What do the words entrepreneur, mental health advocate, it girl and fitness influencer have in common? That’s right: Jessi Chloe Chen. But the reality is Chen is bigger than the sum of her titles.
She is, in the most unassuming way, undefinable. That’s why one day she can star in magazine editorials: the next, she can speak definitively about mental health for Talking Mental, or hit Family Form to teach a class or manage her company Andrsn Flowers. PAKT meets the modern-day maverick to talk about fashion memories, Rhianna and what you won’t ever find in her wardrobe.
1) Describe your style in 3 words.
Versatile, confident, evolving.
2) Earliest fashion memory.
Going through my mom’s wardrobe and playing dress up in her ballgowns.
3) What’s the most precious item in your wardrobe?
My dad’s vintage Piaget watch.
4) What’s on your current fashion wishlist?
The Goyard Isabelle. I’m in need of a new, easy everyday tote.
5) Favorite item in your wardrobe that you will keep forever?
An Issey Miyake “shell” dress that belonged to my mom that she passed down to me.
6) What is the best fashion advice you have received?
Dress for your body type and find items that compliment and accentuate your best features.
7) Who are your style icons?
Rhianna, Zendaya, Princess Di.
8) A recent shopping find?
I find so many interesting, up and coming brands from scrolling through Instagram. One brand I came across that I love is Nana Jacqueline. Really fun, flirty, dreamy dresses.
9) If you could have anyone’s wardrobe, whose would it be and why?
Rhianna – I think she’d have such an eclectic range of gorgeous items.
10) If a museum asked you to donate one item from your wardrobe that represented you, what would it be?
The evening gown I wore to my wedding, designed by Marco M Chan. It’s a beautiful golden corset gown hand beaded with Swarovski crystals. Weighs a ton and is stunning.
11) What will we never find in your wardrobe?
Crocs.
12) Who would be your dream collaborator and why?
Rihanna, need I say more?
13) Top 3 accounts to follow on social media.
@sainthoax, @cedriklorenzen, @aureta.
14) Tunes to get event ready to?
Anything Afrobeat/Amapiano have been my jam lately – infectious rhythm and good vibes!
These are my most played:
- Wizkid – Bad to Me
- Rema – Calm Down
- Lojay x Sarz ft. Chris Brown- Monalisa
15) If you could go back in time which fashion era would you choose and why?
I would have loved to have lived through the 1920s/1930s golden age of old, Shanghai glamour. My family is Shanghainese so I’ve always been enamoured by the city. During that period the city was economically thriving and a trading hub, which created a cultural melting pot that led to the unique blend of Western and Chinese fashion that defined the era.
Photos (L-R): Anna May Wong, c. 1937, Photo: Eugene Robert Richee; Anna May Wong, c. 1934, Photo: Getty Images; Madame Wellington Koo (Huang Huilan), c. 1921
16) What is your go to outfit?
More often than not I’m in athleisure, and usually that’s Lululemon leggings and top paired with sneakers.
17) Who would you invite to your dream fashion dinner?
Rihanna, Ashley Graham, RuPaul, Bretman Rock, Zoe Kravitz, Tan France .. just the girls and the gays, honey!
18) Favourite fashion apps.
Instagram and Vogue runway. Net a Porter and Matches for shopping.
19) Less or More?
More… is more.
20) What are the last three places you travelled to, and what are the can’t miss shops?
Bangkok: Patcharavipa for contemporary fine jewellery.
Tokyo: Multi brand select store H Beauty & Youth
New York: Multi brand select store Assembly New York
