Q & A
Ms Angie Lai-Tay (above), 33, married with two children, co-founder of online jewellery websites ALT and Curated Editions and fashion label Thavia
How would you describe your sense of style?
Unaffected, spontaneous and uncomplicated.
When did your interest in fashion start?
When I got my hands on a copy of Vogue magazine when I was about 16 years old.
Who are your favourite designers and which are your go-to brands?
Luxury French fashion brands Givenchy and Celine for their precision in outerwear, Spanish fast-fashion brand Zara for its affordable runway interpretations and French designer Isabel Marant for her effortless Parisian style.
Who are your style icons?
Lauren Santo Domingo, contributing editor at US Vogue and co-founder of online fashion retailer Moda Operandi, because she wears couture like it is ready-to-wear, and Spanish fashion editor and consultant Barbara Martelo, for her casual-meets-luxe style.
What are your favourite pieces in your wardrobe?
My Marc Jacobs denim jacket (photo 1) which I bought 18 years ago - I'm so excited that I'm still able to wear it after having two children; Azzedine Alaia heels (photo 2) because of their mesh material; cape tops from Thavia (photo 3), because every woman is a superhero; white shirts from Saint Laurent because who doesn't need white shirts in their lives?; my blue Celine box bag (photo 4) because of its classic vintage look and because it reminds me of nights out in Paris; and my G-star cargo pants (photo 5), which are a part of my daily uniform.
What are your weaknesses when it comes to shopping?
Suits. I don't wear them enough, but I can't seem to stop buying suit jackets and pants.
What is your favourite splurge piece?
My red Carolina Herrera dress (photo 6), which is also my latest splurge and costs $940. It is a very out- of-character buy for me, it being red and a dress. I imagine myself wearing this and spending a day in a museum in Spain, then having a cappuccino.
Is there a purchase you have regretted?
A pair of fuchsia pink pants from Celine. I got it four years ago, but I have no idea how to wear it. I don't know what possessed me to buy it.
What is the best shopping or style advice you live by?
Buy things you will wear, not what you think you might wear, and never wear more than two trends at the same time. Most importantly, don't shop with the husband.
