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Interview with Cecilia – Part Two

I hope you all enjoyed meeting Cecilia yesterday– isn’t her closet fantastic? If I was her I’d try to wear a different beautiful jacket every day! Here we go  – the second part of Cecilia’s interview, below. Enjoy!

Isabel Marant “Leon” coat, reversible

Is Isabel Marant very popular in Hong Kong? How do you find style in Hong Kong, versus the United States?

I would say it is getting more popular.  Case in point: I saw no less than four dozen of the fringed and delicately beaded Malibu tops in one of the cardboard boxes of a shipment that arrived when I happened in the Marant store trying on a fur jacket!  The buyer wouldn’t have ordered that many $1035 tops if she’s not sure they’ll sell – fast – would she? Very roughly speaking, in Central it’d be more likely for one to see a New York type of style, whereas in Causeway Bay, it’d feel more like Los Angeles.

Hong Kong is well known for its fast pace in nearly everything.  As far as fashion is concerned, I reckon Hong Kong girls are really, really lucky.  For decades women here have been able to get almost whatever they happen to set sights eyes on, from all over the world – thanks to the likes of Joyce Ma and Judy Yu, as well as Lane Crawford.

Beautiful YSL tuxedo jacket

Isabel Marant Xacala raccoon jacket and vest

If you were to advise a good friend to invest in a few key items – what would they be? 

First and foremost, an Hermès Kelly or Birkin, or a Chanel 2.55.  For clothing items – I have been waiting for this question, hahaha! – I have a list of clothing investments that has been refined for years and I believe these are it.  Well, I hope my that these investments will pay off for my good friend…

1. A Chanel tweed jacket

2. A Yves Saint Laurent tuxedo jacket

3. A Rick Owens leather jacket

4. A Burberry or Lanvin trench coat

5. A MaxMara cashmere or camel hair coat

6. A Fendi mink coat or, for understated luxury, a Mr&Mrs Furs mink-lined parka

7. A L’wren Scott cashmere cardigan with quarter-length sleeves

8. A Lucien Pellat Finet cashmere sweater

9. An Alaia little black dress, or skirt

10. A La Perla black or nude lace bra with matching briefs (I have a natural aversion to thongs)

To complete my friend’s investment I’d also recommend:a. A pair of diamond studs. A mechanical watchc. A pair of the most classic pointed-toe and 105mm-heel Manolos, or a pair of sky-high Louboutins (though my personal favorites are his Simple 70 pumps).

Hermes Etoupe Bolide and Raisin Birkin

Isabel Marant Lexy jackets

What’s an item/designer that you splurged over, thinking you were going to wear it tons – and you’ve barely worn it at all?

A crocodile tote bag by the Singaporean brand, Kwanpen.  The bag is actually pretty well made of high quality crocodile skin (“the Singapore Small Scale”), and it’s of a very classy box shape.  But for some strange reason I have used it much less often than I would’ve wanted.

Isabel Marant “Michal” jacket

Can you share a key piece of advice on style/shopping/budgeting that you’ve had to learn over the years?

Buy only what suits you.  If you are not entirely in love with yourself in it, no matter how “in” it is, or how much it has been marked down, it is not yours.

Fur jackets

Isabel Marant Maeva goat hair jacket

What percent of your items do you buy on sale, versus full price?

Roughly, half and half.  Needless to say everybody loves a bargain, but there’re times when you know you just can’t wait.  For example, I have never, ever in my life been successful in getting a nice Chanel jacket in 34 during mark-down.  There were times I did come across a couple of jackets in size 34 marked down, but they were in such a, um, special – if not awkward – design in which I couldn’t make myself interested.  When sales are on, I stock up good quality basics, such as cashmere sweaters and jeans.

Comparison of Celine Luggage tote vs. Hermes 30cm Birkin

Isabel Marant Yeliz top and dress

What are some of your other passions and hobbies?

“Other”?  So I can’t say shopping, can I?  Okay, then…it’s got to be reading.  I buy books, tons of books, even when I’m traveling.  I usually reserve some space in my luggage for books.  I love looking at magazines, and of course, fashion blogs, too.  I also pride myself in gift-giving.  Exploring new things and new brands is great fun, so is finding something that matches the friend’s taste and life style, so much so that he or she grins and gives you a huge hug when seeing the gift!

Chanel tweed 2.55 bag, limited edition

Hermes scarves in Bolduc and Brides de Gala

Finally – please share something surprising about yourself 🙂

You won’t see this in the pictures here, but I have a big head.  When I was little I always lost my balance, and  frequently fell down, hit my head, and ended up being sent to the ER for stitches.  The frequency of my visits was so high that the ER nurses and I were on a first-name basis!

Hahaha I love the last answer. I have a big head too, plus I’m short so I’m kind of a bobble. Sigh. I hope you all enjoyed meeting Cecilia – as a jacket lover myself, this whole interview was basically heaven for me. Thank you again Cecilia for being gracious and kind enough to share your beautiful taste and advice with us!

30 Comments

  • Reply
    Chic Coles
    December 1, 2011 at 1:32 pm

    We loved the key items line up. Thank you. What a closet.

  • Reply
    rolala
    December 1, 2011 at 3:30 pm

    Cecilia's closet is pretty amazing. I'm such a fan of Isabel Marant now!

