Take me away, Beyoncé

I have been moved, in ever form possible; Spiritually, mentally, physically, psychologically and all the other unspoken peripheries of my being. As a person, I believe that the strength we need to get through the darkest times lie not in angry or happiness(or any other emotions though they are key), but in truth. Truth empowers. The truth,(GET READY FOR THIS!) will set you free. And my truth right now, Is Beyoncé Knowles. This woman has gotten me through my high school years with her home runs, like Halo and Broken Hearted Girl. 

But this time, it's different. I'm not the "music" kind of person. Occasionally, I get hooked onto a couple songs and put them on repeat. My usual patronage includes tunes from One republic, Bad Girl Riri, Earth's Resident Champion of Homosexuality and eccentricities; Lady Gaga, and ALWAYS Beyoncé Knowles. Perfect Perfect Mrs Beyoncé. She embodies everything I know I want to be; sensitive, encouraging, positive, confident, enlightened, wise, strong, independent, resilient etc. The list of positive qualities can go on for awhile, but what I love most is that she is SO DAMN HUMAN!  I can't help but gravitate to her music, because it speaks to me, almost as if we've gone through the same thing and now she's serenading our endevours.  

Who loves their fans so much, that they would stay silent about their masterpiece, just so that they could make sure it was PERFECT, and then release it COMPLETE with 17 music videos. Nobody! Absolutely nobody, except Beyoncé

It hits you with the truth, that you aren't alone. That everyone has experienced the bitter aftertaste of failure, even Beyoncé. That everyone feels empty and lost from time to time, but eventually they realize that being lost is the closest they can get to being found. That's how I feel when I listen to beyoncé. I feel lost, but found. Truth. Only the truth, and that's her music.  And when I listen to her voice, it's not that I'm discovering her, but rather I'm discovering more about me( Ha Ha I'm very dramatic I know). 

2013 was Beyonce's year. And I shit you not when I say I don't believe there will never again be anyone in the pop/music/entertainment world who can hold a candle to Queen Bey. It's not like I know her personally, of know of anyone who does( CAN YOU IMAGINE THAT!), but the honesty from her voice is irresistible. Her entire album is about being human. In her video where she explains the ethos behind the album, she says losing was the biggest and greatest lesson for her.  When she was 9 years old, she competed on this talent show and lost. And instead of channeling all that redundant negative energy into wasteful thoughts, she did something for herself.  She knew she needed to fail. 

My Message in this album, was finding the beauty in Imperfection- Beyoncé Knowles on her new album.

There's just something about the way she brings together an idea, and executes it. "I see music . It’s more than just what I hear. When I’m connected to something, I immediately see a visual or a series of images that are tied to a feeling or an emotion, a memory from my childhood, thoughts about life, my dreams or my fantasies. And they’re all connected to the music."  says Beyonce about her visual album.

 Her song "pretty hurts' really send me over the moon and back(with tears), only because it's so honest and true, and I relate to everything. In Beyonce's own words, she had an image of herself training to be this champion, and at the end of the day she asked herself "is it worth it?". "I get this trophy, but I basically starved, I've neglected the people that I love, I've conformed to what everybody else thinks I should be, AND I have this trophy".  Too often have I been so convoluted in my ways, so corrupted with the idea and Lust for success, that I do exactly what Beyonce explains in her song. I chase perfection, but perfection is a disease. 

"The trophies represents all of the sacrifices i made as a kid, all the time that i lost, being on the road in the studios as a child. And i just wanna blow that shit up. 

I have a lot of awards, and i have alot of those thing and they’re amazing and i worked my ass to get those things. But nothing feels like my child singing "Mommy", nothing feels like when i look in my husband in the eyes, nothing feels like when i’m respected when i get on the stage and i see i’m changing people’s lives. Those are the things that matter. Enjoy your life, it’s short."

So I say, take your time going through what I feel is Beyonce's Magnum opus. Listen to each and every song, and feel yourself in every lyric she sings. There are just so many aspects of humanity in her album, so much so that I can't bear to list them all for fear of getting carried away (for example; SHE WROTE A SONG ABOUT HER BABY GIRL BLUE!) So without further ado, here are the 14 songs masterly crafted by Beyonce herself. 

And once you've listened to them all, you HAVE to complete the Beyonce experience by watching the making of the album, and have the Queen Bey herself address you on her latest creation. YOU HAVE TO WATCH IT. I swear, it's incredible.  Self titled.

