In The Fray

Tell us more about yourself!
I’m Jaeyee, and I’ll be graduating from the design practice course in the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts soon—I’m just finishing up my final-year project right now. I’m exploring the dilemmas that Singaporean and Chinese youth face living a modern lifestyle while still trying to retain some of their traditional roots and values. I’m hoping that through this project, I can learn a bit more about my own roots and Teochew dialect as well.

After graduating, I hope to get a job in fashion styling or creative direction.

Have you always been interested in fashion?
Yeah, since I was young. I was initially inspired by my mum and sister, but now I think I’m more fashionable than them (laughs).

We hear you make accessories and run your own little brand as well. Tell us more about that!
I started making accessories in 2021 to pass time. It was just a hobby, but I realised that I could make money from it. Slowly, I started to develop my own style and began selling my stuff on @knarly____, which is currently more focused on Chinese knots and ropes.

Is this something you see yourself doing full-time in the future?
I don’t think I’ll make this my full-time job, but I’ll keep doing it for as long as I can!

Outside of school and your brand, what else do you enjoy doing?
I really like travelling. In the past year, I’ve been to countries like Japan, China, and Vietnam. I prefer travelling within Asia because it’s cheaper. I went to London for my school’s exchange programme, and it was super expensive! I mean, yes, it’s a nice, different environment, but it was too expensive for me.

Where would you like to travel to next?
Thailand! Specifically Bangkok and Chiang Mai. But if money wasn’t an issue, I would like to go to the South of France to experience the countryside and seaside vibe.

Are you more of a beach or a city girl?
I like to mix everything. I need to shop, I need to eat, and I need to sightsee a bit too (laughs).

What’s your favourite country that you’ve been to?
I would say Thailand. The food there is most to my liking, and the thrifting scene is very good as well.