Cover Fanty Soenardy (centre) shares how she and her daughter Louisa (right) inspire each other’s fashion choices (Photo: Fanty Soenardy)
Fanty Soenardy (centre) shares how she and her daughter Louisa (right) inspire each other’s fashion choices (Photo: Fanty Soenardy)
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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
Sometimes, it takes a loved one to see us for who we truly are—and who we can be. Fanty Soenardy and her daughter Louisa Ong would attest to that, having ventured into unknown fashion territory on each other’s suggestions, only to emerge with a stronger sense of their individual styles.
In their fashion adventures together, Louisa has found chicly dressed Korean celebrities to be excellent guiding lights, leading her mum to mix and match her clothes in refreshing ways. She says, “I would share with her fashion ideas I observed from Korean celebrities and explore styles which are new and different.”
Just as Louisa has had a hand in shaping her mum’s closet, she thanks Fanty for inducting her into the world of jewellery lovers. The 23-year-old remembers how, five years ago, her mother gave her a surprise gift in the form of two Cartier Love bracelets. “That was the day I started to love jewellery,” she reveals, listing the glitzy creations of Bulgari and Hermès as some of her favourites.
Below, Fanty and Louisa share more about how they continue to inspire each other’s styles, and what they really want from each other’s closets.
Read more: Why Elizabeth Heah and Caroline Low-Heah love planning their outfits together
Above Fanty Soenardy and Louisa Ong (Photo: Fanty Soenardy)
Fanty Soenardy and Louisa Ong (Photo: Fanty Soenardy)
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Louisa, how would you describe your style?
Louisa: Young, bold, and casual. I like wearing clothes that exudes my energy while making me feel comfortable.
When did you first start exploring your style?
Louisa: When I was 16. That was the age that I lost weight, as I was a very chubby girl before! Because I could finally fit into many of my mum’s clothes, I started trying out her dresses, tops, skirts and shorts—whatever I could find in her closet! It was also at that age that I discovered for myself what cuts I like in certain pieces, and developed a better sense of what looks good on me and what doesn’t.
Do you have a fond fashion memory of your mother from your childhood?
Louisa: This happened when I was 18 years old. One night, I had just come home from a dinner with my mother. She suddenly went into her wardrobe and took out two Cartier Love bracelets, one silver and one gold. While placing both of them on my right wrist, she told me that she hoped the bangles would remind me of how much love she has for me. That was the day I started to love jewellery and I still wear those bangles to this day.
How would you describe your mother’s style?
Louisa: Fun and trendy!
What style advice has your mother given you that has stuck with you?
Louisa: She would say, “Always have a jacket ready on standby.”
Above Fanty Soenardy and Louisa Ong (Photo: Fanty Soenardy)
Fanty Soenardy and Louisa Ong (Photo: Fanty Soenardy)
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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?
Louisa: We do try to give each other suggestions on how to look like our best selves. I would share with her fashion ideas I observed from Korean celebrities and explore styles which are new and different. Conversely, my mom would share with me her tips on how to pair certain pieces to make my style more unique and suit my personality better.
What is your favourite style item that your mother has bought for you?
Louisa: An Hermès Kelly necklace. I love it because she bought it for me before I flew back to the UK for my studies, and the necklace was a nice reminder of her and home.
What is something that you want from you mother’s closet?
Louisa: Her Bulgari Serpenti necklace! I’ve always loved how elegant it looked on her. I want to wear it with a nice ballgown one day.
Fanty, how has Louisa inspired your style?
Fanty: Louisa encouraged me to set my own style instead of blindly following trends set by fashion houses every season. She shared fashion ideas that she observed from Korean celebrities and persuaded me to explore mixing and matching different types of clothes to create my style. This is definitely the fun part of dressing up with my daughter as we poke fun at each other’s fashion senses, and finally come up with a look that suits my personality and tastes.
What is something that you want from Louisa’s closet?
Fanty: Her furry pink Givenchy bedroom slippers. They are super comfortable and cute!
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.
