After stints at powerhouse designer brands, Givenchy, Celine and Lane Crawford, buyer Jacqueline Au founded The Loft Bridal and redefined bridal options in the process. Her editorial perspective combined with an exceptional curation of gowns and accessories, means Au has changed the conversation on what a modern wedding looks like.
With her track record of launching new brands into Greater China, Au has championed designers not known for bridal creations, including Maticevski, Delpozo, Ellery, and Rosie Assoulin offering a ready to wear take on the more identifiable princess look of traditional bridal wear.
In our latest Wardrobe Insider, she talks to PAKT about dream collaborators, and the people and places that inspired her style—from her perfect wedding dress to what she spent her first pay check on. Here, we give you an insight to her world through fashion.
1) Describe your style in three words
Feminine but edgy.
Photo: Kay Lai
2) Favourite piece you bought recently and why?
A Jacquemus linen bralette with voluminous ruffle straps and wide legged, utility, linen pants from Bondi Born. I also bought a Leal Decarett swimsuit with chiffon dolman sleeves. I have decided that I can still create a great vacation wardrobe even though I’m not travelling at the moment. I mean summer staples are still going to be essentials no matter where you are…
3) Whats the most precious item in your wardrobe and why?
My Ann Demeulemeester lace up boots. I got them with my first pay-check!
4) What is the best fashion advice you have received?
Invest in well-made, good quality wardrobe staples that will stand the test of time instead of chasing after trends.
5) What’s your go-to outfit?
This is such a hard question because my go-tos evolve as my style evolves. But lately, it’s a black or white t-shirt with a Junya Watanabe skirt and sneakers. I especially love the denim one with tulle and it’s a very effortless way to make a statement.
6) Who are your style icons?
7) What’s your personal style signifier?
Statement sleeves. Brands like Jacquemus, Maticevski and Celine do this so well.
8) Less or More?
Less. I have come to a stage in life where I appreciate things of great quality that will stand the test of time, rather than having more things that you tend to phase out after a season.
9) What is a must-have clothing item everyone must own?
A black, double face cashmere coat. My favourites would be from Celine in the Pheobe Philio years and The Row.
10) What will we never find in your wardrobe?
You should never say never, but animal prints.
11) Where do you love to shop?
Dover Street Market and Ragtag in Tokyo. Ragtag is the only place I get second-hand clothing from. Roman and Williams Guild in New York and having brunch at La Mercerie at the Guild after shopping is a must. For online it’s Matches Fashion, Jacquemus, and buying Leal Daccarett on Moda Operandi.
12) If you were an item of clothing what would you be?
My Giambattista Valli wedding gown, as it’s just so me. The volume, the high-low hem, the drama…
13) If a museum asked you to donate one item from your wardrobe that represented you what would it be?
Again, it would be my Giambattista Valli wedding gown, as it’s just so me. The volume, the high-low hem, the drama…
14) What’s your number one fashion rule?
Forget about trends; it’s all about finding the most body-loving combination of silhouettes that work for you. A combination of silhouettes and shapes that hide your flaws and draws the eye to your assets.
15) If you could have anyone’s wardrobe whose would it be, and why?
Giovanna Battaglia Engelbert. Her wedding wardrobe especially was just to-die-for. She is feminine but bold, and is unafraid of repeating seamlessly working the pieces she loves into her wardrobe. She always puts her own individual stamp on everything she wears.
16) What is your dream project?
To be shot by Chen Man. I love that her shoots are artistic, over the top and with references taken from traditional Chinese culture.
Vision: Sex Flower – 1 by Chen Men
17) Dream collaborator?
Makoto Azuma. I got to met Azuma san in his Tokyo workshop and the floral art he does is just out of this world. I would love to be able to have a hanging bonsai at The LOFT one day.
Azuma Makoto Drop Time vol.20
18) Top 3 accounts to follow on social media
@the_lane
@sophiaroe
@giovannaengelbert
Left: The Lane | Center: Sophie Roe | Right: Giovanna Battaglia Engelbert
19) Favourite fashion apps?
BOF, it’s like the Financial Times for fashion professionals. Vogue Runway for show images and Matches Fashion for shopping. Although it’s not just a fashion app I love Pinterest and I get tons of inspiration from pinning.
