Simple Classics

You’re originally from Algeria, and you’ve been living here for 14 years. What do you do?
I’m the CEO and founder of the Fifth Collection. We specialise in second-hand luxury brands, so anything you find in a woman’s closet, you can find on our site. The company is five years old now, and the website’s been open almost four years.

What’s something you can’t live without in your wardrobe?
Jeans. I have many favourite pairs, but a brand I really like is DL1961, because even though they’re skinny jeans they’re still very breathable for the Singapore weather.

What do you like the most about Singapore? What’s your favourite local food?
People have found this surprising but I like the weather here; I love the heat. Chicken rice is my favourite—whenever we come back to Singapore from vacations, it’s the first thing we go for.

Are there other places you’d like to go to?
There’re so many! The next trip for us is Melbourne, but I would love to go to the Seychelles—everybody tells me they have the most amazing beaches. I grew up skiing and we usually ski in Europe, but I think we have to try skiing in Japan sometime.

Tell us about your necklace—you mentioned that it’s custom-made.
When we launched The Fifth Collection, I wanted to get something to commemorate the moment. My jeweller didn’t want me to spend any money on it, so we repurposed a pair of earrings and turned them into a “5”. It’s supposed to be much smaller than it is now, and when I received it at first I felt a bit like a rapper. (laughs) It’s a little too bling for me, but it’s a great conversation starter at events or when I’m networking. People always come up and ask me about the design.

What’s something you feel everyone should have in their wardrobe?
A good pair of flats, well-cut jeans or trousers, and a white shirt.