Sartorial Ingenuity
Singapore Tatler|April 2019

The recipients of the Tatler Fashion Awards 2019 rise to the challenge of styling their own ensembles on the cover, and we discover the genesis of their individual styles from their closest confidantes

Cheryl Chan, Terence Lim And Daphne Chen-Cordeiro
Sartorial Ingenuity
MOST STYLISH WOMAN

NANCY ONG

INTERVIEW: TERENCE LIM

From a mono-brand lover to a master of classic dressing, we trace socialite Nancy Ong’s fashion evolution with her daughter Sonia Ong

“I feel somewhat responsible for cultivating my mum’s love for fashion. When she first started using the internet years back, I introduced her to luxury fashion news portal, Style.com. Even when I stopped visiting the website, she stayed on to keep herself updated on the latest trends and the hottest designers, and she would change her look accordingly.

She used to shop exclusively at Max Mara some 10 years ago because the Singapore boutique offered an excellent selection. But when the distributorship was taken back by the brand principal, she no longer fancied the selection available locally. So she ‘broke free’ to discover other fashion brands.

These days, her style has evolved. She enjoys looking at the effortless dressing of French women, and emulating their preference for simple silhouettes without the need for too many accessories. It’s like how Nicolas Ghesquière used to design for Balenciaga, Phoebe Philo for Céline and Alber Elbaz for Lanvin.

One good thing about my mum is that she’s not a hoarder; she’s almost like the Marie Kondo of fashion. Some of us, myself included, think that fashion trends will come back. But to her, if it’s old and passe, it’s out.

When she found out that she was receiving the Most Stylish Woman award, she couldn’t believe it. She said to me, ‘There are many other ladies in society who dress better than I do, with their beautiful dresses, sparkling jewellery and outstanding accessories. I, on the other hand, am the quiet one who prefers simplicity in my outfits.’

This story is from the April 2019 edition of Singapore Tatler.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the April 2019 edition of Singapore Tatler.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM SINGAPORE TATLERView All
Old-World CHARM
Tatler Singapore

Old-World CHARM

Professional photographer and content creator Zipeng Lee takes off to Switzerland to experience some of the country’s most storied heritage hotels

time-read
4 mins  |
October 2024
THE World ACCORDING TO Redzepi
Tatler Singapore

THE World ACCORDING TO Redzepi

Renowned Noma chef René Redzepi and executive producer Matt Goulding unpack Apple TV's new eight-part docuseries, Omnivore, and its exploration of humanity through food

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2024
COURAGE OF CONVICTION
Tatler Singapore

COURAGE OF CONVICTION

Tatler speaks to Bing Chen, Prabal Gurung and Kevin Lin to discuss how their non-profit Gold House is changing the future of the Asian diaspora

time-read
8 mins  |
October 2024
INDUSTRIALI
Tatler Singapore

INDUSTRIALI

Exploring the important sustainability efforts taking place beyond obvious industries

time-read
8 mins  |
October 2024
THE BALL'S INHER COURT
Tatler Singapore

THE BALL'S INHER COURT

China's most celebrated tennis star Li Na opens up about her career, influencing young athletes and her continuous learning journey

time-read
6 mins  |
October 2024
Love Story
Tatler Singapore

Love Story

Set in Paris, Graff's new bridal campaign marries the timelessness of love and diamonds

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
Over the Rainbow
Tatler Singapore

Over the Rainbow

The inspirations behind Hermés creative director for jewellery Pierre Hardy's latest and gorgeously colourful high jewellery collection surprise and delight

time-read
4 mins  |
October 2024
Twist and Turn
Tatler Singapore

Twist and Turn

Bvlgari's debut Tubogas jewellery collection reimagines a classic technique with 16 stunning creations

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2024
Game On
Tatler Singapore

Game On

From diamond‑set carabiner‑inspired clasps to a carbon fibre cuff, Chanel knocks it out of the park with Sport, an audacious and innovative high jewellery collection unlike any other

time-read
6 mins  |
October 2024
The Wrist Taker
Tatler Singapore

The Wrist Taker

Shipping scion and basketball team owner Hendi Widodo unlocks his vault of rarefied timepieces

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024