Born and raised between Hong Kong and London, fashion and luxury marketing consultant Kim Ing is the person to whom leading brands turn when they need to understand the Asia-Pacific market. Juggling lots of travel with her role as the digital editor of Glass Magazine (@theglassmagazine), Kim Ing is always on the move and breaking style rules wherever she goes.
1) Describe your style in 3 words
Unfussy, contemporary, quite urban.
2) What’s the most precious item in your wardrobe and why?
Probably my engagement ring and wedding ring. You look for a timeless piece, that encapsulates so much meaning, and yet you want it to be something you will look at from 30 to 100 and never get bored.
3) What’s your go to outfit?
Right now, a pair of high waisted colourful patterned trousers or a long skirt, with a white t-shirt. I love colours.
When I was younger and worked in a fashion magazine, I was criticised and bullied for my ‘tasteless dress sense’. I was given rules — under no circumstances can you wear ‘patterns’, only few people in the world can pull off patterns and ‘you are not one of them’.
I followed these rules strictly, thinking they were right for me, and ‘good for me’.
As I’ve matured, I’ve realised true confidence is being happy and balanced within yourself, where other people’s judgments cannot touch you.
And with that I let in the colours, patterns, hobbies, adventures that I truly wanted to pursue.
For that reason, colour is back, and patterns are my obsession!
4) Favourite piece you bought recently and why?
I definitely buy less than I used to when I was in my 20s. I question my purchases, and I like to buy things that will last.
My last purchase was a pair of gold hoop earrings, different sizes for different outfits and looks. Simple accessories that can really work up a look or make it more casual.
5) What is the best fashion advice you have received?
Edit ruthlessly.
It’s not about how many pieces you own, but knowing your body shape, what suits you and buying pieces that are versatile and well made — so you can mix and match and create your own classics.
The second piece of advice was, ‘just because you like a trend, doesn’t mean it will look good on you’. That’s all about appreciation, but also loving your own body and knowing what suits you.
Also, don’t buy anything you wouldn’t wear… kind of goes with the phrase above I guess.
6) Who are your style icons?
Probably my mum, who always told me to buy less, buy well and take care of it, so pieces last a long time.
However, I don’t bother shopping on the high street anymore, as I know I can’t wash it many times before it loses its shape and I need to throw it out… I keep thinking of those land fills!
I also love the attitude of Italian and Spanish women who always get dressed up in the evening for dinner. I love that transition from whatever you were doing during the day, no matter how hot and sweaty or salty by the sea, and then in the evening, scrubbed up glamour with a beautiful dress and jewellery.
7) Personal style signifier
What makes someone have style? A natural confidence and comfort in the clothes that they wear. Also, when someone knows how to choose items that enhance who they are and bring out their personality.
8) Less or more?
Less, carefully chosen and something worth investing in…
There’s a truth and reassurance when you invest in something that you know is well made. It means it can withstand a dry clean, the stitching won’t come undone and the style if it suits you will be relevant for many many years to come.
“ Buy less. Choose well. Make it last.”
— Vivienne Westwood
9) Where do you love to shop?
I’m a constant browser online… usually with an objective in mind, like a smart white shirt, or needing a summer dress for the evening.
10) Favourite fashion apps?
I suppose Net-a-Porter and Matches Fashion (if you could call them apps) .
11) If a museum asked you to donate one item from your wardrobe that represented you what would it be?
A white shirt. I have so many in slightly different styles, smart tailored, oversized and casual, structured, lace, etc… you can never go wrong!
12) What will we never find in your wardrobe?
Fur and trend driven seasonal pieces — the kind of looks you see everyone wear on Instagram for a few months and then disappear.
13) What’s your number one fashion rule?
Dress for yourself and your body, not for Instagram!
Follow Kim Ing on @kimkying or https://kim-ing.com
