When I started working, I set aside a portion of my income to feed my desire to travel. From Tokyo, I brought back with me their thoughtful attention to details, layering, gutsiness and quirky sense of style. My wardrobe was filled with colors, prints and patterns due to Japanese fashion influence.

In Europe, especially Paris and London, I experienced a greater sense of individuality, and paid more attention to quality and high fashion. I began to appreciate black and basic as humble staples in my wardrobe and strive to master the art of wearing your personality through tasteful selection of clothes. Many believes in ‘you are what you eat’ but I believe more in ‘you are what you wear’.

Singapore creative industry is evolving. Our scene is definitely becoming more exciting and vibrant. Thanks to internet, smart phones, well-traveled fellow creatives and foreigners in our  small city whom we exchange ideas, information as well as appreciating the beauty of culture differences (Uniquely Singapore Style).

We are a young nation, but we are no stranger to fashion. We are starting to gain a little attention from international fashion scene but not enough to make an impact in the global market (yet). We still have a long way to learn in order to gain that respect. But definitely, we can and we will. Buck up everyone!

When I was young, my mother measured my height, every now and then. I always wanted to achieve a height of  175cm but I stopped growing when I reached 168cm. Thus, wearing heels is the perfect remedy to my height issue.  Besides, it gives me good posture and a great feeling of seeing the world on a different level.

“You are what you buy”. It says a lot about my taste and personal style. I always prefer simple things. If you run  through my wardrobe, you will find plenty of basic items. However, I look out for special details and little surprises that make it less ordinary. For instance, a denim skirt with a giant side pocket, a knit top with tassels across the back, a well cut tank top that flatters my physic and an acid washed tee worn as a dress.

I also know my body well and I love defying rules. I don’t always buy the right size. Sometimes when I look at a certain piece, I will buy XL instead of my usual size because I think it will work better on me when worn oversized. These factors attribute how I wear my clothes.

I consider Kate Moss and Angelina Jolie as icons of style. They are more than just being stylish, beautiful and charismatic. They have made great impact in our lives through the things that they do and contribute to this world. The geniuses behind every concept and label, and great designers such as Martin Margiela, the late Alexander McQueen, the team behind Acne Jeans, creatives from OAKNYC, taste makers around the globe are also inspirational.

 
Traveling definitely plays a major role in shaping my way of thinking and dressing. I make it a point to travel at least once a year to reinvent myself and to open my mind to the unexplored. I have been to great cities such as Tokyo, Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, Hong kong, Jakarta, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, … etc.

Paris is a favorite city. The place is full of love, life, fashion and standards. Other people have impressions that Parisians are snobbish. But in my opinion, they have the right to be snobbish because of their quality living standards.
I also cannot live without my accessories. Be it necklaces, shoes or bags. My top three most favorite items would be: fang necklace by P.A.M., Does Not Equal double ring which says ’black truth, white lies’ and all things made with quality leather such as Mulberry Bayswater bag and this Jil Sander peep toe platform boot.

On a daily basis, I hunt down the best Asian designers locally and in the region; manage sales operations and promotions including design collaterals and videos; I also do consultancy, marketing, and PR, as well as organize events, launches, and fashion shows.

Blackmarket opened its doors on the 8th of November 2008 with an ambition set in stone – to give local and regional designers the recognition and attention they deserve.

In three months’ time, Blackmarket caught the attention of the organizers of Audi Fashion Festival and was invited to helm their annual Blueprint fashion show in May 2009. It featured 5 of its emerging designers namely; ELOHIM by Sabrina Goh, Gian Romano, Nikicio, Reckless Ericka and Stella Rissa.

We celebrated our 1st year of success and anniversary on November 2009 at Velvet Underground with DJs Geordon Nicol and Leigh Lezark from The MisShapes (NYC).

The best moment of the night was when Geordon Nicol stopped the music and sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to Blackmarket. We will never forget that night.

In the near future, we wish to spread the love of Blackmarket to cities such as Paris, New York and Berlin. To flaunt Asian talents and their beautiful work of art.

Next week : Jasmine Tuan’s personal style plus her killer shoes.

Hello world wide web.

I’m Jasmine Tuan, co-founder and managing director of Blackmarket; a fashion, design and lifestyle boutique supporting Singapore and regional designers.

I’m also 1/3 of a five-year old cult fashion label FrüFrü & Tigerlily and 1/2 of VJ duo Achtung! Achtung! who played alongside with Justice, Busy P, Boys Noize, Crookers, Brodinski, Steve Aoki, Designer Drugs, Mayor Lazer, just to name a few.

For the month of August, I’ll be sharing some of my wardrobe favorites, personal styles, insight stories about Blackmarket and my personal life, through the viewfinder. Check back for updates.

Next Sunday : The Blackmarket