Indonesian Fashion Spot!

If you are a long time FD member or a veteran in the blogosphere, you will know this girl. Loucee was easily become everyone’s favorite when she just joined the forum. Not only because of her colorful Today’s Outfit, but also for her helpfulness and chattyness. Her posts were always funny and interesting to read. She was the one who designed FD logo, business cards, the little icons in the forum, the banner, the previous FD header and other things. Sadly, her hectic life has taken its toll and she is no longer active in the forum. Wondering where she’s been? Just read on!

Last time you posted in the forum was October 2008. So, where have you been since then? We’ve been missing you (Don’t you miss us too?..awww).

Heuehuehe… iya, nih… I miss you girls too… 

Life has been very busy lately with the moving from UK to Hong Kong, setting up Totango Design Studio, dealing with immigration papers, settling down in the new environment, etc. Overall, it’s been quite a ride but I’m enjoying every minute of it…

I heard that you’re opening your own design firm. What made you decide that it’s time for you to leave the ‘corporate slave’ title behind?

Since graduated from university in 1999, I had always been dreaming about having my own design studio someday. But of course, starting your own business would never be an easy thing, especially when your experience was practically zero. So, after putting that dream on hold for 10 years, and got enough knowledge and experience from taking some Master studies and working for various design firms in Jakarta, New York and Newcastle, I thought.. well.. I think I should give it a go NOW!

You’ve been living in 5  different countries (with 5 different languages) for the last, what, 8 years? How did you manage to adapt to the drastic changes?

2 important things to do; OBSERVE and ABSORB.
Really, in every new place I had ever been to, I had learned to just ‘surrender’ and embrace the new environment with its culture and people. There’s no better way to do a quick adjustment other than just opening your eyes, minds and heart to the new experience and absorb everything like a sponge…
It may not be an easy thing for some people… I got frustrated too from time to time (especially in those non-English speaking countries).
But trust me, once you are willing to open yourself to the new environment and accept the new surroundings, you’ll stop comparing things that you used to have in the previous places, and sooner or later you’ll be ‘adjusted’ without you even realize it.

Since you’ve been moving around so much, people and things go in and out of your life. Does that make you feel less attached to everything around you?

Less attached? not really. What’s more happening in me is actually I’ve became so flexible with people. On the other side, moving so often actually has made me unable to say ‘good-bye’ to any of my friends in the countries I was living in previously, because it had never been a good-bye. I just moved to another place, we can still be in touch through Facebook, Twitter, YM, etc. and we will definitely meet again, someday.

Of all those countries, which one do you feel is more YOU? Why?

Hhmmm… it’s hard to point at one particular country. Perhaps it’ll be better to see it by city. I think New York City suits me best for the vibe. The city is so vibrant, alive and expressive – thus suits my ‘not-so-calm’ personality. I think Paris could be very ‘me’, only because of the food! *LOL*. My constant craves for eating good food was fulfilled while I was living there.. . And I love Newcastle best for its people. I found that I clicked the most with people from the North East when we joked or just talked about everything.

Style-wise, is your style vary according to the city/country you live in?

Well, my style has always been simple and casual all along. But yes, what I see in the surroundings has somehow given me some influence in my style, but it’s also determined by what I was doing during the time I was living in that city/country.

In New York, my style was super casual. Sneakers, jeans & t-shirt all the way. I think because I was a student and at work, as an intern or junior designer, I didn’t need to dress ‘too much’ as I mostly only stayed in the office, working behind the computer.

In Glasgow, the style was decided by weather that kept changing every hour. Really, it was like… whateveeeeerrrr, as long as I wouldn’t be soaked in the sudden rain. So, day or night, jacket with hoodie was a must.

Newcastle, was far more interesting. Because I was working as a Head Designer. From time-to-time I had to meet clients and do presentation. At the same time, the Brits are quite experimental in their style. So, instead of dressing up like a lawyer in suit – which was really unnecessary since the working environment was quite relax up in the North East, I began to develop my own style in a more ‘quirky’ way. Combining colours and playing with big size accessories (mostly necklaces) while at the same time keeping me self warm in various style of coats.

Now in Hong Kong, I really dunno what my style has became… *LOL*. I have only been here since August. I’d like to think that I’ve carried some of my previous style from England. But as a Creative Director, I have to attend many meetings with clients or people who can bring opportunities in my business. So, I have to look dead professional, tone down the colours, opt to wear more black, blue, grey white or natural colours.

