Cover Photo: Nicole Quek / Courtesy of Sonia Chew
Photo: Nicole Quek / Courtesy of Sonia Chew
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The Singaporean radio DJ and entrepreneur shares her thoughts on style with Tatler
You know her by her bubbly on-air personality and her enviable wardrobe, but there’s so much more to 987FM DJ Sonia Chew (@soniachew) than what you see on Instagram. Bursting onto the scene in 2012 after winning the 987 Radio Star competition, the talented multi-hyphenate (and we don’t use this term lightly) has tried her hand at television, radio, and hosting, and has won recognition at international award shows like the 2017 New York Festivals TV and Film Awards. Not content to rest on her laurels, the budding entrepreneur also co-founded restaurant-bar Izy Fook in 2019—together with the with the owners of Roast Paradise—to serve up local delights such as prawn mee pok and salted egg chicken wings, izakaya-style.
Here, we talk to the radio DJ about her most prized possessions, her style pet peeves, and her style inspirations.
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What’s your occupation?
I’m a TV & radio presenter, host, digital content creator and co-founder of Izy Fook!
Describe yourself in three emojis:
🥂🤪🤦🏻 sometimes in that order… hah!
Who are your style icons/inspirations?
Rihanna for slaying literally anything and I can safely say she was one of the OGs in luxury streetwear. Bianca Jagger for being unapologetically herself and ahead of her time with the type of silhouettes she was pulling off back in the day, and Dua Lipa for being so damn fun and quirky in her fashion choices.
What is your go-to look for a night out?
I love a good body suit (some sheer elements never hurt too) paired with wide legged pants that’s easy to dance in if the need ever arises. Stack a couple of cute chains with Chanel necklaces and I’m out the door!
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What is your preferred footwear?
Now it’s slip on mules/sandals with a bit of a heel—but on some days I’m vibing Carrie Bradshaw and will pop on my Manolos with a casual shirt and jeans.
What is your best recent discovery?
Kiholo Club is a cute new local brand with beach related products that just transport you to your island vacation. Another discovery is a secret quarry at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve but I’m not at liberty to disclose those coordinates!
What is your style pet peeve?
Undergarments that are not hidden/concealed properly! Every outfit is different so we should always keep seamless undergarments and different types of lingerie to suit them.
What is something you would never wear?
Platform flip flops!
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What is the last purchase you made?
I got myself something out of my usual comfort zone—a beautiful bright green Chanel flap bag!
What’s always in your bag?
This is a little old school but I keep my Montblanc notebook with me at all times (it was also a very thoughtful gift) because I love penning things down when I feel inspired or even to journal when I need to process my thoughts.
What is your most prized possession in your closet?
This one’s got more of a sentimental attachment to it: a Maison Margiela jacket. It’s simple, understated, and my first big purchase many years ago when I started working.
Pakkee Tan is the Executive Editor of Tatler Singapore. He is responsible for overseeing the editorial output of Tatler Singapore’s print magazine, website, digital strategy, commissioning and editing features and news stories, as well as overseeing Tatler Singapore’s video and social media channels. He has previously worked at Singapore’s top media titles including Vogue Singapore, Harper’s Bazaar Singapore and E! Online Asia. Follow him on Instagram at @pakkee.
