Denise & Sha Lai

Denise Lai

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I’m a silly little graphic designer from Hong Kong working under D-NYCE Designs and I also run a fashion and lifestyle blog called SUPERWOWOMG. I spend most of my time working/designing (which I actually love), hanging out with my friends (95% of the time around a steaming bowl of hot pot and/or eating Korean fried chicken) and if I’m not laughing, talking, shopping or eating, I’m probably on my phone tweeting or instagramming furiously.

How’d you develop your personal style/become interested in fashion?

Just like my sisters, I’ve never been particularly girly, always opting for a baggy tee or sneakers instead. In highschool, I’d never cross the line and go all the way to the total manly end so normally I’d wear something like a fitted tee with baggy camo shorts and balance it out with tons of jewellery and lots of eyeliner. My personal style basically developed from that aesthetic so I always keep constant the need to balance out a tomboy-ish look with some feminine elements.

Latest style inspiration?

I’m forever drawn to the “cool girl” aesthetic. For me, it’s always about baggy rolled tees, black jeans, grungy/teenage a-line mini skirts, ankle boots and camo-print everything. I’m also really into sportswear right now and am on the prowl for the perfect all black windbreaker/parka.

Favorite stores/brands/companies?

Stores: Zara, Topshop, H&M, Lane Crawford
Brands: Rag & Bone, Alexander Wang, Vans

How does living in Hong Kong influence your style?

Hong Kong is the land of humidity and sweat-pool-inducing temperatures but being someone that loves layering and never really wears shorts, I basically dress opposite of how the weather thinks I should. I’m pretty much always in pants or tights and I just convince myself that this is okay since I try to avoid the outdoors as much as possible. Hong Kong is infamous for the furiously cold air conditioning indoors so it hasn’t been too difficult for me to continue layering throughout summer.

What else do you enjoy?

Apart from fashion/blogging, I really just enjoy hanging out with friends, chilling at some restaurant or lounge and most likely feasting on something super scrumptious. Mostly only my super close friends know this but it’s pretty embarrassing how much I love the internet and how super design/web nerdy I am. Part of my design background is knowing how to design and code websites so sometimes I’ll just be at home coding a site or reading up on what are the latest graphic design and coding trends #sonerdy #noshame (oh look, hashtags – internet talk).

Most challenging/rewarding experience in life so far?

When I first started my blog I never ever thought it would become what it is today and so it is extremely rewarding just knowing that people have even heard of my blog, let alone like reading it! I just very recently transitioned to fulltime design freelancing so I’ve been lucky enough to have the chance and a lot of time to work on projects that I enjoy and am really interested in. At the same time, it’s a constant challenge trying to develop my blog which takes a lot of time and effort whilst also trying to further my design career. It would probably take me ages to find the perfect balance on how to maintain the two but hopefully I’m already on my way there.

What are your next steps?

Spending basically my first free summer since 2004 chilling and hanging out with my close friends whilst still working hard and blogging my brains out and designing my butt off. Specifically, blog-wise there are quite a few fun projects coming up for myself as well as collaboratively with other bloggers and other brands. Apart from that, I’m just really trying to enjoy this unfamiliar thing called free(from-fulltime-job)dom and spend as much time with friends and family as possible. Also, Sha and I have a whole long bucket list of projects that we are hoping to tick off slowly but surely this whole summer!

Sha Lai

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I’m the youngest and smallest of a family of 4 mean kids, currently living in London. I love to travel, mostly because I love to eat and getting to munch on really good food from around the world genuinely excites me. I have a background in public relations but really wish I could just drop everything and become a zookeeper because animals fascinate me.

How’d you develop your personal style/become interested in fashion?

I’ve always gravitated towards the “La Garconne” style – which probably started in high school when I would parade around in fitted tees, baggy Gap boys jeans and Timberland boots. I love the balancing act of masculine versus feminine – clean cut lines and generally looking a bit “undone”. I’m an extremely practical person (annoyingly sometimes) and I think that’s reflected in my style; black is my favorite color to wear and shorts are by far my go-to wardrobe item. Maximum leg mobility and breathability.

Latest style inspiration?

Summer! Hot weather calls for super slinky silky shirts, baggy tank tops and LOOK-MA-I-GOT-LEGS shorts!

Favorite stores/brands/companies?

Brands: Alexander Wang, Celine, 3.1 Phillip Lim,
Stores: Zara, Topshop, Waitrose

How does living in Hong Kong influence your style?

Living in London is only a temporary thing for me so it’s forced me to be more confident and sure of what I like in terms of style and what I want to buy. I try to keep things minimalistic (in terms of my wardrobe and general daily doings) because I moved here with one suitcase and am hoping that everything will magically fit in that same suitcase when I move back to HK.

What else do you enjoy?

Cooking – or at least trying to! I document my culinary attempts on instagram almost daily. There’s something so extremely satisfying when you manage to whip up a meal that’s noms. Cooking has so much social context behind it that people just forget sometimes.

Most challenging/rewarding experience in life so far?

Quitting my job and moving to London has been the most rewarding experience so far. I’ve managed to pursue what I’ve always wanted to do (fashion journalism and art direction), while discovering my love for cooking, parks and general wandering. I’ve also had the chance to travel to places that I wouldn’t think I’d be traveling to so soon. The most challenging part? This wretched, are-you-joking, schizophrenic weather.

What are your next steps?

Moving back to Hong Kong (my first true love) and hopefully finding a job that multiplies my experience and what I love! Denise and I have a few blog/cooking/sleeping/Obi projects lined up which will be revealed in the summer!

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