Part 1

I feel like this really made my 2013, because I existed during the time beyonce made this album. I can't wait to tell my grandchildren that I lived through the best years of my life, with beyonce's voice by my side.For those who feel lost and weak, remember that beyonce lost countless of times when she was growing up, and still , she made her life work. She has the same 24 hours as we do, and that in itself is a clear message. Motivation comes from within, from truth. Because truth, is real power. In the words of Beyonce, "Enjoy Your life. It's short. That's my message". 

Luxury is Ludicrous, but so is everything else

Recently, I was given the opportunity to cover the International Luxury Conference organized by the International New York times, and mediated by non other than my fashion fairy god mother. What sold me on this task was the fact that I would once again be able to hear the angelic(and slightly worn out) voice of Dear Suzy Menkes! She and I have had our encounters, the first was during Fide Fashion week. I walked up to her, and introduced myself as Anna Wintour's successor, to which she responded by wheezing out a breathless giggle, and continued to sip her sparkling champagne. Suzy and I then proceeded with an intense bitching session about how ANTM is becoming more and more equivocal. But jokes aside, I did write an article FOR poachedmag, that I thought "HEY WHY NOT I SHARE IT WITH MY DoD READERS!"  I've got to be extra careful when I go about doing this, only because this article belongs to them and not me, despite the entire piece of writing being the product of my exceptionally gifted psyche. (I've become slightly narcissistic, do forgive me)

Without further ado, here is my article for poachedmag on the International Luxury Conference! 

“A S.E.A of luxury” was the tagline for this year’s Luxury conference, an acronym intelligently crafted to match the cultural peripheries of the continent it was held in. A rather amusing way to phrase South East Asia, this year marks its 13^th cycle since its inception in 2001 in Paris, subsequently having been convened in major cities like Paris, Dubai, Hong Kong, New Delhi, London and Moscow. Now, it is globally recognized as one of the world’s most prestigious annual forums for the global luxury business, bringing together an eclectic mix of speakers―from creative directors to CEOs.

In the past, they had DvF share her eclectic insight on luxury. Also, she's fucking royalty!

An endeavour by the International New York Times (formerly the International Herald Tribune) to promote and uphold transparency within luxury, the focus of this year’s dialogue were 2 things; Where Asia stands as a producer of Luxury, as well as its undeniable propensity to consume and buy up luxury goods. With so much on the line, The INYT chose none other than their resident Fashion Editor and undisputed authority on style, Suzy Menkes, to be this year’s mediator. Who better to facilitate a dialogue on Luxury fashion that the style maven herself, famous for triggering heated debates with her polemic articles (Remember “A fashion Circus”?). Click Here to read a wonderfully succinct response to her description of deplorative fashion.

Fashion Level: Amish Chic

When we speak of Luxury, an unspoken axiom dictates our thoughts, telling us that items of Luxury only originate from prodigal places like Milan or Paris. It’s not unorthodox for us Asians to associate production in Asia as (dare I say) cheap or of low quality, especially when it comes to our Louis Vuitton Damier bags or our interlocking G pattern Gucci sneakers.  These ideals would have stood 5 years ago, but could never be more erroneous now.  Let me speak in vernacular; Asia’s ability as a consumer of luxury goods is the holy grail of Retail. To quote Domenico De Sole, Chairman of Tom Ford International, "You cannot be a great luxury brand unless you're successful in Asia." .

 Suzy Menkes reiterated this many times over, that “Asia can be a creative powerhouse- and not just the place to manufacture low cost fashion”.Watching Suzy churn out erudite discussions with the acclaimed speakers was a real sight to behold. Her estimable demeanour shines through her saccharine-sweet smile, that slips in between her statements every now and again. As for the speakers, we were graced with the likes of Ermenegildo Zegna and Philip Lim to HRH (Her Royal highness, for those of us who aren’t acquainted with monarchy) Marie-Chantal and Anna Sui, just to name a few.   Suzy touched on the different series of “waves” that made up the conference (which would seem appropriate seeing as though this is a “SEA” of luxury) ― and of these “waves”, was the topic of Menswear. Suzy went as far as to call Asia’s exponential Menswear growth as a “Pan-Asian Phenomenon”.  This is especially true; since the need to look dapper in debonair clothing has been on the up and up for more Asian men, thanks to style mavericks like John Tan of Streetpeek.tumblr.com leading the fashion pack!

images courtesy of streetpeek.tumblr.com. John's photography prowess deserve the highest of approbations!

