My Style Signature: Susie Bubble On The Joy Of Wearing Color And Print

“It’s eclectic, joyful and probably a bit busy – it’s mad on the eye and it’s not for everyone,” says Susie Lau (aka Susie Bubble) with a smile as we sit down post-PORTER photoshoot to discuss her signature style. “I like to try lots of different things; one day it can be very girly, another day it can be a bit gothy. I kind of ping pong around. I’m a fan of colors and prints and things that really uplift.”

This experimental approach is very much reflected in the looks Lau wore on set, which included vibrant styles by Dries Van Noten, Sacai and Shushu/Tong. “The pieces might have changed over the years but in general, the techniques of layering print on print, the mix of genres…they are very signature traits of mine.”

If you’ve followed Lau since the early days of her career, then you’ll know how much fun she likes to have with clothes. One of the first (and most influential) fashion bloggers of her generation, Lau launched Style Bubble in 2006 as a place to share her unique outfits and musings on personal style. This, along with her thoughtful observations on fashion and interest in spotlighting young designers, immediately caught the attention of industry insiders, leading to a role at Dazed Digital and a seat on the front row at every major fashion show. She’s still a regular on the fashion week circuit and writes for publications such as the Business of Fashion, Perfect Magazine and Vogue.

“It went from me being an outsider and treating it like a hobby to working in – and understanding – the industry, being more immersed in it and gaining more knowledge,” says Lau. “I like to almost retain that feeling of being an outsider looking in, so that you still get that excitement, that joy.”

When reviewing collections, Lau considers herself more of a cheerleader than a critic. As a longtime supporter of emerging talent, she has seen firsthand the hurdles that designers face, especially at the start of their careers, so she chooses to look at the positives. “I think it’s better for the industry. I’m pro-industry; I want people to have jobs,” she says. From relative newcomers like Conner Ives and Pauline Dujancourt to more established names, Lau loves to watch designers’ careers flourish. “I saw Jonathan Anderson’s first collection in a basement like 20 years ago. To see that trajectory from the beginning to the end…there’s something really satisfying about that.”

Here, Lau shares her favorite ways to style prints and patterns, whether she’s on the front row or at a fashion week after-party.

“For me, day to evening always blurs into one because I dress up during the day, so for the evenings it’s more or less the same.

“I love a skirt over pants. I think when you layer sheer [fabrics], it makes layering a lot easier; it doesn’t feel bulky, and you can still feel comfortable. The fact that they’re all in the same print pulls it together. The best bit about this look is the sequined cummerbund belt. I like that it’s very relaxed and doesn’t feel too cinched in but can go through to evening with a good shoe, like these Dries Van Noten sandals.”

“This look is really about the statement Sacai skirt – it has an amazing shape. I like that it’s got this hoop structure that feels almost like a petticoat. It’s slightly toned down with the jacket, which is also by Sacai, a shirt and a very prim cardi. Something preppy with something more out there is always a good way of toning down a pattern.”

“This giant Dries Van Noten dress, styled with the Destree skirt, is a simpler, Op Art way of wearing print. If you’re not into mad colors or busy prints, I think graphic prints like this are great. Polka dot has really taken on a life of its own [this season] – it’s very Bridget Riley-esque.

“The Sophie Buhai bag has this very lovely, elongated satin shape. It fits a phone and not much else, [but I love] the pop of red.”

“Shushu/Tong really does excel at pieces that are feminine and girly but not too saccharine – there’s a bit of an edge.

“This is probably my favorite outfit because it’s very me. It’s a sweet dress but then there’s a bit of layering going on with the Pauline Dujancourt lace bolero and the Valentino Garavani white lace tights. I’m a white-tights girl – they just give a point of difference.”