emmagem had the pleasure of speaking to Lynette Ow, Editor in Chief of CLEO magazine lately and got some inside tips about fashion and most importantly about the lady herself who  is a fashion inspiration to many. A fellow Piscean, this sophisticated mother of two (seriously who could tell),  who is trained as an accountant and in fact was working with Arthur Andersen and Ernst and Young as an auditor before venturing into Public Relations but after two years, she found her true calling when she joined CLEO as an Editor.

Dressed to work: Dress by Chloe, handbag dyed Fendi lambskin, shoes from Calvin Klein

She is down to earth at least as down to earth as Pisceans can be (he!he!he!) is charming and yet like most Pisceans, utterly discerning  when it comes to style and fashion philosophy. On the day we met, she was kept waiting for an hour (c’est la vie) , yes my bad, but she was still poised and gracious. Passionate about vintage, check out her favorite Alexander McQueen clutch when you see her next…unstructured clothes like Chloe are her current style. Her latest peeve, yup, she is into big clutches like the Mulberry Bayswater clutch, yes especially the red much coveted leopard printed one, in fact she might the only one in Kuala Lumpur lucky enough to own it since they only brought one in. And true to emmagem’s heart, she also a real savvy online shopper, I picked up a tip or two from her  when  we got down to talking some ’serious’ girl talk and the low down on fashion and style…

1) What is your fashion and style philosophy?
Never say “ugly” cos you know you’re so going to want it in 6 months’ time. (Remember when peak shoulders were embarrassingly gross?)

2) Do you follow fashion being an Editor for fashion and lifestyle magazine?
Yes and no. Yes, I am always inspired by the fashion industry and all that it creates but at CLEO, we’re also about finding the confidence to carry your own brand of style.

3) How do you define style? Do you have a style icon, if yes who is it? Who are some of  your favourite designers?
Style is when you’re unaffected by what people may think of your style, exemplified by someone like Coco Chanel, for instance. As for designers, there are too many to mention but I’m really liking the ethereal mood and whimsical shapes from the Mulleavy sisters (Rodarte) now. But ask me tomorrow, and I’ll probably give another designer’s name.

4) What some key pieces you think every girl should have to get a head start as being fashionable?
A subscription to CLEO, of course!

5) What would be some of your fashion advice for girls just getting started in their career and those looking to climb up the corporate ladder?
Until you’ve proven yourself to be a force to be reckoned with at work, don’t let your clothes over-power or over-dazzle you. Keep your sense of style chic and subtle, but never overtly sexy.
Then as you climb the corporate ladder, start thinking of a style/fashion trademark that people will be able to identify with you. It could be something as simple as a favourite colour. And if you have to overspend on an item, let it be a bag that will last forever, killer shoes that don’t actually kill your feet and a hot Hollywood hairstyle.

6) Where do you normally shop ….can you name some of your favorite places ,online and offline ?
I love a good hunt! I cannot help myself at flea markets and second-hand shops. But lately, I do more shopping online: farfetch.com, matches.com or portero.com.

7) What would be your key look this Christmas holiday season? What would be your trend prediction for  year 2010?
I’ll be stocking up on day-to-night dresses - but that’s because I’m a very day-to-night dress kind of girl. So next year, whatever the trends may be, I will probably still be stocking up on day-to-night dresses. If I had to predict the trends next year, I’ll bet on whatever Kate Moss, Rihanna or the Gossip Girl clan are wearing.

8.) What’s it like in a day of the Editor-in-Chief of Cleo magazine?
Every day I’m empowered by the work I do and at the same time I’m intimated by the task at hand - which is to continuously inspire and engage the CLEO readers. It’s a great balance.�

9) What would be your advice for those looking to work in the publishing or fashion/beauty industry…
For the publishing industry, there are so many various job opportunities within - even if you think you can’t write like Hemingway. At ACP, we have very talented, determined people working for the marketing, sales, and production departments too. As with any other industry, you need passion but also self-awareness so you know where in a company you can contribute and/or derive most satisfaction from.

10) What is your personal view and observation about young women of today…
One of the reasons why I love my job is because I’m constantly inspired by the creativity, energy and gumption of young women. In my view, they could change, improve and save the world - and look fabulous while doing it!

Yes, Lynette, we are definitely with you on that note -GIRL  POWER!

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