How closely do you follow fashion?
Design Museum
Being a shopaholic, pretty closely, although I’m not obsessive.
Pearl Lam
Do you read a fashion magazine on a regular basis?
Design Museum
Not regularly, although I’ll read them on my iPad on the plane.
Pearl Lam
Do you consult fashion blogs?
Design Museum
No, my taste is quite unique.
Pearl Lam
When did you become aware of fashion?
Design Museum
At a young age. My mother projected Shanghai glamour.
Pearl Lam
How would you describe your relationship with clothes?
Design Museum
Clothes are a form of self-expression. I use clothes and accessories to re-proportion my body and project my mood.
Pearl Lam
When did you develop your own ‘style’ - do you feel that you have one - what is your basic 'look'?
Design Museum
I’ve always had ‘style’, but I’ve been more consistent about it in the past twenty years. My ‘uniform’ consists of platform wedges or boots, chunky bracelets, wide-legged jeans, and a nice top - preferably strong colours. I complete the look with a textured bag - usually crocodile.
Pearl Lam
Do you have a preference for particular shapes, colours, fabrics or textures?
Who are your favourite designers and why (historical and contemporary)?
Design Museum
I like shapes that help to elongate my figure like A-line skirts and dresses, wide-legged pants, and low-cut tops. I like strong colours and prefer luxurious fabrics for dresses. My favourite designers are Alexander McQueen, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Dolce & Gabbana. I liked what Nicolas Ghesquière did for Balenciaga. I also like high street fashion.
Pearl Lam
Do you use a personal shopper?
Design Museum
No, but the shop assistants at my favourite boutiques know what I like.
Pearl Lam
How much do you involve your partner in clothes buying?
Design Museum
I shop for myself and don’t need outside input.
Pearl Lam
What percentage of your income goes on clothes purchases annually?
Design Museum
I would imagine not a small amount.
Pearl Lam
How many pairs of shoes or handbags do you have?
Design Museum
Too many to count, although I tend to rotate between the same pairs of shoes when I find a fit I like.
Pearl Lam
How important is hair and make-up to you?
Design Museum
Very important. I’m obsessed with my hair.
Pearl Lam
Do you buy seasonally or when the need or mood dictates?
Design Museum
Is there a difference between your public and private wardrobe - if so, what are the reasons behind this?
Design Museum
Not really. I’ll go to meetings in my jeans. I dress up more for parties.
Pearl Lam
How do you view fashion and clothes in relation to your professional standing?
Design Museum
I’m fortunate to work in a creative industry, where I can be creative with my wardrobe.
Pearl Lam
To what extent does your professional role inform your fashion choices? Does fashion empower you? What outfit would most empower you and why?
Design Museum
Even if I didn’t work in the art industry, I would try to dress the same. I enjoy dressing up and down, although I’m never sloppy. Fashion is empowering - ‘power suits’ do the job nicely. A well-tailored jacket fits everyone well.
Pearl Lam
What does fashion in the future need to do to help women / to empower them?
Design Museum
Fashion is going in the right direction - clothes can be comfortable and empowering. The best thing fashion can do for women is to give them choice. We all don’t want to dress the same.
Pearl Lam
