Salina Chai

Salina Chai has a name for her style: classic minimalism, grounded in an appreciation for detail, texture, silhouette and comfort. She favours timeless pieces she knows she will return to season after season, adding that “it’s the little details like buttons, the fabric, the cut that draws me in”. Chai has spent years in fashion, but her business today is focused on preserving luxury rather than simply selling it. Through Margo & Smith, an atelier specialising in the restoration of luxury bags, shoes and leather goods, she has developed a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind each brand—and it has reshaped the way she shops. Before buying anything now, she considers elements that matter to her as much as how a piece looks: how it is made, how it will age and whether it is something she will continue to value over time. Her work also affords her a rare vantage point, allowing her to see new collections up close—and what becomes of them long after they leave the boutique. What has surprised her most is how rarely luxury is simply about the object itself. Every piece carries a story: a milestone, a gift, a memory. “Preserving those pieces,” she says, “isn’t just about restoring leather; it’s about preserving the memories attached to them.” Her one indulgence is shoes—a slowly growing Chanel collection close to her heart, chosen as much for comfort as for craftsmanship.