AW19 TRENDS: OUR PERSONAL STYLISTS WEIGH IN
Crystal Chan and Vera Lo give you the lowdown
The endless heat and humidity already has us dreaming of cooler temperatures, so we met up with two of our leading personal stylists to get the early word on this winter’s key trends.
“This season’s trends tick all my boxes,” says Lo, adding “Whatever you wear, throw some yellow in.” As well as bold yellow, the two agree, this winter is a party of prints. “Houndstooth checks are everywhere, like those at Sacai and Gucci. But now it’s a playful attitude and a new touch,” says Chan. “Print-on-print and checks-on-checks. Why not try pairing a jungle print with checks?”
If print is too much for you, there’s always a pleasing palette of pastels. “Lavender is a key colour this season, and again, you can add a splash of yellow,” says Lo. “We’re also seeing the return of an old Celine aesthetic. Very minimal and sleek.” Another key trend Lo points out is a preppy look replete with blazers and kilts; her must-have is a crisp, oversized blazer.
“Personally, I love to play with prints like Dries van Noten’s, but my style is sleek and sophisticated. I love clean silhouettes and edgy sportswear like Alexander Wang,” says Chan. By contrast, says Lo, “My style is vibrant and fun while staying classic. My favourite fashion item has to be earrings. They frame your face, complement your outfit and are the first thing people notice.”
Both Lo and Chan have been at Lane Crawford for over a decade, beginning as sales associates. And despite having differing tastes, both stylists always had fashion in their bones, as well as their wardrobes. “At secondary school I loved reading Vogue. Then I started working as a sales associate and I could touch my favourite brands — I loved mixing and matching styles,” says Chan.
“I studied product design but deep in my heart I knew I loved fashion. When I was very young, I even wanted to be a fashion designer. Later when I worked as a sales assistant, I always admired the personal stylist team,” says Lo.
Lo is based in Lane Crawford Canton Road while Chan is at Lane Crawford ifc mall, but they both love travelling overseas on buying trips or with their customers — when we spoke, Chan had just come back from a Chanel show in Paris (ah divine!) — as well as hosting styling workshops and holding trunk shows.
Both enthuse about what they do for customers. Not only can they save time — some visits take less than 15 minutes — customers can make a day out of it, relaxing in a private suite with food and great music. “Some of my customers trust my judgment so much that they can look at the rail, not try anything on and just take my picks. I find customers trust you if you’re honest,” says Lo. Chan agrees: “I’ve become friends with some of my regular customers and I’ve been there for their most important life events — I love helping someone become a more confident version of themselves.”
Indeed, personal stylists can help dress all occasions, from an elevated work wardrobe to vacation wear, and they make a point of being accessible — just drop by the Concierge next time you’re perusing the rails in store or call them on 2118 2288 and you’ll be slotted right in. More than a dozen top stylists including Lo and Chan can help you curate your winter wardrobe and get your prints and checks sorted.