Tell us more about yourself!
I’m Jaeyee, and I’ll be graduating from the design practice course in the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts soon—I’m just finishing up my final-year project right now. I’m exploring the dilemmas that Singaporean and Chinese youth face living a modern lifestyle while still trying to retain some of their traditional roots and values. I’m hoping that through this project, I can learn a bit more about my own roots and Teochew dialect as well.
After graduating, I hope to get a job in fashion styling or creative direction.
Have you always been interested in fashion?
Yeah, since I was young. I was initially inspired by my mum and sister, but now I think I’m more fashionable than them (laughs).
We hear you make accessories and run your own little brand as well. Tell us more about that!
I started making accessories in 2021 to pass time. It was just a hobby, but I realised that I could make money from it. Slowly, I started to develop my own style and began selling my stuff on @knarly____, which is currently more focused on Chinese knots and ropes.
Is this something you see yourself doing full-time in the future?
I don’t think I’ll make this my full-time job, but I’ll keep doing it for as long as I can!
Outside of school and your brand, what else do you enjoy doing?
I really like travelling. In the past year, I’ve been to countries like Japan, China, and Vietnam. I prefer travelling within Asia because it’s cheaper. I went to London for my school’s exchange programme, and it was super expensive! I mean, yes, it’s a nice, different environment, but it was too expensive for me.
Where would you like to travel to next?
Thailand! Specifically Bangkok and Chiang Mai. But if money wasn’t an issue, I would like to go to the South of France to experience the countryside and seaside vibe.
Are you more of a beach or a city girl?
I like to mix everything. I need to shop, I need to eat, and I need to sightsee a bit too (laughs).
What’s your favourite country that you’ve been to?
I would say Thailand. The food there is most to my liking, and the thrifting scene is very good as well.
