What does personal style mean to you? To many, it’s more than just the clothes off their backs — it’s the freedom to express who they are on the inside before even saying a word. While we all have a personal sense of style, no two individuals are exactly the same when it comes to the way they dress. In this column I Want Her Style, we speak to the stylish individuals of Singapore, and find out what makes their minds tick when it comes to fashion, and the people who inspire them.
She might have started off as a beauty queen, but Amanda Leong has come a long way since those pageant days. Amanda, who was first runner-up in the Miss Universe Singapore competition in 2011 when she was just 18, went on to clinch the titles of Miss Cosmopolitan International 2011, Miss Singapore Tourism International 2011, and Miss Asean 2013.
This kick-started her modelling career, and she later launched her first business in the beauty and cosmetics space, including importing false eyelashes to Singapore. But don’t for a second assume that she’s “all rainbows and no steel”. Amanda says she’s “a lot grittier” than what most people think.
She shares: “I have never allowed myself to stay comfortable. I’ve always been a firm believer that you will receive what you put out to the universe!” This philosophy is clear, as you can tell that she is not one to stay idle.
Amanda, who has a bachelor’s degree in Social Science with a major in Psychology and Corporate Communications from Singapore Management University, went on to work at a public relations firm before deciding to quit to take care of her children full-time.
These days, the mother-of-three is an active social influencer, posting about outfits and beauty tips on Instagram (@missamandaleong) to her close to 30k following. She also owns Candy & Carats, a jewellery brand for women who appreciate fine jewellery with a bit of fun.
“The biggest challenge has always been to balance my life as a mum of three and my restless need for entrepreneurial risk and reward,” she shares. “I am still somehow learning that achieving my goals and having fun are not mutually exclusive.”
Find out why fashion is something Amanda truly enjoys, and what makes a great outfit in her opinion.
“Fashion is something I truly enjoy. A great outfit can turn a bad day upside down.”
Ever the multifaceted go-getter, former beauty queen and content creator Amanda Leong also runs women’s jewellery brand Candy & Carats
My personal style…
Really depends on the day. I absolutely love getting dressed for the occasion, and my outfit is always the first thing I think about. What better way to live out your fantasies than through fashion? It’s as if you get to be a new character with every outfit.
My favourite designers are…
Alexander Wang, for my not-so-basic basics; Chanel, for classic but fun pieces; Versace, when I’m really feeling it; and Amina Muaddi, the new order in shoes.
The best thing about fashion today is…
How accessible it is. I can have anything at my doorstep in 24 hours or less – even if it’s straight off the runway.
My go-to, fuss-free outfit for
Work days is… a white poplin shirt dress from Alexander Wang. Off-work, it’s mostly Lululemon.
An outfit is not complete without…
The perfect pair of shoes!
My most outrageous/ flamboyant fashion items are…
My Versace gowns. Every Versace gown I own is a different iteration of Elizabeth Hurley’s safety pin dress designed by the late, great Gianni Versace. There’s something so feminine and powerful about his vision.
One thing about me that may surprise others is…
I don’t own anything in blue. Don’t ask me why! Very rarely does anything in blue speak to me.
When someone tells me “loving fashion is so frivolous”, I say…
Fashion tells a story about who you are, from the jacket you chose to put on this morning, to the dress you wore to your brother’s wedding, to your favourite pair of sneakers.