Synonymous designers; like Philip Lim and Anna Sui, that have their roots in Asia but are based in America, were also invited to share their insight on the matter of merging western culture with their oriental backgrounds. Suzy questioned whether they saw themselves as a kind of bridge between the United States with Asia, to which they replied that Asia is just brimming with talented individuals who are just waiting to make their mark on the industry. These notable individuals are the ones to really bridge the gap between the western and eastern luxury markets.

PS: James Ferragamo is one HOT piece of luxury ass!

The dialogue reached its apex when the discussion of whether or not Asia could be a producer of luxury went into full swing.  The Asian Demographic was heavily scrutinized, especially since Asia contains a wide variety of cultural influences. Of these influences, Religion was singled out by Suzy. In countries like Malaysia where the majority are Muslim, the demand for luxury clothing that needs to be religiously appropriate are undeniably high, as are the religiously appropriate luxury clothes of any other community within Asia. My Jaw dropped when she began to speak about this wonderful event called the Islamic fashion festival, of which even I had no knowledge over (I’m Muslim and I like fashion, which makes this an oxymoron!).  What captured the discussion succinctly was a statement from Angelica Cheun, Editor in Chief of Vogue China, on the idea of Asian creativity: "We don't have to put an "Asian" tag on it. We are Asian, but we are everywhere."

As our continent continues to grow in relevance to the global operations of multinational brands and businesses, we can only dream of what is to come for those who choose to bravely venture into Asia, with hopes of establishing an ideology of luxury strong enough to challenge the likes of Western/European fashion Behemoths like Hermes or Cartier.  With Tom Ford establishing its first south East Asian presence in Singapore next year, who’s to say the entire world isn't going to be at our doorstep!

Ain't she a beauty?

PS: Here's to Suzy Menkes, for her 25 years of dedicated service and excellent journalism. The fashion world may never again see someone as vivacious nor as candor as you! May you continue to shine your light of wisdom as a beacon, about billowing skirts and luscious lace for many more years to come! 

To all my readers, thank you for continued patronage . I've been quite dry recently, what with all the periodic writer's block that happens ever so often nowadays.  What's been occupying a lot of my time lately is this book I've been meaning to write. The idea struck me like a thief in the night (literally, I woke up in the middle of the night and started penning down my thoughts with a pen near the end of it's useful life!) I've never really felt like a fully fledged writer but if I actually do go through with this, I might regain what little shred of confidence I had about writing again.

As the end of the year draws near, we as human beings will naturally consider the accomplishments and failures we've experienced during this fleeting period in our lives. But what we shouldn't be preoccupied with,is dwelling on the past and regretting the decisions we've made. Every single step you've ever taken, has been no less than instrumental in shaping the person you are today.  A new year symbolizes a new beginning, with the slate wiped clean.  As we appreciate the blessed moments in our lives thus far, so should we with the times of despair and sorrow, for these are the real moments that test our grit and spirit. I was lucky to have had so many wonderful learning journeys this year, with the privilege of meeting people I never thought I'd ever see with my own two eyes( Here's looking at you, Suzy!).   

Here's to not holding back. I say, Let it all Go.  It's time we start afresh. Begin anew. 

Behind being a Buyer: the real fashion faux pass

It's been eons since I've written a post(seems to me like I've been introducing my articles with an apology to this more and more, don't cha'think?). After having been tossed around, beaten up and dragged under the water, I've come back stronger and far more wiser that My previous self, and I credit all this to my experiences during the holidays. You might be asking, "what experiences?". A few, monsieur! One of them being a short stint at Harper's BAZAAR as their fashion intern(albeit I ended it prematurely due to reasons I will disclosure in another article.), another being my usual escapade into the realm of theatre( this time, with theatreworks and their show LIFT:Love Is Flower The). But I've yet to contribute a solid incisive article to lil' old DOD, and that's just not right. Hence, I've decided to share my article on poachedmag here. Since my inception into this heavily materialistic world that people commonly refer to as "fashion", I was, and still am, bewitched by the idea of being a Buyer. It was like reaching for the candy jar on the highest Shelf- it felt beyond reach, completely unattainable. 

