Regulars who walk past Greenbelt 5 drive should be familiar with Michelle Lao. The stylish statuesque figure can often be found behind the glass walls of Paul Smith, advising VIP shoppers on what to wear.
With her soft bob and off-beat style, Michelle has refined the high-low aesthetic.
When she’s in London on a buying trip for Paul Smith, she can be found at St. James Park garbed in an oversized denim jacket, pink trousers and espadrilles.
When she’s off for meetings at Covent Garden HQ of the brand, she carries her adorable Loewe elephant bag, which contrasts with her subdued crisp white vest over a black ensemble and white sneakers.
The look is all her own.
Michelle’s long and storied fashion career began when she was a flight attendant in the ’90s as it afforded her the chance to travel and shop.
She soon joined the PAL sales and marketing staff then later, its training and development department.
In 2000, her career in fashion formally began when she became Mango co-owner. She took a five year break before joining Adora and is now with Paul Smith as a consultant to high-end buyers.
At this point, she has summed up life’s greatest lessons into a single rule: “Don’t be a slave to trends.”
You’ve worked in retail for more than a few years. What are the lessons you’ve learned as a stylist and retail exec?
- Do not be a slave to trends. When shopping for clothes, shoes and accessories, consider the following: body type, lifestyle, occasion.
- Invest in basic pieces and build on your wardrobe by adding fashion pieces that are on trend for the season, and weave them seamlessly.
- Foremost to keep in mind is the proper fit. Ill-fitting clothes and shoes negate their dollar value.
- Wear the right underwear for each outfit.
- Build relationships with customers and staff. The symbiotic association between the two will reap great rewards.
When it comes to investing in wardrobe, what should we be spending on?
Each individual has different wants and needs. People have varied opinions on what they should invest in in terms of wardrobe. Personally, I spend mostly on jewelry and shoes.
What’s your rule when it comes to dressing for work?
Understand what is appropriate in your industry/field. In my case, I can go from pairing a business jacket with ripped jeans and slingbacks to bright pink culottes with a gilet and sneakers and still call it dressing for work.
What do you spend on when you travel?
When I travel, I spend on experiences. A desert safari in Dubai, that hike on one of the most preserved parts of the Great Wall of China, a full day exploring castles and quaint cities, the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Oh, and, of course, that “It” bag! And maybe a couple of pairs of shoes. And… and… jewelry!
How do you dress for your three favorite cities?
London: trousers, coats, boots—wellies and scarves. Don’t forget your brolly!
New York: lots of denim and jogger pants, leather jacket, overalls, pleated skirt and sweater top.
Hong Kong: layering, to be able to adjust from the heat on the streets and the cold temperatures inside restaurants. I’m perpetually ready to hit the shopping streets in my trusty Paul Smith sneakers!
Describe your off-duty uniform.
Boyfriend jeans, basic top and a cardigan. Or a denim jacket tied around the waist.
What do you never leave home without?
Lipstick.
How do you dress for celebratory occasions?
On occasions when I need to dress to the nines, I like to wear separates. This gives me the freedom to layer and style accordingly, and not be tied to the look of your run-of-the-mill long gowns.
What’s a necessity for a party?
An exquisite clutch!
What do you stock in your beauty shelf?
- Shu Uemura Tsuya skin fine cream. Who doesn’t want anti-aging and cell-boosting facial skincare?
- Jo Malone London cologne (Vanilla & Anise) keeps me fresh and natural all day long.
- Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution lipstick (Bond Girl). This is my absolute favorite nude lipstick, and despite it being matte, the pigmentation is excellent!
- The Face Shop Freshian Big Mascara doesn’t flake, doesn’t clamp, doesn’t go on too thick.
- Becca compact concealer (coffee) instantly brightens my eyes and my face, especially on those days when I have to attend functions after work.
What beauty essential did you grow up with that you still use today?
Face moisturizer. Growing up, I would watch my mom put on makeup as she prepared to go out to meetings and to parties, and she taught me that paramount in any beauty regimen is to have flawless skin. That little piece of advice stuck with me through the years. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.
Is there a beauty hack you employ regularly?
When wearing sneakers, rub petroleum jelly on toes before putting on socks, especially when you’re looking at a day when long walks are expected.
What intrigues you now, in fashion?
At the moment, it’s fringed-up shoes. This very ’70s trend has made a huge comeback and continues to hold a dominant position in today’s fashion scene.
