Love them or hate them, it’s hard to deny that our siblings make us who we are today. Whether it’s a scapegoat to blame for childhood mischief, shoulder to cry on or BFF to swap clothes with, the sibling relationship is definitely one of the strongest (and most complicated) ones a person can have.
To coincide with Siblings Day, which falls on April 10, meet these duos who hail from various creative industries such as fashion, barbering, fine art and bespoke jewellery.
What do you do?
Mira (right): “I am a fine art consultant specialist, specialising in contemporary Chinese art and working on an upcoming fashion project with Italy and Indonesia. I’m also releasing my YouTube videos on art followed by fashion in mid-April 2021.”
Alif (left): “I’m an apprentice barber at Rogueandbeyond barbershop. I’ve been there for eight months, and am finishing up my apprenticeship to be a full-time barber at the shop.”
Where do you get your creative ideas from?
Mira: “From great conversations, people around me, my surroundings as well as things I watch or read.”
Alif: “I get it from everywhere and everyone whenever I’m out. I really like the vintage style of our older generation. I do go to Pinterest from time to time to check out some street style/editorial shoots, like how they style their garments and hair.”
What do you admire about your sibling’s sense of style?
Mira: “I always love how he can just put anything together and make it look great – even when he’s going to the grocery.”
Alif: “Her eye for details. She loves wearing big silhouettes and black, but she’s wearing more colours and different textures right now. I love how she’s open to trying different pieces from various designers. She’s able to pull everything together and somehow stay true to her own style.”
How has your sibling influenced your style, or even work?
Mira: “We both know our styles and work are different, so when we share our thoughts on each other’s style or even when talking about work, we can sometimes share or draw from our experience. But when we want to give suggestions, we put ourselves out of the thought process.”
Alif: “She influenced me to be more daring and have fun with what I wear. Most of the time I’ll get her opinion on my outfits before I leave the house. She taught me how to pair different colours, proportions and shapes. I usually ask for her advice as she knows my style and the look I’m going for.”
Have you ever collaborated with your sibling, or plan to do so in future?
Mira: “We might when the time is right – you never know.”
Alif: “Not yet, but I definitely will love to collaborate with her in the near future. It will probably integrate hair and artworks.”
How would you describe your sibling relationship growing up?
Mira: “I was the ‘big sister-best friend’ type. When we were younger, we would spend a lot of time together doing creative stuff and shot for each other’s Instagram. That was when we discovered more about our individual style and started bouncing off each other’s creative energy.”
Alif: “We were close to each other and we used to take each other’s photographs for our Instagrams. It was all for fun and our creative outlet.”
Craziest thing you ever did with your sibling?
Mira: “He was my stage manager for a fashion and tech event I directed at the opening for Switch (Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology). I think that was crazy, as we were the youngest team to run a segment for a government event. Alif and our team were thinking on their feet the whole time, especially on the show day itself. It was hectic, but we did it!”
Alif: “Probably her Switch event in 2018. It was a pretty big show and a lot of preparations were done.”
One thing you admire about your sibling?
Mira: “His sense of loyalty, kindness and entrepreneurial spirit. I have seen him cutting hair from when he was 15 up till now, and he is relentless at perfecting his craft and really passionate about it.”
Alif: “She’s a strong independent woman. I believe this is due to her work experience, the people she’s encountered and her ability to focus and pursue her goals.”
One thing you can’t stand?
Mira: “He likes to complain about how I don’t finish my coffee in the morning before I leave for work.”
Alif: “She makes me fetch her contact lens casing at night before she goes to bed.”
What do you do?
Kaci (right): “I’ve been a full-time fashion model for about three years now. I mostly do runways and magazine shoots in Singapore and Milan.”
Karen (left): “I’m currently a student of Temasek Polytechnic, completing my diploma in Communications and Media Management. I do modelling on the side, as and when my schedule permits.”
Where do you get your creative ideas from?
Kaci: “My creative juices usually flow right before I sleep. It just pops up in my brain randomly and I need to write it down in my journal before I forget. Pinterest is my best friend – I get most of my makeup and outfit inspiration from it.”
