kravitz’s style. The late Anna Piaggi, too. And Iris Apfel has such a chic yet fun sense of style.

How has your style changed in the last 10 years?

My husband’s love for colour is now evident in my wardrobe that used to carry a lot more black and neutral tones.

What will you never leave the house without?

Accessories, accessories, accessories.

Fashion items you currently have your eye on? 

The Maison Martin Margiela x Converse sneakers and Norma Kamali’s latest collection of pants, tights, and jackets.

Style is … a form of self respect.

KIM RAYMOND

KIM RAYMOND

Embellished bodysuit; and leather dress, both from Saint Laurent. Ankle boots, her own.

Your current look?

At the moment I’m living in my ripped boyfriend jeans, either dressed up with heels or dressed down with flip flops.

Perennial icon?

It has always been Ashley Olsen.

How has your style changed in the last 10 years?

I used to be quite a girly girl when I was younger. Over the years I have grown an appreciation for loosely-fitted unisex clothing, with lots of drapes.

One thing in your wardrobe you’ll never part with?

My leggings. Whenever I have nothing to wear, I turn to them.

Your favourite gold piece?

A pair of peep-toe booties from the Chanel Paris-Bombay collection.

A defining fashion moment?

When fashion blogging first started.

I love street-style bloggers; fashion takes on new meaning when you see people on the streets rocking their wonderful outfits every day.

MUSTASHA MUSA

MUSTASHA MUSA

Jacket; and pants, both from Michael Michael Kors. Tank, Bottega Veneta. Necklace, Emilio Pucci. Cuff, Fendi.

Your personal style?

Geometric archi-cool.

Your current look?

Serene but snappy, structured but fluid. I am a shoe person, a sexy pair is a must!

Perennial icons?

Tilda Swinton for her bold and futuristic style. Also, Twiggy in her heyday.

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How has your style changed in the last 10 years?

I am obsessed about details and structure – it is everything to me now as compared to my preoccupation with colours and patterns then.

Favourite designers?

Currently, Phoebe Philo, Hussein Chalayan, Raf Simons, Innai, Alia Bastamam, and Khoon Hooi.

A defining fashion moment?

‘Fashion In Motion: Issey Miyake’s Pleats Please’ exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum London, circa 2001.

What do you currently have your eye on?

I can’t decide between United Nude x Zaha Hadid’s Nova shoes and Roger Vivier’s Virgules!

Style is … a philosophy.

MUHAINI MAHMUD

MUHAINI MAHMUD

 

Top; and skirt, both from Khoon Hooi. Cuff, Bottega Veneta. Watch, her own.

How has your style changed in the last 10 years?

I am actually quite a tomboy at heart. My style has evolved from sharp suits to ladylike dresses and now, bold colours and daring cuts.

Favourite fashion piece in gold and how do you wear it?

My gold Lanvin necklace that spells ‘Love’ from the Autumn/Winter ’13 collection, worn with an LBD.

Perennial style icons?

Actress Olivia Palermo and bloggers Ingrid Chua and Chiara Ferragni.

Style is … not following the trend. It’s creating my own look that will eternally be me.

SHANA AZAHARI

 

Shana

Your current look and essential style items?

Balancing my casual personality with a bit of corporate is what I do best so it’d be a tank top, slacks, flats, and a bag from my online store, Clutchthatbag.com.

How has your style changed in the last 10 years?

I used to be much louder and a lot more experimental but I’ve since gravitated to
the understated look.

Go-to labels?

Valentino for complementing the female form, Victoria Beckham for keeping it clean and doing the basics dressed up very well, Marni for being quirky yet stylish and youthful. Also, Charlotte Olympia and Kate Spade for being fun and daring to create novelties.

Which fashion trend will you be trying on next season?

I’m not for trends but I do believe I shall be going for more florals.

The one fashion item you currently have your eye on?

Origami jewellery.

Style is … the unconscious expression of a person’s state of mind. You give away everything, just by getting dressed.

 Styled by: Kenneth Goh. Images by: Chuan Looi.