Musings

Wardrobe Theory‘s very first full-label collection, ‘Taking Flight Pre-Fall ’15’ has finally launched on the site. This is the very first time that I’ve put out an entire collection of my own designs, and seeing every single piece of my work on the website is really exciting and gratifying. This collection captures the exhilaration of one embarking on an adventure. It’s the feeling of lifting off and soaring into the air, as one begins their maiden journey; filled with hope and promise of their aspirations.

I resonate with this collection a lot on a personal level. As an entrepreneur and creative designer at Wardrobe Theory, taking the business to the next level of being our own brand is very thrilling for me. I’ve been prepping this move to becoming a brand with my team for a long time, so this literally feels like the moment where I’m lifting off and ‘taking flight’. 

Looking back, I definitely did not expect to be where I am now and doing what I’m doing today. My career journey has been super colourful and I’ve worked at so many different full time and part time jobs in Singapore. I’ve been in the airline, finance, media, fashion and beauty industry – saying all that is already a mouthful! And, although I’ve always lived and breathed fashion, I think that every job that I’ve been in has shaped me to be who I am, and led me to where I am today. I’m so thankful for all the opportunities that I’ve had in every industry and all the takeaways and learning that I’ve brought with me from the different jobs.  

I still remember how I naturally gravitated towards the fashion industry when I was still in school and looking for part time jobs for students during school holidays. I worked at Topshop and Louis Vuitton and had such a blast. It was totally stress-free. Working then was purely for fun. I remember clearly serving a super nice customer at Louis Vuitton once and she left me a really huge, fat tip. Up till today, I’m still surprised that anyone tips so generously. 

One of my most memorable jobs was my very first full time job as a flight attendant with Japan Airlines. Being a flight attendant taught me so much. It opened my eyes to the world, to different cultures, people and it taught me independence and to take care of myself. I think that this is a great first job for anyone, and I always recommend it to those fresh out of school when they ask me for career advice. 

Another career advice that I would offer is to follow your passion and dreams, but to remember that you’ve got to pay the bills too. Haha! Unfortunately, the world is such that the bills never stop coming! Think of career longevity when you’re embarking on your career path and try and envision where you’d like to be 10-20 years down the road. Then, focus and work towards your end goal. When I think back on my career path, as much as I’ve enjoyed being in so many different industries and challenging myself in so many ways, I do look back and wish that I had just a bit more focus in my career choices. 

Here’s a super old picture of me as a flight attendant with Japan Airlines. Don’t judge my chubby cheeks and arched eyebrows! 

To end this post, I would like to do a shout-out for Stroff.com, a jobs portal project with a strong social purpose to help youths, tertiary students and young working adults achieve their career aspirations. It’s non-profit, and is currently funded by well wishes. If you’re a student looking for a holiday gig, check out Stroff.com and search ‘part time jobs singapore‘!