And like every other highly productive human being, I decided to write about it(Yes, instead of actually going out and making things happen to achieve this long forsaken dream).  But this article, being extremely close to my heart, was given to poachedmag, based on the fact that it would reach more people; that my story would be able to engage a wider audience. Isn't that the moral obligation of a writer? To reach out, spread ideas and challenge conventional stereotypes with incessant over-the-keyboard arguments( or highly charged debates, if you're paranoid like that).  But there are times when the very effect of having it concentrated in an isolated location is just what something needs, to allow it to bloom and grow. Much like how I prefer to order take-away from my school hawker center and eat it in an abandoned part of Singapore Poly's desolate studying corners. Their tables are quite snug, I must say. So without further ado, I present to you my article on Fashion Buying and what it takes to become a fashion buyer. (Naturally, I credit  poachedmag since they were the first to publish this, albeit I wrote it for them.) I sincerely hope you enjoy reading this. Because unlike most things I give, this one came from the heart,

A career that’s coveted by millions the world over. Being a buyer is seen as standing at the apex of the fashion food chain. As a buyer, you get to rub shoulders with some of the best designers in the business, sit front row for (almost) all the seasonal fashion weeks held in the 4 key cities, scour the globe in search of the next “big thing” and basically, shop for the benefit of others. Doesn’t sound like much of a job, or does it?

Unbeknownst to many, the job entails a high level of pressure and demands unwavering devotion. The facade that buyers lead a glamorous lifestyle coupled by the misunderstanding that their job is simple is the main reason why this profession has eluded so many. We all want to be like Linda Fargo, senior Vice President of the fashion office and store presentation at Bergdorf Goodman, and have designers like Versace literally throwing their couture creations at us to wear during the Met Ball, or have them deliver to us full set samples just to keep us on their good side.

But here’s the thing, fashion is a masquerade: everyone sees through rose-tinted glasses. Let’s take a hard look at the real grind behind being a buyer.

Firstly, you need to already have 3-4 years of experience before you even delve into independent level buying. That means, having to aid a buyer as an assistant merchandiser first. And merchandisers do very laborious work: carrying and transporting all the purchased goods from one point to another, checking and maintaining the wardrobe, organizing the styling kit and other menial jobs that won’t seem very beneficial for the first 6 months or so.

This is a job that often requires experience in retail. Generally, people work as sales associates before they become fashion buyers. “Anybody thinking of this should have retail experience,” says Terry Hughes, a fashion buyer in Georgia. So, if you hate having to stand on the sales floor for 8 hours and silently observe what does and does not sell, this profession might not be your cup of tea.

It’s up to the fashion buyer to know, both intuitively and through research, what looks are going to be, so to speak, in fashion in the coming season. They need to be one step ahead of everyone else and think about the customer’s needs, fashion trends, potential suppliers and prices way before these trends even surface in society.

A buyer must make sure that the department or store will make a profit from their purchases. “Money is always a concern,” says Hughes. “It’s not like a shopping spree because you’re ordering out of your business’s pocket. If they don’t sell, you don’t have a business.”

Due to the very nature that fashion buyers operate on, their decisions could make or break a brand. Buyers can be fired on the basis that the items they've brought in have not been selling enough for the business to make profit. From all my years of working in retail, I've managed to pick up one very important saying; and it goes a little like this- " you can have the most beautiful collection in the world. But if it doesn't sell, it's worth nothing".

Responsible for the garments that a retailer carries in stock, the role of the fashion buyer is one of the most crucial positions in the fashion industry, and more of a numbers game than people might think. “Quality is key”, adds Georgina Coulter, Head of buying for my-wardrobe.com. “Especially in the current economic climate, value is very important and this no longer translates as price, but customers want to perceive the value and quality in what they are buying”. Your arithmetic skills need to be apt enough to analyse average price points and compare them to a plethora of other quotas on a daily basis.

Buyers also need to be well organized and decisive. “You have to go for the bare minimum if you’re not sure about something, but you also don’t want to be sold out right away. It takes good decision making,” says Hughes.

Another thing that I personally had trouble swallowing, during my training as a fashion buyer, was having to desensitize my creative decisions. Just because you like something doesn’t mean the customer will. Be prepared to think on your feet, travel at a whim’s notice, and make mistakes! Not everything you buy is going to sell. It might be tough at first, but it’s extremely rewarding when you see your choices fly off the sales racks the minute they’re displayed!

Soak up the world around you. Tricia Smith, national merchandise manager for Nordstrom BP, “Buyers need to have a true passion for fashion and trends of all kinds. Immerse yourself in everything from pop culture to runway shows, magazines, and celebrities – because everything influences the customer. You have to become a student of all of these things to know your customer and to be successful as a buyer.”

And the holiday season? Especially hectic. Buyers often visit overseas trade shows, factories, fashion shows and manufacturers’ offices. They have to be on the ball and keep track of fashion’s flux constantly, something that requires immense stamina and passion.

