Tell us something interesting about yourself.

“I am an architect and designer by trade (she’s behind Studio Jayem) but I’m also fighting cancer and kicking a**.”

How long have you been practising architecture?

“I studied architecture about seven years ago and I currently live between Bali and Singapore, working full-time in Bali.”

Who is your architecture inspiration?

“I really like obscure architects that no one really knows about. A pretty huge one is (Japanese architect) Shigeru Ban who does a lot of work with refugees and temporary shelters. He kind of adapts his designs or rather, the materials available in place, and does really interesting designs with them. He designs for humanity and I think that’s the future.”

What brings you to Singapore?

“My parents are here. I was born and grew up here even though I’m half Italian and half Mauritian. I’m currently back here for treatment.”

How has your cancer journey been like so far?

“It’s been tough, I definitely don’t wish it on anyone. Chemotherapy is very, very testing and it really pushes your body to the limits. So you definitely need to learn to go easy on yourself and acceptance takes a long time.”

Would you say it has affected your lifestyle in any way?

“A hundered per cent. I have to take things day by day, minute by minute – especially with the Covid situation, I think we’re all learning to take things as they come. It’s hard to prepare for anything anymore. So as of right now, I’m going with the flow and seeing where things take me; no more long-term planning.

I also have to avoid (eating) anything processed, any sugars or raw food. I was a vegetarian to begin with so my diet consisted of a lot of salad, vegetables and fruits. At the moment, I’ve just had to readapt anything.”

How would you describe your style?

“My style is comfortable. I like jeans (and going) bra-less if I can. I’m a ’90s kid at heart.”

What the one thing that you did before the shoot?

“I had good coffee this morning, that’s a change. I’m not really allowed caffeine so once in a while I sneak it in.”

Where have you visited?

“Out of 26 (Schengen Area) countries in Europe, I’ve been to 20. I’ve also traveled to the United States, United Kingdom and five countries in Asia.”

What draws you to travel?

“Exploring, backpacking, seeing the world and what’s out there.”

Where’s the most interesting place you’ve been to?

“I would say Budapest and Amsterdam for sure.”

Have you travelled to any specific country to skate?

“I’ve been to Barcelona just to skate around the MACBA. I mostly carry my skateboard with me when I travel.”

What was your experience and journey with skating like?

“I started skating at 15 years old but I wasn’t really into the tricks and stuff. In my early 20s, I delved into learning more about different stunts.”

Who are your fashion icons?

“ASAP Rocky – because he’s cool and there’s just a flow to him – or Tupac because all his lyrics have been really impactful and real.”

Tell us something interesting about yourself.

“I try to do a lot of different creative projects; I don’t try to box myself into one specific discipline. I feel that branching out and having different creative streams help you grow as a unique individual. If you’re always stuck in fashion, you’re only seeing one perspective and not getting any other influences.

I also do tattooing on the side as a part-time job and hobby. I purchased my first stick-and-poke kit in early 2019 and started making money from it in late 2020, as my friends were pushing me to charge people for my art. Sometimes, you may feel that your art is not worth getting paid for but you just have to figure out your worth.”

What do you love about tattooing?

“It feels good seeing tattoos on someone’s body and I love that it lasts forever. It’s pretty cool when people compliment my tattoos.”

How would you describe your art?

“I’m still new to the scene and I’m still evolving. But I feel that my art is really organic and I really like odd shapes.

I try to stray away from set ideas when it comes to techniques like shading. Instead, I do what comes to me naturally even if it’s messy. There’s also usually some elements of my art being darker and alien-esque.”

Who are your fashion icons?

“I’m influenced by a lot of people online and the fashion scene in London. Every time I go to London and visit my sister, I subconsciously get influenced by the people around me and those whom I come across. The culture there is so refreshing because people are always really accepting. If you stand out, they will appreciate you more.

There are a lot of underground accounts that I follow. I really like a lot of goth, new wave and techno artists such as Alice Glass (@_alice_glass), Alice Gas (@alice_gasss) and Jazmin Bean (@jazminbean). Some Instagram chicks dress really cool too, such as Sandy Taboo (@sandytaboo) and Princess Gollum (@princessgollum).”

What were you studying in university?

“I did Art History and Philosophy in school. Primarily, I specialised in Continental Philosophy which includes studies by familiar names like Heidegger, Derrida, Camut and Sartre as well as Phenomenology.”

In what ways has art history or philosophy influenced your style?

“It’s probably more influenced by art history. I’ve been really fond of the period when art turned into modernity, like the Impressionist era. I really like the silhouettes women wore in those days and how it’s really cool to wear stuff like that nowadays.”

How would you describe your style?

“For womenswear, I really hyperfeminine silhouettes that cinch the waist and flare out.”

Who are your style icons?

“I’m mostly influenced by LA designer Stacey Nishimoto who does these long elaborate gowns that are conservative but she pairs them with sneakers or a baseball cap which I think is really, really cool.

I also really like Violet Chacki from RuPaul’s Drag Race and political commentator Natalie Wynn who runs the YouTube channel ContraPoints.”

How would you describe your style?

“I pretty much wear anything I want, mostly baggy clothes because they’re easier to sit around in and I do not really have to think so much about what I’m wearing. Sometimes when I go out I’ll dress up but other than that, I’ll just wear what’s comfortable.”

What’s your definition of dressing up?

“I stick with the basics and wear brands like Zara. I also like wearing Youths In Balaclava’s shirts because they’re easy to wear and are very comfortable. My favourite is the one that changes colour in the sunlight. It can turn pink!”

Before coming for this shoot, what was running through your mind?

“Well, I was actually just very nervous. I’ve never had anyone style me like this before.”

Tell us something about yourself.

“I’m Burmese and share the same name as my mum. The literal translation of my name is ‘give life’ and my mum named me after her because she gave me life. I think that’s interesting.”

How long have you lived in Singapore?

“I have been living here since I was nine.”

What are some of your go-to wardrobe staples?

“I really like leather, jackets, hats, accessories and anything in metal.”

How would you describe your style?

“I don’t have a fixed style and I take inspiration from a lot of things.”

Who are your fashion icons?

“I don’t have a fashion icon but my partner is studying fashion and so I get some fashion advice from them. Sometimes when I see a particular style on the Internet which I like, I’ll try to follow and emulate it.

An example of someone’s style that I currently love is Jaden Smith. I love how his outfits are never too structured and how he doesn’t really care too much. I love that.”

What’s your relationship with Youths In Balaclava?

“They are all my friends, I knew them back then. I modelled for their shoot since their first campaign all the way until now. I don’t how many seasons I’ve been a part of already.”

Are you involved in their design process?

“Not really, I just help out and model for them.”

How would you describe your style?

“My fashion style is a bit overrated. I’m influenced by the ’80s and ’90s hip hop music and street culture. So I can wear anything, I don’t care whether it’s branded or not.”

What’s your take on dressing up?

“You don’t judge people on what they wear. You can wear anything you want as long as you like it.”

Where do you get your fashion references from?

“Mainly from hip hop music and its culture. There’s this Japanese producer I know of called Nujabes, but he passed away in 2010. He doesn’t really have a specific style but his signature piece is baggy jeans.”

What’s something you did before the shoot?

“I actually had a work meeting before dropping by to the shoot.”