Cover Stylish mother-son duo Dyon Foo and Jessie Foo open up about their unique relationship with fashion and how they inspire each other.
Stylish mother-son duo Dyon Foo and Jessie Foo open up about their unique relationship with fashion and how they inspire each other.
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When it comes to getting dressed, some mothers do know best. In honour of Mother’s Day 2023, we feature some fashionable stars in Singapore who agree with that sentiment and find out what style lessons their mums have taught them
Jessie Foo and Dyon Foo made quite the entrance at our Tatler Ball last year. It wasn’t simply because Jessie strode in wearing a frothy tulle dress in rococo blue, an ensemble as striking as the metallic platform boots that punctuated each of her confident steps. But by her side, her son Dyon commanded our attention too, clad in a black Ferragamo blazer that gave him a quietly powerful presence. And both mother and son wore dazzling pendant necklaces from Yuli Jewellery, Jessie’s bespoke jewellery brand.
It was a fashionable family affair, as is often the case when the two step out together. While Dyon credits his mother for sparking his passion for fashion as a child, the 25-year-old has been just as instrumental in pushing his parent to explore the possibilities of style, blue tulle and all. Both Dyon and Jessie also regularly borrow pieces from each other’s closets, a habit that’s more expected from siblings than from a mother and son.
But that just goes to show that the pair share a special relationship with fashion—and each other. Below, Dyon and Jessie open up about what style means to them, and how they continue to inspire one another.
Read more: How Calista Cuaca and Jamie Chua nail mother-daughter dressing
Above Jessie Foo and Dyon Foo (Photo: Instagram / dyonfoo)
Jessie Foo and Dyon Foo (Photo: Instagram / dyonfoo)
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Dyon, how would you describe your style?
Dyon Foo: My style is a marriage of non-conforming flamboyance and teddy boy culture.
When did you first start exploring your style?
Dyon: There wasn’t a distinctive or “epiphany” moment that aroused my flair for fashion, but ever since I was young, I’ve always admired the way my mum would put on her clothes and exude a profound amount of confidence. That was something I always wanted to emulate when exploring my style.
Do you have a fond fashion memory of your mother from your childhood?
Dyon: I have an unforgettable memory from my secondary school days. My school organised a parent-teacher interaction on the same night that my mother had an event to attend. She turned up to the conference in 6-inch stilettos, a very avant-garde top and a full diamond pavé encrusted bangle. I fell in love with fashion instantly.
How would you describe your mother’s style?
Dyon: A melange of grunge, rugged style and sophistication at the same time.
What style advice has your mother given you that has stuck with you?
Dyon: My mother has never given me any specific style advice per se, as she has always respected my fashion choices. However, I will always remember a text that my mum sent me many years ago which I still apply to many matters, including my choice of style. It read: “Always believe in yourself! Don’t care what people may think and always be happy!” This text has actually become a screenshot stuck on my phone’s home screen as an everyday reminder.
Above Jessie Foo and Dyon Foo (Photo: Instagram / dyonfoo)
Jessie Foo and Dyon Foo (Photo: Instagram / dyonfoo)
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When you go to events with your mother, do you two sometimes try to match your outfits or plan them together?
Dyon: We have never tried to match our outfits as my mother and I have very different styles, but we do ask each other for advice. Somehow, in the end, our outfits always just seem to complement each other when we are together!
What is your favourite style item that your mother has bought for you?
Dyon: Many years ago, my eldest brother went to Malaysia for a school excursion and when he came back, he gifted my mother a pendant made of silver. My mum turned that into real jewellery pieces, making three pendants—one for each of my brothers and me. It will forever hold heaps of value to me.
What is something that you want from your mother’s closet?
Dyon: My mother and I practically have the same closet! Something I always “steal” from her closet is a deconstructed blazer from Delada, which I would pair with a white cropped T-shirt and tailored flared trousers.
Jessie, how has Dyon inspired your style?
Jessie Foo: Dyon has always encouraged me to embrace the freedom to express myself. He never fails to vehemently quell the pressures of age that place a caveat on how one chooses to express themselves. He motivates me to experiment with fashion trends such as the Y2K style, and reminds me that we can always circumvent the barriers of being age-appropriate in the fashion lexicon.
What is something that you want from Dyon’s closet?
Jessie: As I am usually on the go and have a more rugged style, I love Dyon’s oversized denim jackets that go with many of my outfits. They are simply comfortable and easy to match—especially when I just have to rush out the house!
Pameyla Cambe is the Assistant Digital Editor of Tatler Singapore. She handles the Fashion section of the website, where she reports on trends, the hottest fashion launches and what your favourite Asian celebrities are wearing.
