Your Personal Shopper Loves… Esther Shares Her Must-Have Buys

I was born in Seoul, South Korea, but moved to Hong Kong when I was two, and have lived here ever since. What I love most is the variety of culture, gastronomy and style I’m exposed to living in such a vibrant place. The fashion in Hong Kong is diverse: this city has a rich history and culture, and in this fast-paced environment – where all things fashionable are so easily accessible – people have a strong drive to follow the latest trends.

I love meeting new people, and being a Personal Shopper means I get to know the most amazing, talented individuals, whether they’re clients or also working in the industry. You can tell a lot about a person from what they’re wearing; it’s one of the first things someone notices about you. And not only does your clothing show your personality and reveal your mood, I think it’s also a form of self-expression.

My style is very versatile – I dress for the occasion and I don’t fixate on one particular style; I like to keep things simple and accessorize with colorful bags and shoes. I prefer to build my outfit with what’s already in my wardrobe and add one or two statement pieces that will complement the whole look. Most importantly, I have to be comfortable in my clothing. Often, if something looks nice on me but I feel uncomfortable, it’s a hard pass for me, as I won’t enjoy wearing the clothes. Lately, I’ve been shifting towards more classic styles because I’ve noticed that I don’t end up wearing more impulsive purchases. I’m a huge sucker for a nice pair of jeans, too ­– you can wear them with almost anything, and with the right pair of shoes, you can dress up for a night out or for a casual lunch. Saint Laurent, Magda Butrym, Dion Lee, The Attico, Totême and Matteau are some of my favorite designers.

This season, invest in a high-quality pair of linen shorts, because you’ll want to wear them all summer. Choose fabrics that are soft and breathable, which will be perfect for hot, humid weather, and you can pair the shorts with a crisp white shirt. Sandals are another must-have in your wardrobe, and platform sandals give you some height as well as being comfortable. If you’re not a big fan of chunky heels, opt for gladiator or minimalist styles from a brand such as The Row. Finally, the solo vest is the epitome of the Y2K fashion trend – beige or black vests will match easily with other colors, or you can go all out with a denim vest.