On dressing for the job, without making personal stylistic sacrifices.

My personal style is all about comfort and proportions. I have to go to work and perform in a certain way and if clothing restricts me then I don’t respond well. But I also understand the importance of presentation. In my business, everyone clocks each other. Because you meet so many people all the time, first impressions go a long way. So, immediately, you want to set the right tone. I dress for the job while holding onto myself and identity. I use my wardrobe to protect myself and project how seriously I want to be taken. I want to impress you without intimidating you. I love menswear. I don’t have to worry about my ass hanging out. 

On meeting important people.

At my senior show in 1988, I had a key spot. And Richard Pandiscio, the Creative Director at Interview and Stephen Gan, at Visionaire, happened to walk by. They took my business card that I made on a Xerox machine and they called me to ask if I wanted to come in with my book. And I’m like, my book? My book at the time was basically my senior thesis with portraits of my then-boyfriend with his brother and sister. Five portraits. And for whatever reason, it compelled people to call me. Thank God for that Xeroxed business card.

On making sure something’s always a little “off”.

In how I dress, I always like to have something that is a little off. Something surprising. My friend Ben once said to me: good taste can be learned, but bad taste makes things interesting. And god, that has always stayed with me. Everyone can have good taste. But when things are out-of-the-box, that makes things more exciting.

Like, for me, I love Mickey Mouse. I don’t know why, maybe it’s in my DNA as an Asian person, but I love it. I like him vintage, I like him cheap, I like him from Uniqlo. I don’t care. And sometimes, if I feel a certain way, I might want to throw that on.

On highs and lows. And socks!

Socks are another good example. I love a good sock detail. Be it intentional or not — matching your sweater to socks — very junior high, and I love that. If you have a nice suit on, make sure your sneakers are dirty. If you’re wearing ripped jeans, I love a nice shoe. I can’t tell you how many black and navy blazers I have. Every one of them is different to me. Throw it on, and all of a sudden you’re put together.

How accessories can keep you tethered from far away.

Dash and I recently both got our ears pierced. We did that after thinking about the idea of matching tattoos (kidding). I never allowed Dash to pierce her ears, I thought it was more punk rock if she didn’t. But then I buckled and gave in. I told her, you can pierce your ears if we do it together. And she listened to me. My kid listened to me. A miracle.

So that’s something external that can ignite sentiment and create comfort when she’s away.

It’s funny because I showed the bracelet Dash made when she was younger and she had no recollection of making it. But I asked her if she’d wear it again and she surprised me by saying: “yeah, totally.”

The feelings accessories can evoke.

These bracelets remind of the ones dash would make at birthday parties, where everyone got together and strung these sweet plastic beads together. So I actually found one that Dash made when she was like, five. And it’s so reminiscent.

I don’t remember Dash bringing it home, but I remember the era. What’s so nice about that era is that, again, not overthinking it, you’re just making. Creating. You’re at the party having fun with your friends and you string the thing together. I just can’t believe I found it.