2 / nov & dec 14 / the road is home
NINTH
contents
note When I first told Chris (the photographer) about my plans for this issue, our enthusiasm started accumulating in the form of absurdity - I wanted to scatter Char Siew Baos on the road and he wanted to plant lighted lanterns everywhere. Absurdity at its finest. It is like home, anyway. Chinatown is where most of our dimsum memories were built, otherwise ruined by the thought of the Chinese New Year crowd that my mom loves to join in. Her interest in being sardined is obviously not hereditary. I thoroughly enjoyed developing this issue, seeing that the perception of ‘home’ is differently bred in everyone’s heart. As you view this issue, please approach it with an open heart and let your heart run wild. To keep the theme alive, I am glad that I got to interview Veena McCoole for the Q&A section. A traveler at heart and in everyday life, Veena sets an inspirational example of finding comfort and love in different places. With yet another issue taking off, I’m especially grateful for the team that went all out to make this right. Unpredictable hurdles like battling the late-night road traffic were problems that shrivelled quickly as the fun started. As for you, dear reader, thank you for making it here. I hope that you feel as at home as we did while working on this issue. No Char Siew Baos were harmed in the making of this issue. Lots of love.
Left
Shirt - H&M, Necklace - Topshop Achieve the outof-bed look with an oversized shirt. Model wears a size 14 shirt backwards.
the Roadis
home cover story
the heart of it all What
really goes down in Chinatown?
Think buildings competing for attention. Rare, old Victorian detailing against structures boasting the boldest kind of Chinese red and People’s Park Centre soaring into the night sky. Then there is a thickness in the air. Spitting their share of carbon monoxide, yellow Nissan Cedrics (the Singaporean version of a yellow taxi, of course) and other cars alike pollute your chances of finding your way to the best bak kwa. Walk through the streets and you will soon find yourself lost in a stretch of stores waiting for your patronage. Merlion magnets, cheap mementos and a cheongsam might get thrown in your direction. Randomly whip out your wallet and hear their prices plunge as you walk further away.
Here
Hood Top - Ally, Peplum Top - Hollister, Skirt - Stylist’s Own, Heels - Target, Cap - Bardot Tone down formal office wear with the less serious pieces taken off the sportsluxe trend
It is becoming apparent that Chinatown has become home to more than just the older generations, it is also a place that always leaves space to evolve. While state-of-theart museums and offices grow around and within this area, traces of its Hokkien, Cantonese and Teochew roots remain prevalent. There is an intimate serendipity in Chinatown that still has our generation attached to, and perhaps the our experiences have already taught us to go back to the heart of it all.
Here
Overcoat - Stylist’s Sleeping Bag Shirt - Uniqlo Hairspray - V05 Recreate this look with a Blanket Jacket - this winter’s key piece as seen in Burberry. Achieve the bed-head look by tousling hair with regular hairspray.
Q& a
SevenInchStilettos.com
Meet veena mccoole
1
Who is your favourite person of the moment? Definitely Taylor Swift. She’s doing everything right to navigate today’s media and entertainment industry with minimal superficiality and diva-attitude. While other role models for adolescent girls are known to fall down the drain at one point or another in their career, I’m confident that Taylor will remain someone healthy and holistic for everyone, young or old, to look up to for years to come.
2
You’re 17 and already achieving so much, however has age ever been in the way? I think age is only an obstacle if you make it one. Although I feel like some people I’ve worked with in the industry can be a little condescending or patronizing of me or what I do because of the age difference between most people present at events and myself, I try not to let that bother me and continue pursuing something I love.
3
4
Having been blogging between Singapore and the UK, does your blogging content differ in between countries? Most definitely; when I’m back in Singapore I touch base with many of my clients, coordinate the bulk of my sponsorship content and attend events, so my social media platforms are typically saturated as if I am a full-time blogger! For the majority of the year when I am in the UK for school, however, I post more outfit posts shot in London and timeless content such as style guides, inspiration posts and interviews.
5
Name us one thing that you love about each of these two countries! Although I feel my utter adoration for Singapore dwindling ever so slightly as of late, I love the cosmopolitan buzz, sterility and efficiency that has allowed the city-country to flourish into what it is today. I was born and raised there, so being back in the +65 can be hugely nostalgic for me! It’s also where my blog and business really took off, so most of my industry connections are in Singapore, making for a more meaningful working experience when I am back. The UK has it’s own distinct charm, and I’ve learned to love the picturesque rolling hills of Kent as much as the rough urban landscape of London. My hope is that after my two short years here are over, I’ll be more familiar and comfortable with having London as my backyard.
Has full time blogging ever been a possibility? Unfortunately not, and to be honest, I would never want it to be a full-time pursuit. It’s been the most incredible experience following this blogging path alongside living life as a normal teenagA place you wish you were er, and for someone who reat right now? Definiteally enjoys school and plans ly New York City. It’s been to attend university next year, way too long; I miss the unschool will always be a priority. deniable energy of the place.
6
7
interview
How has it been coming from a diverse racial background? My mixed ethnicity and international upbringing has been instrumental in shaping the person I am today. Growing up with a mix of two sets of polar opposite values has been nothing short of interesting; I’m always the “liberal westernized girl” to my relatives in Thailand and the “studious Asian girl” to those in Ireland. I couldn’t be more grateful to feel at home in two such different places.
8
Do you have a way to overcome homesickness? I used to suffer from really bad homesickness when I was 11-13, but I’ve grown out of it - entirely. It’s weird; I do so much travelling and I don’t ever get that homesick! Something that tugs on my heartstrings is definitely food; I love my Asian food and Thai cuisine, so wherever I go, I make it a point to indulge in some Asian food (even if it’s a microwave meal!) to feel at home.
9
And of course, the imperative question - favourite country and why? China - specifically Beijing. I think it’s one of the most misunderstood places given its controversial worldwide reputation, so I would love to travel to more rural parts of the country and experience a different side of China for myself. I was in Beijing for two weeks this summer to improve my Mandarin and it changed my life to experience a culture brimming at the edges with potential, culture, history and talent. How wonderful it is that one of the world’s oldest civilizations is also constantly at the brink of modern technology, economic development and mass manufacturing!
editor
Tessa Lin Wang / SuedeFingers.com
assistant editor Natasha Vanessa Michelin
cover story Model / Faith Cheng
Photographer & Photo Editor / Christopher Leow Hair & Makeup / Jasmine Wan Creative Director & Stylist / Tessa Lin Wang
interview
Special thanks to Veena McCole / SevenInchStilettos.com
end