Xindi Siau is a professional fashion stylist and full time mom to two special dogs with an affinity for all things creative, whether it be creating artistic pieces or running a mini catering business. Before this series, Xindi had good-naturedly loaned her clothes to us for our past photoshoots. Another gesture that emanated her gracious nature occurred during our time with her. As it began to rain during our session, we rushed over to cover her with an umbrella but she waved it off and smiled, saying that it wasn’t necessary because she didn’t want it to get in the way of our pictures. Moments like this conveyed her kindness and sophisticated charm. In between the rain and shine of our shoot, we asked Xindi to share about her career and the path she took to get where she is.
Monochrome Allure | Walk the edge by matching your Sideswept Dhoti + Hairline with a sultry crop top, metallic chain necklace, silver glitter heels, and a fire red lip. Then keep it tailored with a sleek black blazer.
It takes 10 artisan employment days to create the Sideswept Dhoti + Hairline.
What is the best career advice you would offer to someone who wants to pursue their dream job?
Love what you do. I feel like it’s very old school for me to say so but there’s so much truth in it. Love what you do so that you don’t work a single day of your life. Your career can occupy so much of your time and space and it’s vital that you are passionate about what you do for a living. Love what you do so that you can go into your workplace with passion ready to fight whatever battles come your way.
LOVE WHAT YOU DO SO THAT YOU DON’T WORK A SINGLE DAY OF YOUR LIFE.
Funky Flair | Align the cool and warm tones in your Lounge Lunghi + Philippines Teal with a navy and gold colour scheme; in your blazer, necklace, bangles, and even stilettos. Block out the dual tones with a simple white top.
25 artisan employment days are needed to create the Lounge Lunghi + Philippines Teal.
What was your first job?
My first job was similar to what I currently do. For two years, I was responsible for costume designs on TV in Mediacorp. Even though it was an honoured experience, it wasn’t what I wanted to do. Afterwards, I went into freelancing for editorials and commercials.
Elegant Edge | Slick your hair back in a bun and add an air of mystery to your Classic Jumpsuit + Rana with a dainty layered back necklace. Polish it up with a white cape blazer, textured heels, and a powerful red lip.
The Classic Jumpsuit + Rana is created within 10 artisan employment days.
What is your dream job?
What I’m doing right now is an extension of my dream job in a manner of speaking. I always knew that I wanted to be in the fashion industry. Styling was something that I chose as a stepping stone into that and it stuck for the next 12-13 years. In a parallel universe, if I wasn’t doing what I’m doing now, then I would be a travel and food writer.
Freedom To Work is a series featuring powerful women who go against the grain by pursuing their creative interests in a culture of tradition and conventionality. We reached out to 4 people in our #MATTERtribe recognized for their confident, vibrant styles, and uncanny ability to mix pieces in surprising combinations. They chose their favourites from our collection and got ready for work and play.
An integral component of our mission here is working with artisans who carry the skills of the generations before them. It is in this partnership that we hope they find their freedom to work; to continue the narrative of their heritage and sustain the craft of their community.
In the same light, we selected these women because in a culture of tradition and conventionality, they go against the grain by pursuing their creative interests and we want to celebrate their Freedom To Work. Each of them share insights into their own lives and work experience as they pave the way for their own legacies to flourish.