“Distinctive and conversation starting.” That’s how Permanent Resident chooses to describe their aesthetic, and we couldn’t agree more–it’s the perfect characterisation of their impeccable, eclectic interiors. Imagined by friends Lucia Tait Tolani and Cinda McClelland Reynolds, who, having met in New York while working in fashion, serendipitously then found themselves living in Hong Kong at the same time, the Permanent Resident sensibility ensures that every room they create looks collected over the years rather than show flat ready.
With a mission to reduce waste and lessen Hong Kong’s reliance on fast furniture and built-in pieces, their commitment to unique, lasting designs, and keen eye for vintage – think an antique silver, triple bowl server atop an Aurora tablecloth, a pair of low, lounge chairs upcycled from Café Grey Deluxe beneath an Athena wall bracket in tortoise – every room somehow looks right in a way that many of us could never manage on our own and has led to Asia’s style set clamouring for their work.
For those of us who don’t need a full home renovation, Permanent Resident just launched their own pop up shop at the Upper House, filled with just the kind of covetable, and curated but refined pieces you’d expect from the duo.
PAKT caught up with them to talk fashion memories, what social media accounts they turn to and who would be around the table at their dream dinner party.
1) Describe your style in 3 words.
Lucia: Unexpected classicism.
Cinda: Preppy on acid.
2) What is your earliest fashion memory?
Lucia: Collecting Seventeen magazine and decorating my bedroom walls with the covers.
Cinda: During college I spent a paycheck on a pair of fabulous, red leather pants during a trip to New York. My hairspray exploded in my suitcase on the return flight home and ruined the pants. I only had a chance to wear them once…
3) What’s the most precious item in your wardrobe?
Lucia: Aside from my custom, Marchesa wedding dress, because that’s an heirloom and not really ‘in’ my wardrobe, it would have to be vintage gold earrings from my mother in law.
Cinda: A fur stole given to me by my grandmother.
4) What’s on your current fashion wish list?
Lucia: Anything Dries by Dries. I’ll be buying the last collection heavily and setting eBay alerts for the archive!
Cinda: Final season Dries Van Noten.
5) Favourite item in your wardrobe that you will wear/keep forever?
Lucia: I have the most perfectly, tailored jacket from The Row that I will never part with. Luckily it looks good at any age.
Cinda: An Oscar de la Renta kaftan I wore to one of my wedding events.
The colour is fabulous and it’s the most comfortable evening look. I could live on a closet solely of kaftans and wear them daily.
6) What is the best fashion advice you have received?
Lucia: The first day I wore a fur-collared brocade, winter coat that I had thrifted in high school. My dad’s feedback was “now you’ve got it!” It was another way to say you’re finally being yourself and being original. Blending in was never encouraged for me.
Cinda: Find your style not the trend.
7) Who are your style icons?
Lucia: I don’t think there is a specific person anymore as I’m over emulating. I just like to immerse myself in fashionable, not trendy people. Salone del Mobile in Milan is a great place to do that, as well as Art Basel in Hong Kong, but it could even just be people-watching on the street.
Cinda: I don’t have one icon per se. I love Giovanna Battaglia Engelbert’s style, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, Kate Moss and Karen Elson.
8) What will we never find in your wardrobe?
Lucia: Hype sneakers. I really can’t relate.
Cinda: Midriff tops.
9) A recent shopping find is…
Lucia: I’m obsessed with Khaite belts. They elevate and pull together any outfit, no matter how casual.
Cinda: I’m loving the bandana collection from Madame Pauline Vintage in Milan. I have a dress and just ordered the shorts and jumpsuit.
10) If you could have anyone’s wardrobe whose would it be and why?
Lucia: Zendaya, so I never have to buy an event outfit again, but I might need her to send the figure as well!
Cinda: Linda Fargo. I always think she does a great edit for Bergdorf. It’s a good balance of fun, professional and always has an edge.
11) If you could go back in time which fashion era would you choose and why?
Lucia: Maybe the 1910-20’s. Sleep late and dress for dinner – sign me up!
Cinda: I would go back to the 1920’s – designed for fun with lots of sparkle.
12) If a museum asked you to donate one item from your wardrobe that represented you what would it be?
Lucia: Any of my One Vintage pieces, which are all one-of-a-kind, made using vintage and antique textiles. They already belong in a museum!
Cinda; A sequined dress with hand embroidered stars from the 1930’s that I purchased at One Vintage Designs. It’s simple, glamorous and timeless.
13) What is your favourite fashion project that you’ve worked on?
Lucia: Hopefully it’s yet to come. I’d love to do a collaboration with Permanent Resident and a designer.
Cinda: Designing the textiles for our table linen collection for Permanent Resident.
14) Who would be your dream collaborator and why?
Lucia: Giovanna Battaglia Engelbert. Give me all the crystals.
Cinda: It would be incredible to work with Daniel Roseberry. His designs always incorporate the sculptural, unexpected, feminine and luxurious.
15) Who would you invite to your dream fashion dinner?
Lucia: I’m going deceased: Marchesa Casati, Alber Elbaz, Diana Vreeland, Iris Apfel, Karl Lagerfeld, Madame de Pompadour and Elsa Schiaparelli.
Cinda: Diana Vreeland, Alexander McQueen, Rei Kawakubo, Andre Leon Talley, Yves Saint Laurent, Dries Van Noten and Miuccia Prada.
16) What is your go to outfit?
Lucia: High-waist, wide leg jeans, oversized collared shirt, statement jewellery, low bun middle-part.
Cinda: Anything Dries, Proenza or vintage Levi’s.
17) Tunes to get ready to?
Lucia: Ironically, I’m horrible at music so usually any playlist a friend has sent me, but at the moment it’s Cowboy Carter of course.
Cinda: I like to have a mix. I usually have BBC Radio 1 on in the background at my house.
18) Top 3 accounts to follow on social media.
Lucia
@permanent_resident – it’s run by me, and I need all the help I can get, so please follow!
@forklore.asia – authentic, genius format and great editing.
@oldhkincolor – I love seeing the city of yesteryear.
Cinda:
@orenmeetsworld – It’s great resource for start ups for branding, sourcing and general media strategy.
@FTHTSI
@permanentresident – of course. For all things home table and décor.
19) Favourite fashion apps.
Lucia: Amigo, by invite insider travel tips and guides, Shazam, to help with my playlists and Uber as I never have cash!
Cinda: Nanit, I have a 1 year old at home and am so appreciative of this app and Deliveroo.
20) Less or More?
Lucia: More is never enough.
Cinda: More. I’m always collecting.
Follow Lucia and Cinda on @luciataittolani & @permanentresident
