IN THEIR ELEMENT

From fashion and beauty to entrepreneurship and finance, these extraordinary women are inspiring a new generation with their unique perspectives and undeniable style.

-  JOSEPH LOW

GLOW OF GRATITUDE WILLABELLE ONG

Content creator

Being in the spotlight is nothing new for Willabelle Ong, a multi-hyphenate whose interests span fashion, beauty, acting and entrepreneurship. Having started her blog Pale Division more than 10 years ago, Willabelle today has over a million followers on Instagram and Tik Tok combined and has been profiled in countless publications for her fashion sense. This has led to collaborations with luxury labels such as Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Dior and Valentino.

Her secret to always looking photo-ready transcends the mere practical. "I would say it's a combination of frequent masking, staying hydrated, and most importantly, being thankful for everything that comes my way," she says. For instant glamour, she points to the power of a highlighter-on cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of the nose - to elevate any look, "giving a radiant, healthy glow that feels effortlessly elegant".

To the style influencer, someone who dazzles is authentic and exudes a magnetic presence that lights up the room. It's a belief that she wants to instil in her two-year-old daughter. Rather than conforming to a cookie-cutter mould, it's better to forge one's own path and do so with a big smile.

Willabelle's love of art has also deepened her appreciation for being different. She paints, and in the vein of her favourite artists Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet and Willem de Kooning, her works, like the acrylic on canvas Lotus Pond, Yellow Symphony and Women by the Beach, are abstracts featuring bold strokes and colours.

"Art has shown me that beauty is often found in the subtle nuances and imperfections that tell a unique story," she says. "Every brushstroke, colour choice or medium reveals a deeper layer of emotion and expression, which has made me appreciate the complexity and diversity of beauty in both art and life."

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