Day Two of Jeweluxe
I’m supposed to be on the runway modeling for Triologie as part of the line-up featuring Style Avengers.
But the day before had been a big one. After my talk on Jeweluxe And The Fellowship Of The Ring I had hung out with friends from the Chinese Women’s Association at Lai Chan’s fashion show. Then, I dashed to Shangri-la to attend a gala dinner to build schools for impoverished Indonesian children. I stayed late to support the auction with a successful bid. Consequently, I wake up feeling rough. In fact, to pull a stylo milo runway look off tonight, it’s gonna take a lot of work. Thank God for my tribe of professionals, friends & family, always ready to lend a helping hand.
Here are the three main elements essential for my stylo milo Style Avengers look:
1. Experts To Resuscitate My Face & Hair
Most days I go about bare-faced and foundation-free. But there’s a time and place for everything. The runway is not the place to rock my tired doctor look, especially if I’m to do Triologie proud. Bring in the experts!
Within minutes, the amazing Peter Khor has brought my face back to life. Every blemish is deftly smoothed over. If only I could figure out how to replicate this magic. How is it I can stitch a complicated wound, reduce a fracture and deliver a baby but I can’t do my own make-up properly? Guess that’s why we need professionals. And these used amazing products including Hera & Sulwhasoo.
Presently, I move to the hair station where the good-humored team from KMS work on my hair. They brush, pull and curl my hair into a textured coiffure, while gamely allowing me to take countless photos.
2. Stunning Jewellery
My daughter & I are assigned Heinz Mayer jewellery to wear on the runway. This is my first introduction to the brand so I do some quick research because I’m nerdy like that. I discover that the German company has a long tradition in the gemstone and jewellery industry. Through the years they have forged strong ties internationally, listing Harry Winston and European royalty as their customers. As a testament to their quality of engineering, Heinz Mayer is the only authorized jeweler to collaborate with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. What’s more, they have a history of educating lapidaries and other industry specialists. Now that certainly appeals to the nerd in me!
On this day, Frank Mayer, selects a 15 carat fancy light yellow ring for me, as well as a stack of colored faceted gemstones set in diamonds. On my other wrist I’m to wear a gorgeous bracelet made with various cabuchons. Not to be left out, little M5 is also given a stunning aquamarine necklace to model. She is very impressed by it and guards it carefully.
3. A Dress I Can Walk, Eat and Laugh Comfortably In
No matter how expensive a gown, I cannot feel beautiful if I feel constrained to sit a certain way or worse, have to constantly suck my tummy in. This is why I’m so relieved that Triologie is one of those brands designed for real women. In fact, I discover that on their website http://www.triologie.com that the Triologie woman embraces “spontaneity, wearability and versatility”. My husband will probably tell you that’s the perfect description for me, as I’m spontaneous, versatile and I wear him down a lot with my nonsense.
Although she only sells womenswear, designer Sylvia Lim, has kindly made a bespoke piece for little M5. She has only days to get it done but it is perfect.
These are the photographs taken during rehearsal, backstage, waiting in the wings, on the runway and after the finale for Triologie.
My Tribe
So those were the 3 essential elements that got me runway ready. But you know, you can have all the bells & whistles of external accoutrements but not feel confident. The best way to feel stylo milo inside and out is to be supported by family and friends.
I am so grateful for my fellow models whom I’ve known for years, because we encouraged one another through the long day. I’m also thankful for other jewelers who helped me look after M5 when I was busy, and kept her in good spirits for the 9 hours she was onsite.But most of all I appreciate my colleagues, friends and family who took precious time off to support M5 & me.
Triologie Runway
I leave you with this snippet of us coming down the runway and a little secret. A few steps into the opening, my shoe almost comes off. I stumble and realise I cannot move gracefully forward, so I bend down ostensibly to kiss M5 and quickly fix my shoe. See if you can spot it!