Karen: “I’d say mostly from magazines, social media, as well as from the conversations I have with people.”
What do you admire about your sibling’s sense of style?
Kaci: “I admire how she can pull off dainty yet mature looking clothes despite her age. For as long as I can remember – I think since she was 15 or 16 – she has been wearing clothes that look way too old for her age, but she manages to pull it off.”
Karen: “I love how she can pull off very boyish and baggy looks. The type of clothes she wears is something I would never pick out for myself. It’s strange how she can pull off that style.”
How has your sibling influenced your style, or even work?
Kaci: “Her clothes are the kind that I probably would never take a second look at or would pick up from the shelf to try. However, when I see her wear it, I’m like, ‘Oh, it actually looks so good when worn.’ Then I’ll get tempted to borrow it from her. So when you see me wearing a dress, or something a little more girly, it’s probably from her wardrobe!
She has definitely made me explore more than just straight cut, shapeless clothes, especially for important events. This will also then change my perspective on style and it reflects in my clothing brand Mr. Kaci Store.”
Karen: “On days that you see me wear something a little boyish, it’s probably from her wardrobe.”
Have you ever collaborated with your sibling, or plan to do so in future?
Kaci: “I’m not too sure if this is counted, but we actually tried collaborating and selling our second-hand clothes together for a period of time. After a while, we got too lazy to model in the clothes. But I would love to work with her in the future. Perhaps content creating and style swapping.”
Karen: “We’ve actually collaborated and started an Instagram account to sell off our pre-loved clothes and that did really well. I would definitely like to collaborate with my sister in the future, and am excited for what’s in store for us.”
How would you describe your sibling relationship growing up?
Kaci: “Growing up was tough! I think when we were younger, we had way more disagreements which lead to big arguments and fights. But what are siblings without fights, right? During our teenage years, we would be stealing each other’s clothes and getting mad at each other when we see stories of our clothes being featured on Instagram. Only in recent years have we started to compromise and made a pact to inform each other and get an approval before wearing the other party’s clothing.”
We’ve grown to be super close, sharing the littlest details of our lives. She’s the first person I go to for everything, running to her room to cry it out when I’m sad, expressing my joy to her immediately when I see her, going into her room in the middle of the night just because I’m bored and even asking her to pick what I should eat today.”
Karen: “Growing up, I’d say it was a love-hate relationship. We definitely have had our fair share of disagreements and even physical fights. However, our relationship has definitely steered towards a more loving one as we both grew and matured.”
Craziest thing you ever did with your sibling?
Kaci: “This happened in Malaysia, in our hometown. Half of our house is built on stilts: beneath that is actually all the rubbish we throw and many monitor lizards would lurk around the rubbish. We dared one another to walk through the pile of rubbish and get super close to the lizards. We both actually went down through all the piles of rubbish and managed to get super close to one of them, though we didn’t have the courage to feed them directly. But I think this was the craziest thing we’ve done, having to go through the smelly, murky-looking water and get a good look at the animal.”
Karen: “When Kaci and I were 17 and 14 years old respectively we decided to get an impromptu piercing. I got my septum pierced and she got her navel pierced. It was a funny story because I actually blacked out for a little while after I got my piercing done. I don’t think we would make such rash decisions now.”
One thing you admire about your sibling?
Kaci: “I love how she’s always readily available for me and being my constant pillar of strength.”
Karen: “She’s always got my back and I can always confide in her. We may not hang out all the time or see each other often even though we live under the same roof as we both have our own schedules and stuff, but we will always make time for one another and catch up.”
One thing you can’t stand?
Kaci: “She’s going to kill me – I can’t stand her grumpiness in the morning.”
Karen: “The thing about Kaci is that she is messy. I’m sure she knows this but she never fails to leave traces of herself behind and that’s something I constantly nag at her for.”
What do you do?
