I Want Her Style: Celebrity fashion stylist Neo Lirong is that cool-girl-next-door

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.

On her off days, Neo Lirong looks like any other Singaporean with her off-duty choice of a casual pants and top ensemble. However, the 37-year-old is a highly coveted stylist who has worked with big names in the music and television industry.

The well-known but down-to-earth stylist to the stars has styled local artistes such as JJ Lin, Kit Chan and Rebecca Lim to name a few. During the height of the pandemic, when styling jobs were few and far between, she founded White Trousseau, a socially conscious brand that specialises in mulberry silk products, such as pyjamas, hair accessories and pillowcases.

It may come as a surprise, but Lirong, who has been in the industry for 12 years now, never wanted to be a stylist. Growing up, her ambition was to be a lawyer, although it’s uncertain how that would have panned out, given that she was a rebellious child who showed no interest in studying.

Her dream changed when she decided to enrol in Temasek Polytechnic’s Apparel Design and Merchandising diploma course in 2007.

Lirong’s mum, a homemaker whom she describes as her biggest inspiration, was “an amazing designer” who designed and hand- sewed most of the family’s clothes. Though her mother passed away when she was three, Lirong shares: “I hope she is proud of me now!”

After graduating in 2010, she decided to pursue styling instead, and started out as a stylist’s assistant for veteran fashion stylist Johnny Khoo.

She says that she has learnt a lot from him “on how great and unpredictable styling can be” and through him, she also met some of “the nicest people from the industry”.

After she decided to branch out on her own in 2012, her first celebrity client was Rui En. “I really appreciate her for putting her trust in me when I was just a newbie,” she shares.

When asked what her own personal style is, Lirong is quick to say that it’s a “clean aesthetic”, intended to appear elegantly casual, yet also minimalist and effortless.

Lirong shares her must-haves, as well as why there is no such thing as a fashion faux pas.

My favourite brands are… Diesel, Hyein Seo and Y/Project. Michmika is a new Singapore luxury fashion label that everyone should know about! I also like In Good Company.

My go-to outfit for work days is… My parachute cargo pants and crop top, which also doubles as an off-duty look. It’s no secret that I love an effortless yet edgy style.

When purchasing a new piece of clothing or accessory, it must check the box for… Longevity. Sure, trends can be alluring, but the impact of following those trends can be devastating to the environment.

There is no such thing as a fashion faux pas, because… I believe that fashion is like speech and imagination. Everyone has the right to express themselves in their own way and share what they believe in.

To elevate my wardrobe, I would buy… A sleeveless logo dress from Miu Miu, which is on my wish list this season. I can see myself wearing it daily. I love you, Miu Miu (sponsor me, please)!

When critics do not agree with my style or fashion choices, I say… Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. You can never make everyone happy, can you?

TRAILBLAZERS TO FOLLOW
Lirong shares her thoughts on fashion and lifestyle trendsetters who inspire her.

WIWEN, designer, collector and creative director @__wiwenwen__

Credit: @__wiwenwen__

1/4

“I’m inspired by her cool art-girl vibes.”

KAYA, beauty and fashion influencer @__kindacool

Credit: @__kindacool

2/4

“I like that she keeps it real for her lifestyle, beauty and fashion content.”

YUAN, model and content creator @ngc1961

Credit: @ngc1961

3/4

“Her aesthetically curated pictures are amazing.”

OON SHU AN, actress and host @oonshuan

Credit: @oonshuan

4/4

“She has such positive vibes. Her posts just make
my day better.”