An experienced thrifter for many years, Lee Ming possessed a passion for finding vintage gems long before her social media career took off. With encouragement from her then-boyfriend-now-husband, with whom the content creator and vintage clothing collector shares a love of fashion, she decided to hone in on a specific era, overhauling her entire wardrobe.
"I naturally lean towards clothing that embodies elegance and modesty, while he has a flair for a more daring style. For me, the 1950s exemplify the perfect balance between sophistication and allure, emphasising the beauty of women who exude both grace and confidence," she says.
In 2016, Lee Ming took the plunge and fully devoted herself to the art of vintage fashion, falling in love with classic Hollywood glamour. Wearing items she inherited from family elders who lived through these bygone eras, as well as articles of clothing infused with the stories of those who came before her, became her way of honouring the past, making dressing up a sentimental and meaningful process. "I relish the thrill of uncovering rare treasures, and there's something incredibly special about wearing a piece that once belonged to my grandmother."
When it comes to inspiration, American burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese, who Lee Ming sees as her ultimate style icon, is the first name that comes to mind. Several of history's silver screen darlings influence her look too. "My inspiration also comes from classic acting legends such as Grace Kelly, Rita Hayworth, Jane Russell, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Brigitte Bardot, Ava Gardner and Hedy Lamarr. Each of these remarkable women exemplifies a distinct charm and sophistication that perfectly aligns with my vintage aesthetic."
Sporting any unconventional look in public is bound to attract attention, and luckily, Lee Ming has had mostly positive experiences, usually the result of curiosity about what goes into creating her unique appearance. Her signature updo earns the most remarks, she says. "While I can't recall any specific memorable encounters, I often get asked how I style my hair and how much time it takes me to get ready. When I share that it typically takes about an hour to an hour and a half, people are often shocked. They seem to find it hard to believe I can achieve my 1950s-inspired hairdo in that amount of time," she laughs.
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More interestingly, she says strangers tend to not recognise her when she dresses more casually and modern. "But when they realise who I am, they're like, 'Oh my gosh, you're the girl with the vintage hair and style!' It always gives me a good laugh!"
Beyond her usual styling guides and get-ready-with-me sessions, Lee Ming's social media also offers a glimpse of her life as a mother of one. While it is not unusual to come across "momfluencer" - mummy influencer, whose content exclusively or primarily focuses on how they raise and care for their little ones - media these days, she and her son Tyrese display a heartwarmingly tight-knit and loving relationship, often appearing in her videos together to get dressed up or show viewers parts of their regular routines.
Juggling work and parenthood can be stressful, but Lee Ming is grateful for the lessons it has taught her and the deeper sense of connection it has cultivated with others online. "It has shaped my career as a creator in numerous ways. It taught me the value of authenticity and vulnerability, allowing me to share not just my fashion journey, but also the realities of balancing motherhood and personal pursuits. I've found that my experiences as a mum resonate with many of my followers, creating a sense of community where we can support each other," she explains.
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In many dual-income households around the world, women still bear the brunt of childcare. They are also expected to take on the cooking and cleaning after coming straight home from work. Thus, they often find themselves lacking the time for self-care, much less the energy for it at the end of a long day.
Lee Ming says it is important that mothers do more for themselves, whether it is keeping up a morning routine or dressing up to the nines, if that is what one wants. "It is so important to carve out time for yourself, even if it's just a few minutes a day. Remember that self-care isn't selfish, but essential for your well-being. Dressing up or taking the time to feel good about yourself can significantly impact your mood and confidence. So, whether it's putting on a favourite outfit, doing your hair or even indulging in a small daily ritual, prioritise these moments. You deserve to feel fabulous, and embracing your personal style can be a wonderful way to express who you are amid the beautiful chaos of motherhood."
The archetype of the 1950s feminine style, though pictured by many as always and effortlessly beautiful, has become the target of feminist rhetoric, due to the fact that the real-life women who pioneered this aesthetic had fewer rights than their modern-day counterparts. Many even likened their prim and proper lives to birds trapped in gilded cages. Generational clashes aside, creatives like Lee Ming show it is possible to reclaim personal style for ourselves while imbuing them with our own values.
After all, fashion is meant to be empowering. You wear the clothes, not the other way around.
