Asia's Most Stylish: An Interview With Elva Ni, Influencer

Tatler showcased the most fashionable individuals from Hong Kong on the recently revealed Asia's Most Influential: Style list, and we heard from Elva Ni about the time she dressed a dinosaur and what she wears on a regular basis

A successful model and actress in a previous life, Ni has evolved into a wellness guru with sustainable yoga studio Be Earth in Central, Hong Kong. Ni continues to bring that mindfulness even to her influencer work, by promoting natural-first beauty philosophies in her partnerships with brands like Schwarzkopf, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Shiseido. She pulls off a range of looks effortlessly, as chic in yoga pants as she is in head-to-toe runway.

See more: These Are The Most Stylish People in Hong Kong in 2021

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1. How would you describe your personal style?

I like to go for a more comfy and effortless style when I’m not working. Now that I’m a mom, I also prefer clothes that are easy to throw on in the morning, like a simple white T-shirts and jeans.

2. What a fashion Instagram account you're currently obsessed with?

@chanelofficial

3. What is your favourite fashion memory and why?

My favourite fashion memory was attending my first ever fashion week, and I had the opportunity to attend Burberry show in London. The show was breathtaking. I remember it was hosted in Hyde Park, and there was a live orchestra at the show. It was so powerful. I was also very lucky to meet two artists I admired very much, Wen Liu and Kwai Lun Mei.

The whole experience was so inspiring and overpowering. I've had many opportunities to attend fashion shows around the world, but to this day, that Burberry fashion show always remained special to me. I believe it marked the start of my fashion career.

4. What is an item in your closet that holds lot of sentimental value?

My winter puffer jacket. Winter jackets always remind me of my family in Canada. I bought this jacket in Toronto before my parents and I went on a trip to Yellowknife to see the northern lights. It always brings back memories from that special trip, and makes me miss my family a lot.

Above Elva Ni (Photo: Courtesy of Elva Ni)

Elva Ni (Photo: Courtesy of Elva Ni)

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5. What is the most unusual item in your closet?

The dinosaur outfit I bought for my wedding in Hawaii. I wore it for our first look on our wedding day. He was expecting to see me in my wedding gown, but I showed up as a dinosaur instead! I loved his reaction and this outfit will definitely stay in my closet.

6. What is fashion faux pas you've committed that still makes you cringe?

I had to attend a lot of movie premieres when I first started working in Hong Kong. I had no idea what to wear for those events. I remember there were some events I was overdressed and some that I was underdressed. It was a surprise every time!

7. What's something you wish you could change about the fashion world?

I hope we will soon have a leather replacement for the fashion industry to reduce leather usage. I hope we will have a non-animal and non-plastic leather that will have the pros of real leather, like being long lasting, breathable and durable, but also sustainable and environmental-friendly.