Cover Style maven Salina Chai hits the shops at Jewel Changi Airport
Style maven Salina Chai hits the shops at Jewel Changi Airport
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Watch: A stylish exploration of Jewel Changi Airport through the discerning eyes of Salina Chai as she embarks on a day of shopping indulgences
Even amidst the hustle and bustle of Jewel Changi Airport, Salina Chai stands out.
Dressed head to toe in white, the digital content creator cuts a stylish figure; turning heads in the crowd as she strolls along the Mastercard Canopy Bridge and takes in the scenic views 23 metres above ground.
Maybe it’s her impeccable sense of style, or maybe it's the quiet confidence she radiates. Either way, it comes as no surprise that Chai is a social media darling with over 180,000 avid followers on Instagram and Tik Tok. Beneath that soft‑spoken demeanour lies a keen eye for fashion—effortlessly blending sophistication with a contemporary flair to curate the polished ensembles she’s best known for.
Salina Chai takes in the stunning views of the lush greenery and the HSBC Rain Vortex 23 metres up from the Mastercard Canopy Bridge
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Classic and clean: that is how the 30 year-old describes her enviable style ethos. “Although my style is constantly evolving with age and with time, I have become more mindful with what I purchase; really investing in pieces that transcend seasons and trends. I always choose quality over quantity.”
This begs the question: where does Chai love to shop? As a longtime Eastside dweller, her answer is unequivocally Jewel Changi Airport. Evoking fond childhood memories, the area—and Changi Airport in particular—is where Chai spent many happy moments with her family. These days, the mall is her go-to shopping destination. “I’m a creature of habit,” she confessed with a smile. “I still live in the East and naturally, Jewel Changi Airport is my preferred haunt. I love that it has a great curation of international and local brands, as well as a huge array of dining options.”
Housing all of her favourites under one roof, it’s no wonder then that we recently spotted the style maven at Jewel Changi Airport for a day of indulgent shopping. Surrounded by lush greenery, the awe-inspiring sight of the world's tallest indoor waterfall and a plethora of glittering boutiques under one roof, what more can a girl ask for?
Above Trying on a Nomos Glashütte Club Sport neomatik timepiece at Watches of Switzerland,
Trying on a Nomos Glashütte Club Sport neomatik timepiece at Watches of Switzerland,
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Fuelled by her favourite coconut latte from Luckin Coffee, Chai’s first stop of the day was Watches of Switzerland, where she browsed their carefully curated selection of timepieces from renowned Swiss brands. Naturally, the accessory lover couldn’t resist trying on a watch or two; slipping an elegant Nomos Glashütte Club Sport neomatik piece with a petrol green dial onto her slender wrist.
Above The Tabby quilted shoulder bag from Coach matches Chai's Spring/Summer wardrobe palette perfectly
The Tabby quilted shoulder bag from Coach matches Chai's Spring/Summer wardrobe palette perfectly
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Speaking of accessories, Chai was on the hunt for the perfect arm candy. As co-founder of artisanal luxury leather restoration store Margo & Smith, Chai meticulously seeks out quality leather pieces that can be maintained for years to come. Her favourite pick at Coach? An ivory Tabby quilted shoulder bag crafted from ultra-plush Nappa leather to pair with her pristine all-white outfit. “I always look for classics or bags that will transcend seasons and trends,” she shared. “And these days, I prefer to dress in light hues so this bag will match my spring/summer wardrobe palette perfectly.”
Above Checking out Ray-Ban's collection of contemporary eyewear—from the classic aviators to Wayfarer sunnies
Checking out Ray-Ban's collection of contemporary eyewear—from the classic aviators to Wayfarer sunnies
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The style savant then traipsed over to Ray-Ban to check out the brand’s collection of contemporary eyewear, ranging from the classic aviators to Wayfarer sunnies. Ever the fashionista, Chai gravitated towards more feminine, timeless pieces such as a pair of Jackie O-esque white square-shaped sunglasses.
Charles & Keith is Chai's go-to for affordable footwear
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Next, it was off to Chai’s favourite local brand, Charles & Keith. “They are my go-to for affordable footwear,” she shared while perusing the array of sandals, sunglasses and other seasonal offerings. One in particular caught her eye: a pair of strappy white pumps, which she promptly tried on—the perfect finishing touch to her chic, monochromatic ensemble.
There’s nothing quite like perfumes to elevate one’s shopping experience—the perfect excuse for Chai to make a pitstop at the sensorial delight that is Amaris. With an exquisite curation of niche fragrances, the boutique was an olfactory playground for our perfume collector. “I like to switch up scents depending on my mood and schedule of the day; a light floral scent for weekends and a heavier, layered scent for a night out with my husband,” she said, in between generous spritzes of Goldfield & Banks’ Island Lush perfume.
Finally, it was time for Chai to finally bid adieu to her favourite mall—making a stylish exit with a playful pep in her step and an armful of bags from her fruitful day of shopping. Will we spot her again soon at Jewel Changi Airport? There's certainly no question about it; it’s only a matter of time.
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Credits
Content Direction: Adriel Chiun
Videography: Nicola Ng
Camera Crew: Joey Tay, Jufri Husne, Malik Basar, Fido
Hair: Leong using Kevin Murphy
Make-Up: Cheryl Ow using Burberry Beauty
