Take on F/W18’s trends in real-time with ease BY AARON KOK
Take on F/W18’s trends in real-time with ease BY AARON KOK
Sheer Joy
A see-through trench coat makes total sense for our climate, and provides you with an added layering option.
Mary Katrantzou earrings, $999, from Atelier Swarovski. LIE coat, $938, from Society A. Studio t-shirt, $53.90, from H&M. Jeans, $49.90, from Uniqlo. Shoes, Alli’s own.
ALLI TEAL, EARLY 30S
Founder Of Mmerci Encore
Tough City
Pairing denim and leather gives your outfit a tough, modern spin.
Earrings, $289, from Misaki. Jacket, $545, from Maryling. Rye top, $55, from TANGS at Tang Plaza. Skirt from Moss Copenhagen. Cuff, $899, from Atelier Swarovski.
Self-care may just be a buzzword for some, but for Alli Teal, the founder of local cult wellness label Mmerci Encore, it’s more than just a passing trend. Known for its handmade and home-blended care products that range from essential oils to perfumes and body scrubs, the brand has garnered a loyal fan base of customers – who love that her products are formulated to remedy tired bodies and souls. She gives us a minute of her time to catch up on her work, her style and the one thing she can’t live without.
What are you busy with right now?
“I’m actually ‘busy’ with slowing down. This season, I’m really taking time to focus on my health and well-being in a more intentional way, which I know sounds like it has nothing to do with work, but in order to be the best aromatherapist, wife, entrepreneur and writer I can be, I need to rebalance and put my well-being first for now.”
Tell us about how Mmerci Encore came to be.
“I was a senior beauty editor for a high fashion magazine for many years and am still obsessed with all things beauty-related, but I decided to pursue my childhood love for blending essential oils and took it to the next level by obtaining my aromatherapy diploma. The greatest learning curves for me have been related to administration and the commercial side of things – being a creative, thinking about numbers and logistics is not my first response, but I’ve really discovered there’s nothing more creative than business sometimes. It’s really empowering to learn and conquer new things.”
Let’s talk shop for a bit. Can you describe your style?
“I’m a little bit rojak, and I definitely like my high-low style. I love contrasting tones, textures and silhouettes and rely on one statement piece to make an outfit pop. I’m a bit of a chameleon as well: One day it could be street with a Comme des Garçons dress with high-top sneakers, the next, an artsy kimono and nude Bata slides.”
What are some things you look for in a purchase?
“My motto is ‘buy less, buy better’. My wardrobe is super diverse: There are second-hand finds, but also Dior smoking jackets and other little treasures. Ultimately, I look for quality, and also a bit of flash and fun.”
How do you refresh your wardrobe when the new fashion season begins?
“I don’t think in seasons, but I do love shoes and accessories – my latest buys were a pair of rattan earrings from local brand, 2Oakstudios and nude heels from Kulet. The earrings were a steal and give me so much joy!”
What is one item you absolutely can’t live without?
“Nude heels, they go with everything. And lavender essential oil – it has antibacterial properties, helps to ease stress and tension, and promotes relaxation. It’s great for travellers.
Go To Great Lengths
Need a quick idea on what to wear to the office? Throw a light duster coat over a T-shirt and you’re ready to roll.
Earrings, $90, from Bimba Y Lola. Coat, $136; and pants, $106, both from Topshop. T-shirt, $24.90, from Zara. Bracelet, $299, from Atelier Swarovski.
Blushing Beauty
Ground a blush pink kimono with hints of red and blue denim.
Earrings, $225, from Bimba Y Lola. Kimono, $169, from Topshop. T-shirt from Sandro. Jeans, $49.90, from Uniqlo. Shoes from Charles & Keith.
FASHION STYLING: AARON KOK, ASSISTED BY TAN GIN YEE / PHOTOS: VERONICA TAY, ASSISTED BY PHYLLICIA WANG / MAKEUP: RINA SIM, USING CLÉ DE PEAU / HAIR: MICHAEL CHIANG/HAIRLOOM, USING KMS / LOCATION: ANDAZ SINGAPORE
