Shentonista Of The Year 2020: The Winners
Every year, we invite our Shentonista audience to share with us who made a mark on them in the span of the past year. This year, we introduced a new way of voting, and after two rounds of exciting (and often nail-biting vote counts), we’ve emerged with our winners for all three categories of the 2020 edition of Shentonista Of The Year. Whether it’s the Favourite Look, Most Memorable Person or the Best Circuit Breaker Content, your votes were the deciding factor in choosing the three top Shentonistas that defined 2020.
Take a look at our winners below, chosen by you, our dear audience.
Favourite Look: Zara
Zara
August 2020 — Keeping Faith
How would you describe your personal sense of style?
It’s very bold, very eclectic, and really experimental. I love picking out different pieces in my wardrobe and trying to see what I can come up with. So I usually take a swath of fabric or a scarf and turn it into a new top or a skirt or whatever strikes my imagination. I don’t usually go for bold patterns—I stick to bright colours. Accessorising is also key for me—we underestimate how accessories can elevate your overall outfit.
In your opinion, what’s a common fashion faux pas people tend to commit?
Not being aware of your style and your body shape. Chasing trends isn’t necessarily a bad thing but sometimes the way we follow trends tends to be impulsive rather than experimental. It’s important to explore so that you know what works well for you, so that you don’t hop on every new trend that arises.
Is there something that people are often surprised to learn about you?
Yes—that I’m Buddhist! I converted to this religion from Islam, so people tend to be taken aback to learn about this; it can often be a conversation breaker. It was hard to be accepted, especially by my family and friends, since changing a religion can still be a taboo topic in society. I admit that it does get lonely sometimes but despite the loneliness, I’d still do it again. I’m grateful that I made the choice to walk down this path of faith. At the end of the day, we all have our own beliefs and I’m grateful to have found the religion and community that I connected with.
What’s one habit that you wish more people in society would practice?
Being kinder to people by truly listening to them. We’re all so focused on ourselves that we forget to take the time out to listen to others. It’s also a cycle that we get trapped in—we end up feeling neglected because no one really seems to listen to us, which is why we end up not listening to others. We are all living in a temporary world: to be accepted in society can change one’s life and create a better, loving and happy life.
Most Memorable Person: George
George
May 2020 — Dramatis Personae
What first got you interested in pursuing law?
When I was six, I watched a documentary about a girl who fought to become the best lawyer at Harvard and I knew I wanted to follow in her footsteps. Her name was Elle Woods, and she’s an inspiration to all. I’m gonna be taking the Bar Exam soon, so I’m still going at it!
What’s one thing you’d change abut the law industry?
The clothes. There’s not much scope to have fun or explore clothing options—it’s just boring black and white all day, and it isn’t even an exciting combination; it’s just the same old shirt and pants.
What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
About two years back, I saw the news that Lady Gaga was doing a Las Vegas residency and it was on the day before my birthday, so I bought the tickets to that before I even figured out the flight situation. All the plans of our graduation trip ended up revolving all around that show.
Do you have any pet peeves?
Maybe the obsession with horoscopes—because I’m a Gemini and everything annoys me. But on a more serious note: using phones during conversations with people. I don’t get it, and it’s just rude. Also, people who don’t signal when changing lanes—I’m not a psychic, so please put on your indicators.
Is there a fashion trend you’ve never understood?
Slides with socks or Teva-style sandals with socks confuse me. If it’s cold enough for socks, then it’s cold enough for proper shoes.
Best Circuit Breaker Content: Grace & Family
Grace & Family
May 2020 — The Good Side
Have you faced any moments of realisation (whether in joy or horror) that you had turned into one of your own parents as well?Very often (laughs). I think there are phases. When you’re young, you want to be like your mother. When you’re a teenager, you avoid trying to become your mother. But when you become older, you realise you are becoming your mother. You cannot escape it.
I think as parents, there can be two extremes—you either try to copy the parenting style you grew up with, or completely shun it and do the opposite. So in a way, being a parent feels like reliving your own life, and you’re given the chance to resolve certain pains and wounds that you’ve been carrying since your childhood. If we don’t heal ourselves, it carries on when you become a parent—and your children might pick up your weaknesses.
I’m also realising that I nag like my mother used to (laughs). Simple things like, “Once you’re out of the shower, don’t run around without your clothes.” Like I said, it’s hard to escape.
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