Riddhi (right): I’m a digital art director and web designer, currently working at Fleur du Mal in New York City. Ekta and I also have a side project in jewellery (mainly pearls for now) which we hope to scale once this pandemic is ‘over’ and we can travel more!”
Ekta (left): “I handle the marketing for our family business, Facets Singapore, a diamond wholesale and bespoke jewellery company which our father founded over 40 years ago. Being in the industry is also what sparked a little ‘side hustle’ which Riddhi and I started, with a capsule collection of pearl jewellery. Aside from this, I plan and organize events (private parties, weddings and the like) which is something I have been doing on a freelance basis for the past few years.”
Where do you get your creative ideas from?
Riddhi: “Definitely our Indian and Indonesian heritage. There is so much charm to be found in both countries — especially being two very distinctly rich cultures. I try to incorporate something alluding to this in most of my outfits, like an Indian ‘filigree’ (intricate solid silver) purse with a pair of cigarette jeans. I’ve been told the combination is fresh and unexpected, and it usually translates into my work as well.”
Ekta: “Like Riddhi said, definitely from our Indian and Indonesian cultures and their rich histories. I’m also most inspired on my travels – being around new surroundings, exploring the food scene or admiring how people dress is refreshing, and I usually come home with lots of creative energy. These days, it’s having to resort to Pinterest and Instagram a lot more though!”
What do you admire about your sibling’s sense of style?
Riddhi: “I love how Ekta can take anything, even the most playful outfit, and make it seem so elegant. She has these perfect little ensembles that keep her looking presentable everywhere she goes – like to yoga or right off a long haul flight. I don’t know how she does it, but it’s like there’s courtesy in her self-presentation, kind of like that saying: ‘Being well-dressed is a beautiful form of politeness.’”
Ekta: “My style is a lot more muted and classic, so I admire Riddhi’s ability to be experimental and edgy with hers. She’s also great at being able to put on a simple outfit and throw on that one ‘conversation starter’ piece, like an ethnic pair of earrings or a self-made scarf bag that adds a little ‘je ne sais quoi’ to her look.”
How has your sibling influenced your style, or even work?
Riddhi: “My style can be a little more experimental (probably a result of living in New York), so when I want to channel something more sophisticated, I look to her for her monochromatic tones and refined silhouettes.”
Ekta: “We both tend to prefer not to follow norms and trends. So when it comes to my work, Riddhi has influenced me to pay attention to detail even more so than I used to and to think outside the box. It’s the little (and sometimes subtle) details that people tend to pick up on and remember; not always the overall picture.”
Have you ever collaborated with your sibling, or plan to do so in the future?
Riddhi: “Yes! We’ve worked on shoots, web design, floral styling, jewellery, tablescapes and creatives for weddings. Ekta’s also my co-collaborator in our passion project. We’re hoping to bring our ‘Indian-esian’ heritage in the form of clothing and jewellery to our community, and hopefully, people across the pond soon.”
Ekta: “Yes, over the things that Riddhi mentioned. I think we make a great team!”
How would you describe your sibling relationship growing up?
Riddhi: “Ekta’s almost six years older than I, so I always wanted to be as ‘cool’ as her and really looked up to her style. Even the way she would ‘tweak’ her school uniform made me want to be a part of her world. Then of course, with most sisters, there were moods and fights (mostly over sharing or copying one another). Now, we’ve grown into our own skins and that doesn’t happen anymore.”
Ekta: “Let’s just say there were lots of sisterly arguments over the silliest of things, mostly fashion-related! Looking back at it, I realised it was a dynamic of the younger sibling looking up to the older one. Roles are reversed now, where I feel I’m the one who looks up to her for her creative flair and her ambitious nature.”
Craziest thing you ever did with your sibling?
Riddhi: “We don’t get too crazy around here. And when we do, we don’t kiss and tell.”
Ekta: “What Riddhi said.”
One thing you admire about your sibling?
Riddhi: “Her grace. Not only in her manner, but in how she handles difficult situations. And her understated loyalty. There’s thoughtfulness in everything she does, whether it be hosting a dinner party or lending a hand to a friend.”
