Style Files: Chan Yan Yan On Embracing Creativity, Experimentation And Evolution
The 29-year-old multi-hyphenate is not afraid of change, when it comes to fashion, her identity and her career.
By Gracia Phang - published
Born in Hong Kong, raised in Sydney, and currently residing in New York City, Chan Yan Yan credits being brought up in different cultures for instilling a sense of fearlessness in her fashion. It also helped her embrace her identity, giving her the courage to experiment with her unique yet effortless style. Her journey to becoming a content creator at age 15 has led her through various paths, including being a photographer, creative director, producer and consultant. Now, at age 29, she is currently finishing up a two-year acting programme at William Esper Studio. Her style mantra through the years? “The clothes don’t wear you, you wear the clothes.”
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HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
“My sense of style really began from raiding my parents closet when I didn’t have money of my own to buy nice things. I often say, when you only have what’s in front of you to work with, that’s when you can get the most creative. My outfits from my first Tumblr were all pieces from their wardrobe.”
ANOTHER LIFE
“If I weren’t in fashion, I’d probably be in F&B—it’d still be a creative endeavour. I have a deep connection to my Chinese culture through food. Maybe it’ll be something I pursue in another stage of my life”
EVER CHANGING
“I’m going through a bit of a style identity crisis. I’ve evolved a lot internally, but my wardrobe hasn’t caught up yet. I’ve departed from prints and bold colours, and am mostly in something tailored and tonal. I’d envision myself as a 2024 Bond girl; Miuccia Prada but also Audrey Hepburn in Two For The Road. Maybe ask me in a year’s time.”
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SPLASH OF COLOUR
“My Chanel medium flap bag in multicolour rainbow from 2021 is my most treasured item. It was my first-ever Chanel bag, which was gifted to me by the house after a video project together—it’s so special! I don’t really wear a lot of colour, but when I do, it’s that bag.”
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SHOPPING LIST
Sandals, $1,340, Miu Miu
“Pieter Mulier for Alaïa was a favourite this season. But if there’s only one thing I can get from spring/summer 2024, it’d be the Miu Miu rope sandals.”