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Ong Bee Yan on what ageless fashion means and her new collection with local label Y21

Make space in your wardrobe for the model’s new Y21 x grey_evolution collection that’s designed for women of all ages

By Cheryl Lai-Lim - 

Credit: Yacht21
Credit: Yacht21
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When 66-year-old part-time model Ong Bee Yan first turned 50, she had trouble finding clothes that she liked, in particular ones that were “age-appropriate and still fashionable”.

“I didn’t want to wear clothes that my mother used to wear when she was 50 years old,” Ong, who goes by Yan, explains with a laugh. “When I visited shopping malls and boutiques, I felt that there were no clothes that I [could feel] comfortable in, either because of their prints, colour, design and style, or because they were just too pricey. I ended up wearing lots of t-shirts and bermudas.”

Fashion has made incremental progress in the past years when it comes to diversity, but there’s still a long way to go. Yan, having debuted three years ago, is a familiar face within the local model scene now, but she acknowledges that the industry has much to do, especially as one approaches their golden years. 

“Senior women are often alienated from the fashion and beauty industry in their marketing and advertising campaigns, which makes them feel like outcasts. They feel excluded as a consumer when they walk into a shopping mall or browse through social media, because the images showcase young models using their products,” she notes. “If the modelling industry moves away from age-stereotyping, it will empower seniors and make them feel relevant, visible and a sense of belonging. It will show that the fashion and beauty industry cares.”

If the modelling industry moves away from age-stereotyping, it will empower seniors and make them feel relevant, visible and a sense of belonging.
Ong Bee Yan

The grandmother of two thus decided to approach Jarenis Ho, owner of local fashion label Yacht21 (Y21), to collaborate on a fashion collection “that encourages women of all ages to embrace ageless dressing by expressing their personal beauty”.

“Fashion is increasingly inclusive and we want to dispel the notion that style has to be pigeonholed by age,” says Jarenis, of the idea behind the collection. “The same dress worn by a different woman will be expressed in a different manner of beauty. Our collaboration celebrates women’s unique identities and encourages them to embrace their individual narratives, whether they are in their twenties or sixties.”

Yan (left) with Jarenis Ho, owner of local fashion label Yacht21 (right)

With 16 pieces in the collection, each one is designed for effortless pairing with other clothing, which allows for endless mix-and-match possibilities. Every piece is designed with a minimalistic and contemporary touch, echoing Yan’s personal style and staying true to the idea of an ‘ageless capsule collection’. “Ageless fashion means clothes that are appealing and wearable by any woman of any age and size,” Yan explains. “[The clothes] are contemporary in style and do not go out of fashion.” 

Here, she shares more about how her modelling career began, her personal style, as well as her favourite piece from the collection.

You landed your first modelling job at 63. How did it all begin?

1/5

3 years ago a local fashion designer liked my silver hair and asked my husband and I to showcase her t-shirt collection. I immediately jumped on this opportunity because I wanted to face my fears of being in front of the camera as I’ve always been camera shy. My son once chided me when I refused to take a photo at a family gathering. He said, “What’s the big deal? It’s only a photo!”. This remark lingered with me for a very long time. So I took this opportunity to challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone. Besides, I realised that if the designer could trust me to wear her clothes, why then should I doubt myself?

You also run the Instagram account @grey_evolution. What does the term ‘granfluencer’ mean to you, and what do you hope to achieve through the social media platform?

2/5

I started my own Instagram called @grey_evolution with the mission to encourage and empower seniors to be at our best so people will be drawn to our positive energy. We should get out of our comfort zones, challenge ourselves and face our fears. Embrace our age but don’t let age define or restrict us.  God didn’t create humans to lead fulfilling lives until age 50 only. He wants us to lead enriching and meaningful lives for as long as we are alive.

I hope that by showcasing my journey as a model, talent and “granfluencer”, others will be motivated. I also like to post inspirational and motivational quotes that I can relate with and hope that my followers are inspired by them too.



 










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A post shared by Yan Ong (@grey_evolution)




We should continue to be physically and mentally fit even as we grow old.  I hope to encourage other seniors to practice self-care – mental, physical and spiritual while we are still alive.

I hope to conduct self-care (skin-care and makeup) and hobby workshops for seniors by collaborating with companies who believe in my mission. The term “granfluencer” basically differentiates me from the term “influencer” because of my age.  I think it places me on another category for companies looking for mature talents to promote their campaigns.

How would you describe your personal style?

3/5

My personal style is basic, contemporary with a little detailing, edginess or fun elements. The clothes must be comfortable, versatile, multi-purposed and pocket-friendly. More often than not I wear baggy clothes. My wardrobe only consists mainly of white, black, grey and some beige tones with few coloured outfits to layer over.

What were you inspired by when designing the Y21 x grey_evolution collection?

4/5

The Y21 x grey_evolution collection came from some of my favourite clothes in my wardrobe – basic, simple but with some quirky, fun, edgy details that give some style and fashion appeal. I don’t wear clothes with prints and if I do wear prints, they are big and bold. The clothes must be versatile and multi-purpose which means one piece can be worn in several ways. The price has to be affordable without compromising on quality. The designs must look flattering on women of any age and any size.

Based on my clothes collection, Yacht21’s designer came up 11 SKUs comprising of tops, bottoms and dresses. The prints were inspired by my love for animals and this collection is an inspiration from the wings of butterfly.

Do you have a favourite piece out of the entire collection?

5/5

My favourite design is the Crew Neck Sweat Top. It’s everything I want in a sleeveless top and uniquely Y21 x GreyEvolution. I love that the round crew neck sits nicely above the collar-bone with the sweatshirt inspired v-shape design below.  The armhole is not cut too deep in as most sleeveless tops are.  The hemline is angular, which gives it an edginess and will make anyone who wears it look trendy! The length is a conservative take on the trendy bustier/cropped top and is versatile to tug in or out.

The Y21 X grey_evolution Collection is available at Y21’s other retail locations (except TANGS, VivoCity) as well its online store (www.yacht21.co).

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agelessfashionlocal designersstyle
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