Ekta: “Being a very giving person and that our relationship is such that I can literally talk to her about anything.”
One thing you can’t stand?
Riddhi: “Maybe if you asked me 10 years ago I would’ve said ‘copying’ me, but now — honestly nothing.”
Ekta: “Nothing to be honest. But if I had to pick something, it would be Riddhi being ‘fashionably late’.”
What do you do?
Lidiya (right): “I am a student studying in the IB programme in Singapore (the siblings migrated to Singapore in 2004) and am graduating next year. In addition to studying, I spend my time outside of school working part-time as a model under the agency Basic Models Singapore.”
Nick: “I’m currently serving my National Service here as an officer in the Commando Formation. Prior to that, I used to model part-time while studying aviation business and management.”
Where do you get your creative ideas from?
Lidiya: “Most of my creative ideas and inspiration come from various sources. From social media, movies to magazines, I try my best to gain inspiration from the world around me.”
Nick: “It really depends on what I’m doing, be it sketching or picking out an outfit to wear. I would say artistically, I’m a huge fan of Felix Dolah. His monotone colours and thought-provoking sketches always interest me.”
What do you admire about your sibling’s sense of style?
Lidiya: “I admire my brother’s curiosity in trying new styles. He doesn’t stick to one style, and changes with what is in at the time.”
Nick: “I would say my sister has a very clear look and vibe she goes for. She never strays from it and commits to that look always. Whereas I’m more fluid and tend to change my look depending on the event.”
How has your sibling influenced your style, or even work?
Lidiya: “My brother doesn’t have much influence on my style but he does help approve some of my outfits when going out. As for influencing my work, he was the reason behind my passion for modelling. He helped me gain knowledge about the modelling industry and even introduced me to many of his model friends.”
Nick: “My sister basically runs my Instagram account for me. You could say she has the final say on what kind of content I post on my socials. This is because of the trust I have in her style and I know she has the best eye for it. As for fashion, I’d never leave my house without getting a second opinion from my sister.”
Have you ever collaborated with your sibling, or plan to do so in future?
Lidiya: “As of now, my brother and I have not collaborated. However, we do hope to work together for future shoots and even have modelling placements together.”
Nick: “My sister picked up photography recently and I’ve been there at her disposal to entertain her ideas and creative processes, going as far as letting her past stickers all over my face for her shoots.”
How would you describe your sibling relationship growing up?
Lidiya: “Growing up, my brother and I were not at all close. We would always quarrel over the smallest issues. That changed when we both found an interest in modelling. Not only did we have something to talk about, we both became matured and the age gap seemed to disappear. Now we are closer than ever.”
Nick: “Definitely turbulent at the start, especially during our pre-teen years. There were lots of fights and scuffles, the usual sibling story you could say. But it’s because of those little fights that we are able to be so open to each other, and are now very close. Perhaps it’s because of the amount of blackmail we have on each other – we know what would happen if we overstepped our lines!”
Craziest thing you ever did with your sibling?
Lidiya: “When we were in Italy, a truck started to reverse onto us at the gas station and all we could do was sit there and watch.”
Nick: “Can’t really say we’ve done anything too out of the ordinary. Though getting reversed on by a truck In Italy while on a trip with the family will always stay in my mind.”
One thing you admire about your sibling?
Lidiya: “I love how compassionate my brother is to me and my family. He always puts us first and when I need someone, he is always there to lend a listening ear.”
Nick: “Her unwavering support. I can’t say I was the best brother growing up. Being the younger one, she definitely showed nothing but love and support for me. I’ve been trying my best to give back all I can for all those years, and hopefully, she’s reading this.”
One thing you can’t stand?
Lidiya: My brother used to call me “piglet”. Yes, it was because I was chubby!
Nick: Honestly right now, there’s nothing that I can’t stand. But I’m going to pull the one thing all the older siblings around the world would know. The instantly recognizable understanding that no matter what the older sibling does, it’s always their fault no matter what and the younger one gets away with everything.