Wow! This was the only word I could get out of my mouth as I was gasping for air reading through bubbly 17 year old Willabelle's well written interview. Open minded, free, sophisticated in an effortless way, ambitious and has such a ticklish artistic form of representing her rich soul through a very colourful stylish resume. With over 40, 000 hits for just 110 looks on lookbooks she is the kinds you can't resist paying attention to. She is truly inspirational. Meet Miss. Willabelle Ong!
Blogger Interview
1. Tell us a little about yourself. What you consider yourself as in the style scene? Where you’re from, what you do and how your style is influenced or limited by where you live.
I'm a 17 year old high-school student residing in Australia at the moment, but I was originally born and raised up in Singapore, which is also known as 'the little red dot'. Australians generally dress however they want and the majorities aren’t afraid to show off their individual style. I would say Summer and brights influence the typical Australian style; laid-back and effortless. Living in both Singapore and Australia has exposed me to different cultures and fashion scenes, so it would be a lie if I claimed I wasn't influenced by that. I'm inspired by various things; art, photography, magazines, people, lifestyle, food, colours and spontaneous random things, and they all play a part in creating my own personal style. I guess it's ultimately a mix of different things I like thrown together with a personal touch and details like socks, accessories and hints of colour. Like some of my outfits, my life is also relatively busy. I try to juggle school, work and my blog especially, where I am obliged to reply a bunch of e-mails on a daily basis. It keeps me thinking all the time though, so I really like what I'm doing. I don't think I could ever live with a routine and a slow lifestyle. I'm much more attracted to constant changes and always being occupied.
2. Do you believe that people have to study fashion in order to make any contribution to the fashion scene?
Definitely not! I certainly don't believe that fashion has to be a form of education which one has to study about (although it would be such a joy to do) in order to 'do fashion'. For me, it's more of a lifestyle, a self-expression that can be personalised. There are probably thousands of stylish people all over the world who have never studied fashion in their lifetime, but are still pulling off every kind of look there is, so I really don't believe that fashion has to be 'studied'.
3. In three words how would you describe your style?
Comfortable, quirky and eclectic.
4. Are there any achievements you’d like us to know about, in consideration to your age?
I don't know what I would really regard as 'achievements' but being published in magazines, being featured on websites like TEEN VOGUE and NYLON online, being recognised by Australian chain brands, and establishing a group of readers and followers have all been surreal. Yet, I'd never have come this far without God so they're all considered blessings, haha.
5. Which spring/summer collection can you not get over?
This is such a difficult question, but right now, Celine's Spring 2011 RTW collection would be my favourite. Can you really resist the shapes, whites, pops of pale orange and blue, chocolate leather, and how the material is loose but still so structured? I would ramble on about senseless things so let's put it in a few words - the things I would do for Celine pieces…
6. Are there any rules you live by in fashion?
The only thing I can think of at this hour… "Tights are not pants!"
7. What fashion house would you live to work with given the chance?
Working with the Alexander McQueen brand would be a dream come true. Words cannot even justify to the extent of how beautiful and influential his designs are. I would've loved the chance to meet him in real-life. McQueen will always remain as one of my favorite designers.
8. Besides fashion what else interests you?
I could write a whole book about this but I'll just list a few instead; the taste, textures
and colours of food, the way hair falls, capturing light in photographs, drawing and painting, collaging images of all my favourite things, sitting in my wardrobe and feeling the material of everything, observing people on the street and their actions, space and the galaxy, the beauty of life, the way writers structure and create a piece of writing, the wonder and grace of God, anatomy study, and so much more. I find myself intrigued by almost anything.
9. How has joining fashion/style cyber-communities affected you style-ego?
I'm gaining feedback and advice, learning in the process and finding out what truly suits me. Everyone is usually polite and always giving really constructive criticism. Moreover, the exposure to a wide array of cultures and countries have also opened up my perspective on so many things. In a way, it gradually helps build my self-confidence, which isn't very high at all.
10. Are there any words you would like to give to young people also trying to achieve anything in the style scene?
Quoted by Walt Disney himself, "If you can dream it, you can do it!”. Don't spend the rest of your life regretting not trying. Put yourself out there as much as you can and be on the lookout for opportunities!
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