Everything in this picture is a contrast, or what I called it traditional with modern twist. From the hair to the outfit and even my choice of accessories.
To be honest, this entire appearance speak for itself. Some things I would like to have a modern touch but since it’s Chinese New Year, I still want things to be traditional.
OUTFIT
Every year, during the Lunar New Year, I would take a picture of my Chinese New Year outfit. Well, this year is no exception. I took this picture on the very last day, or the 15th day of Chinese New Year. Which was last week.
I love this outfit extremely. It’s been a few years, Khoon Hooi asked if I would order a traditional Chinese apparels from him. My answer is always “NO”. I find Qi Pao or Cheongsam is a little too mature for me.
This year, I finally ordered a set of traditional yet modern Lunar New Year outfit from him! I like how he used a traditional design and made it into a modern outfit. Look at how the collar and button looked traditional but the culottes and the belt on the waist made the entire outfit so modern.
I could wear the entire outfit as is or match the top with a skirt. As for the culottes, I can also do a mix & match with a cropped top or even with a turtleneck. I can already imagine so many other ways I could wear this outfit.
You have to be comfortable in your own style to carry the outfit and show it off to the world.
HAIRDO
When I went to Toni & Guy Bangsar to get my hair done for these pictures, I showed William what I was going to wear. Immediately, he had the idea of what to do with it.
He said “I’ll give you a 50’s style with a modern touch” and voila! This is what you see now. He used almost all the gel he had on that day to hold the wave on the top, while letting the rest flow. On the sides, he used 2 types of pins from Label M.
If this is not a contrast, I don’t know what else to call this.
BAG & SHOES
I thought carefully, what accessories would match this outfit? In the end, I chose a classic Black Patent Lady Dior and a pair of Belle Vivier pumps from Roger Vivier. I bought this pair of Roger Vivier pumps in Hong Kong when I was there in January. I like them and they’re comfortable too.
The bag and shoes are such classics in this modern world. They’re timeless and I’m sure in the next 10 years, I can still wear them and still look presentable.
I believe, these sort of contrast isn’t for everyone. Some like traditions to be kept traditional and some prefer to be 100% modern. Style is very subjective. You have to be comfortable in your own style to carry the outfit and show it off to the world.
Are you a traditional person or a modern one? Or are you like me who like a contrast in your style?