  • Reply
    audrinajulia
    December 1, 2011 at 3:49 pm

    Tons of Isabel Marant she have! And what a collection of Jacket from interview 1 -2. I love how Celine luggage and Hermes Birkin put in size comparison.:)

  • Reply
    skippysays
    December 1, 2011 at 4:07 pm

    Oh wow, that YSL tuxedo jacket is to die for!
    http://www.saysskippy.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    homestilo
    December 1, 2011 at 4:08 pm

    What a fun collection of coats and jackets!

  • Reply
    Adele
    December 1, 2011 at 5:02 pm

    I love her passion for the designers. Fancy swapping wardrobes!!!!
    http://www.intotheblonde.com/

  • Reply
    amy b.s.
    December 1, 2011 at 5:26 pm

    that vest!

  • Reply
    Andrea
    December 1, 2011 at 6:31 pm

    love the pics <3

  • Reply
    katattack2000
    December 1, 2011 at 6:39 pm

    Wow what a great closet! Love the last answer too! Hilarious 🙂

    katattack2000.wordpress.com

  • Reply
    Lindsay
    December 1, 2011 at 6:57 pm

    This is great! I love a good gift giver, since I pride myself on being the same. I feel bad about her head, though!

  • Reply
    Chocolate, Cookies & Candies
    December 1, 2011 at 8:31 pm

    Gosh, I just want to dive into Cecelia's closet and live there. Love her answers. Love her clothes. Love her. Period.

  • Reply
    Chocolate, Cookies & Candies
    December 1, 2011 at 8:31 pm

    Gosh, I just want to dive into Cecelia's closet and live there. Love her answers. Love her clothes. Love her. Period.

  • Reply
    swisscecilia
    December 1, 2011 at 9:39 pm

    Wow she really got tons of amazingly beautiful jackets and bags and dress. Thanks for the advise 🙂

  • Reply
    Call me M
    December 1, 2011 at 10:38 pm

    She has an amazing collection! I really like these interviews.

  • Reply
    Ale e Elis
    December 2, 2011 at 4:31 am

    wow….her jackets, shoes, bags, every single item is so beautiful!!!!

    brasileiroantenado.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Sidney Salim
    December 2, 2011 at 5:42 am

    These are great investment pieces! especially the nude or black Louboutin pumps. They worth every penny. Enter my YSL and more GIVEAWAY at poseposhpost.blogspot.com
    Pose Posh Post

  • Reply
    tiffyama
    December 2, 2011 at 8:06 am

    Great interview!! 😀 I'm so jealous of her collection~ one day…^^.

  • Reply
    Girlie Blogger
    December 2, 2011 at 8:20 am

    I am in love with that tuxedo jacket. It goes with just anything.

    http://www.thegirlieblog.com

  • Reply
    Summer-Raye
    December 2, 2011 at 12:26 pm

    So much goodness in one post.

    Check out my MAC GIVEAWAY!

    Summer-Raye

  • Reply
    couturecoco
    December 2, 2011 at 12:37 pm

    I love her classic modern pieces and her great investment list!

  • Reply
    SassyUptownChic
    December 2, 2011 at 5:37 pm

    Her collection is BEYOND amazing! Loving the CHANEL tweed purses. OMG'd! Thanks for this interview. Such an inspiration!!! 😀
    http://sassyuptownchic.blogspot.com/

  • Reply
    Prêt à Porter P
    December 3, 2011 at 2:21 am

    The YSL tuxedo is absolutely gorgeous.

  • Reply
    Karlita
    December 3, 2011 at 5:46 am

    love the totes! great interview!

  • Reply
    Beautifulnoir
    December 3, 2011 at 10:50 am

    Great interview!

  • Reply
    Anonymous
    December 5, 2011 at 6:14 pm

    Would love to find the mr. And mrs. Mink lined jacket. Who makes this please? I did a search for mr. And mrs. And found nothing.

  • Reply
    Katherine
    December 5, 2011 at 6:19 pm

    @Anonymous Here are some links I found! Such a gorgeous jacket, I'd love one too 🙂

    http://www.luisaviaroma.com/index.aspx?#getData.aspx|CallType=ListOfProd&des=M5L&cat=&season=actual&gender=women&group=&subline=&fromLinkDesHtm=undefined&fromTrend=false&trend=&SortType=0

    http://mrmrsfurs.com/

  • Reply
    Gogo Garantzioti
    December 6, 2011 at 9:13 am

    wow love them all!kisses****

  • Reply
    Cecilia Teh
    December 7, 2011 at 7:08 am

    Thank you Katherine for conducting all these wonderful interviews!

    Through the older threads, I've read some kind and also "better-to-save-the-world-than-waste-money-on-such-frivolous-purchases" comments. We, the readers are not stupid. Obviously, we are aware that the interviewee is from another "planet" compared to mere mortals like me. However, as much as I want to, I cannot stop any Hermes decked lady on the street and asked to view her fantasic collections.

    Please continue with what you are doing. All these are very "educational" information. haha.

    PS: My name is also Cecilia, but unlike the Cecilia in this thread, we are world's apart…

  • Reply
    The Blonde @ Stylish3
    December 9, 2011 at 10:48 pm

    I love that tuxedo jacket… I'm hoping to get one for X-mas, but I'm sure it won't have a YSL tag!

    Great interview. Keep 'em coming!

  • Reply
    Crazy Passion Purchase: Fur Camouflage | Feather Factor
    May 16, 2012 at 3:16 am

    […] obsessed with finding the perfect Mr & Mrs Furs jacket ever since I saw Cecilia’s in her interview – I love fur but find that many styles are too formal for me. Mr. & Mrs. Furs – which […]

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