Is Hong Kong where you will finally settled? Or a plan to hop in to another country is in the horizon?

The plan is to stay here for at least the next 5 years. For now, let’s just hope that this is gonna work! I’m getting tired (and old) to move, you know… *HA!*

Just wondering what do you usually do when you run out of inspiration (although I doubt you ever did..).. *titipan pertanyaan dari Debbie*

As a creative worker, from time-to-time I had hit that ‘dry patch’. When it happens, I always believe that it’s a sign that you’re getting too comfortable in your own bubble. So the solution is… Get out and Play!
It could be as simple as just take a walk, see people, talk to them, go to book stores, read magazines, see movies… again.. turning my self into a ‘sponge’, give my mind a rest, and surrender to what’s the surroundings are giving me.

How’s your sister’s hamster (the poor thing was sucked by a vacuum cleaner)? (Titipan dari Amal..LOL)

Baeeeeeekk!! hahakahkahak… gipsnya sempet diganti sampe beberapa kali tuh gara2 digigitin terus.
funny thing is, kata kakak gue kelakuan si hamster jadi agak2 tamed & alim gitu sejak insiden hoover. Padahal sebelumnya beyaya’an banget! hahahahaha….

We miss your Primark Recent purchase posts. Where do you go now for your cheap and chic fix?

To be honest, I haven’t been shopping that much since I landed in Hong Kong. Surprisingly, my ‘modjo’ for shopping is kinda lost here.. ahhahaa… perhaps it’s down to the thinking that I need to spend more wisely for my own business.

I had only been to Mongkok once to buy some some cheap & chic clothes when my friend from UK visited me last September, and I didn’t like that experience too much as I couldn’t try the clothes due to their annoying store policies! *Boo!* other than that, I  had only bought some tops and trousers from H&M and Uniqlo. And yesssssss… I do really miss the joy of shopping in Primark when I think about it. *soobb*

We want to see your 5 recent purchase, please?..:))
Well, the last time I did some ‘serious shopping’ was during my short visit to Newcastle in October… hahaha…
I bought some tops from H&M, a dress from Marks & Spencer, clothes, a clutch plus accessories from Primark (teteeeuuupp…) and a pair of black court from Dorothy Perkins.
Since that trip, I had only bought MAC Holiday eye palette and Smashbox primer in Hong Kong.

(Photo L-R clockwise: Dark Grey Mix dress from Marks & Spencer, Dark Purple faux skin from Primark, Smashbox photo finish primer, MAC Holiday Eye Palette (Smoke and Mirror), Black suedette round-toe shoes from Dorothy Perkins)

Are you still a bencong (bencong = a true makeup addict, according to FDers)? Atau udah jadi bencong murtad sekarang?..:D. What’s your current beauty essentials?
Masih jadi bencong dong! hahahahaa… pokoknya gak keluar rumah sebelum at least pake concealer, powder, eyeliner, mascara, blush and lipstick! Even when I just need to go across my flat to get a bottle of water from 7/11…. *parah abesss* hahahahahaa…

My current beauty essentials will be:
Skincare – Clinique all about eyes (very important!), Estee Lauder Day Wear Plus, Shieseido Anessa sunscreen SPF 50++ (Hongky’ sun is fieeerceeee!)

Makeups – BB corrector, MAC studio sculpt concealer, MAC studio fix powder, MAC sculpt & shape, BBSB Bronze, MAC Technakohl in Brownborder, Majolica mascara, Shu eyelash curler, MAC blush in Fun & Games, BBPR Summer Tan, MAC lisptick in Twig

What’s your favorite hang out place in HK?
Rack’s MDB in Central – it’s a private club to play pool, and the owner is a very good friend of mine.
Page One Book Store at Time Square, Causeway Bay

Just curious, has FD affect your life in anyway?
Oh yessss, it definitely has! In beauty departments to be precise. The affect is really tremendous! you girls have educated me with your broad knowledge of how to use makeups correctly and effectively. And i think this will always be one of FD strengths; to be the source of information & inspiration for Indonesian women to look more beautiful! Awww….

Other than that… of course, finding some new best friends like Sissi and Mecy whom I’ve became so close with and believe we’ll be friends for life, no matter where I live….

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That’s it peeps. It trully is a relief for us to know that we can give something more meaningful, like new best friends and stuff other than emptying your wallet . Thanks a lot for the interview Loucee…and best of luck for your new journey. Please stop by again next time you have some free time. Don’t be a stranger….:D .