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A visit to Lee Ming’s Instagram profile is like going down a rabbit hole to the era of diner jukeboxes, corsets, and cateye sunglasses. With her retro ensembles and pinup allure, it’s hard to believe this self-styled 50s vintage model lives and breathes in the modern world. In an era of monochrome and androgynous streetwear, Ming’s old school persona is a breath of fresh air. Her flair is in every detail, from her vintage dresses, elaborate hairdos, to couture postures. We find out what it takes for Ming to wing the iconic poster girl look, and her tricks to tease a classic dress into cocktail chic. Cover graphic: Nurul Ain
Above Photo: Shaffiq Farhan / Malaysia Tatler
Photo: Shaffiq Farhan / Malaysia Tatler
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How did vintage become your persona?
“In college, I was the girl who could pull off anything. I explored punk, gothic, as well as modern girly looks. Then I discovered and fell in love with vintage, and dressed that way till my late 20s. I wanted to dress differently, and I thought of changing my style to elegant chic because I’m all grown up.”
Above Photo: Courtesy of @leeeeming / Instagram
Photo: Courtesy of @leeeeming / Instagram
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What do you enjoy most about vintage style?
“Dressing up like a an old soul makes me feel complete, elegant and sexy. It gives me that confidence that I had always longed for.”
Above Photo: Shaffiq Farhan / Malaysia Tatler
Photo: Shaffiq Farhan / Malaysia Tatler
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How does this style represent you?
“Classic, classy and refined with a whimsical flair.”
See also: Style Evolution: The Top Model Moments Of Beauty Queen Kavita Sidhu
Above Photo: Courtesy of @leeeeming / Instagram
Photo: Courtesy of @leeeeming / Instagram
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What’s the main challenge about vintage modeling in Malaysia?
“Besides finding new and unique locations for shoots, the hardest part of being a pinup model is all the behind-the-scenes work that goes into it. I spend a lot of time keeping up with creating better content and booking my next shoots.”
Above Photo: Shaffiq Farhan / Malaysia Tatler
Photo: Shaffiq Farhan / Malaysia Tatler
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What are your 3 wardrobe essentials?
“Black pumps, midi classic black dress and red lipstick.”
Above Photo: Shaffiq Farhan / Malaysia Tatler
Photo: Shaffiq Farhan / Malaysia Tatler
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Tell us about the lilac vintage dress you’re styling.
“Lilac has become the colour of the season. Pastel hues are all enjoying a newfound popularity, but none are more pervasive than lilac. Just looking at it, you can see how it takes one piece of elegance to exemplify simplicity as the ultimate form of sophistication.”
See also: How To Wear The Floral Hair Trend & The Products You'll Need
Above Photo: Shaffiq Farhan / Malaysia Tatler
Photo: Shaffiq Farhan / Malaysia Tatler
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The Essential: A classic vintage dress
"The V-shaped neckline, structured puffy sleeves and a flattering bodice with a matching belt. a figure-hugging cut emphasises curves in all the right places, too."
The dress: Doublewoot vintage
Above Photo: Shaffiq Farhan / Malaysia Tatler
Photo: Shaffiq Farhan / Malaysia Tatler
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Get the day look
50s vintage bag in faux tortoise shell
Above Photo: Shaffiq Farhan / Malaysia Tatler
Photo: Shaffiq Farhan / Malaysia Tatler
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Above Photo: Shaffiq Farhan / Malaysia Tatler
Photo: Shaffiq Farhan / Malaysia Tatler
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Get the day look
Vintage sparkly floral brooch
See also: From Heirloom To Haute: An Evolution Of The Brooch
Above Photo: Shaffiq Farhan / Malaysia Tatler
Photo: Shaffiq Farhan / Malaysia Tatler
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Above Photo: Shaffiq Farhan / Malaysia Tatler
Photo: Shaffiq Farhan / Malaysia Tatler
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Get the day look
Bonia white lace pumps
Above Photo: Shaffiq Farhan / Malaysia Tatler
Photo: Shaffiq Farhan / Malaysia Tatler
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Get the day look
Laura Mercier Extreme Matte Lipstick in burgundy
Above Photo: Shaffiq Farhan / Malaysia Tatler
Photo: Shaffiq Farhan / Malaysia Tatler
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The night look
"I can style the lilac dress from a corporate meeting to evening, just by adding a white flared skirt and some sparkly accessories."
Above Photo: Shaffiq Farhan / Malaysia Tatler
Photo: Shaffiq Farhan / Malaysia Tatler
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Get the night look
Vintage flouncy skirt
Above Photo: Shaffiq Farhan / Malaysia Tatler
Photo: Shaffiq Farhan / Malaysia Tatler
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Above Photo: Shaffiq Farhan / Malaysia Tatler
Photo: Shaffiq Farhan / Malaysia Tatler
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Get the night look
Zara floral embellished necklace
Above Photo: Shaffiq Farhan / Malaysia Tatler
Photo: Shaffiq Farhan / Malaysia Tatler
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Get the night look
H&M bobby pins
Jessica Liew currently shuttles between London and Brighton, having traded her former role as deputy digital editor for life as a student in her dream city. The thought of meeting new and intriguing people gets her up in the morning, but not before a round of Vinyasa yoga to fully awaken. She remains an ardent food porn consumer, and is often found procrastibaking till ungodly hours. Follow her on Instagram @kookycrumb.
