Singapore's Most Stylish Women 2015: Grace Yeh
From strengths to insecurities, sartorial treasures to sentimental heirlooms, this year’s modern muses reveal what lies beneath that polished surface, and their hopes to inspire and do good
Cashmere cape coat, CH Carolina Herrera. Leather pumps, Jimmy Choo. White gold and diamond Olympia necklace; white gold; sapphire and diamond clip (part of Miroir Enchanté necklace); white gold and diamond Olympia bracelet, Van Cleef & Arpels. Lanvin dress; Grace’s own
grace yeh
GRACE YEH
Director of Yeh Brothers Wood and Electronic Works, philanthropist, society maven
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore: What are your fashion insecurities?
Grace Yeh: I’m not one to zoom in on flaws but I try not to show too much skin, especially on my legs. On one of my trips to Paris, I saw a Lanvin dress that was a little too short for my liking but I had to have it, so the store altered the length especially for me, and it fits me like a glove. Age-appropriate cuts in the form of body-skimming midi cocktail dresses are wardrobe essentials.
HB: What are your fashion “security blankets”?
GY: There is nothing as mood lifting as jewellery. They are the finest finishing touches that I never leave home without.
HB: What brands define your style?
GY: Victoria Beckham for her impeccably tailored and streamlined silhouettes; I receive a special selection every season. But floor-sweeping gowns are my sartorial guilty pleasures so I can’t help but love Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera and Dior.
HB: What would you take with you to a desert island?
GY: My favourite pair of Bally shoes. I first laid eyes on them while I was walking down the streets of Rome and was won over by the sheer craftsmanship. I’ve trusted them for years. Then there’s my Comtesse bag. I didn’t fancy it at first, but it’s a gift from my husband and custom-made with an artisan story to boot, so it holds very special meaning to me. Plus, it’s functional with a real vintage appeal.
HB: How are you giving back to society?
GY: I do so with a balance of heart and haute couture—in the form of charity galas. Either I’m on the committee to help organise the event and raise funds, or a guest out to support deserving causes through donations and spreading awareness with my friends. If I can help, I will.
By Dana Koh and Pakkee Tan
Photographed by Gan
Styled by Windy Aulia
Hair/makeup: Grego, Amy Chow, Cindy Goh, Joy Tan/Indigo Artisans, Joanna Koh/Indigo Artisans
Photography assistants: Ang Jong Jye, Samsidi Baderi
Assistant stylist: Debby Kwong
Additional assistance: Tanya Anthony, Nayeun Kim