Lastly, you need to enjoy fashion to work in this line (DUH!). Successful buyers are those who know what looks good. As much as numbers and trend forecasts play a big part in a buyer’s decision process, a good sense of fashion can set you apart from the rest of the fashion pack.

Because I couldn't find a better picture to illustrate my point about Good fashion sense. YAY ,GIUSEPPE!

Relish in the fact that you will have to meet different people from diverse walks of life. Bond with them, establish a relationship and let it grow into a profitable asset for you in the future.

With all this said and done, fashion buying; though a difficult career path to pursue, is not impossible to attain. Be tenacious and constantly look for ways to better your knowledge of the fashion world. And when you finally get to the apex, take a deep breath and enjoy the fresh air for as long as you can. You’ve earned the right to bask in the glory

Next thing you know, you’ll be flying first class on a plan bound for London, off to discuss price points with suppliers for your dream brand.

Find the "fashion" and hit the ignition

It's been quite awhile since I last updated any fashion-centric news on DoD and for that, I deeply apologize. (WARNING: this post is going to be something along the lines of a pseudo soliloquy!) The life of an 18 year old fashion blogger is not one of accessibility and simplicity, It resembles that of docile nun. You see, fashion doesn't drive fashion. I don't need to write fashion because Art, theatre, politics, the economy and any other Force related to the human world drives fashion. It is but a mere side-effect of a clash in culture. I am but a mere accelerator of this "side-effect". 

Having been ruminating over trivial issues like grades, social status and career opportunities, I;being the incapable human being that I am, could not devote much time nor effort into maintaining this blog :(  The thing is, I write more for poachedmag.com now as compared to Dreamofdior. To be honest, I came to a point whereby I felt like I was going nowhere as a writer for them. Here's why.

My creativity was beyond stifled, the sarcastic connotations in my writing: abolished by the stringent literary guidelines imposed by my editors. And though I am grateful for the exposure and experience, I can't help but feel like I have outgrown my position.  Soooooooooooooo here's the topic of the day for you. There comes a time when you will inevitably need to promulgate a new identity for yourself, break away from the hard and stubborn shell that has sheltered you all this while, and reach for bigger & brighter horizons. As for myself, I'm not sure where I'll be heading . Despite the ambiguity that lies ahead of me, I feel at peace because I know; I am not short of options.  It's a mindset that is , truth be told, quite hard to maintain but the most resilient in times of despair. It's perfectly fine to test the waters of a few pools before you eventually make your grand entrance with a splash. ( I'm an ardent believer that everyone has the potential to throw themselves into deep shit and come out as a stronger person). Allow yourself to be influenced by the powers that be and their demand for change. 

I leave you with this seemingly irrelevant snippet of information. There is this phenomenon called the placebo effect. Essentially, it focuses on the intrinsic ability in all of us to heal ourselves. The only variable is willpower: when will you choose to leave the life you've always known, only to embrace a newer,stronger YOU?  Eventually, all of us will outgrow ourselves. We leave our shells behind and take our first steps in the real world, bare and exposed. (CLICHE LINE ALERT) That is when we grow the most. 

-Yours Sincerely, Sam Dreamofdior :)

Fashion 101: Part 2. Getting your feet wet in fashion + FORUM THEATRE !

Before I continue with the main article,  a big thank you to Annemarie Iverson for her amazing book “In Fashion”; my personal Chicken Soup for the Fashion Obsessed soul. Let me warn you in advance that this article is super ultra LONG! Viewer digression is advised ! For Part 2 of fashion 101, I’ll be dishing the dirt on how to drive your style career forward. From tips during an interview right down to what you should wear,  DreamOfDior’s got it all !!! Now ,Let's start with the baby steps. 

Education

 It’s natural that people who care for you want you to do the “Safe” thing for your future. Typical Schools is “what they know”. Parents think more school equals more money and security. But what they don’t understand is that it doesn't translate like that in fashion. 

 To be a great designer or photographer, you’ll need to be in the right design school. If you’re intentions are to be a model, stylist or makeup artist, you probably shouldn't concentrate on school because the WORLD is your education! Is your dream to be a fashion buyer or writer? College is your answer then. That’s why it’s EXTREMELY important to know what you really want. 

If you’re a fashion fanatic but confused with what you want, take the fashion aptitude test in my previous post to find out what type of fashionista you are so that you're more clear on what you should study! :D

How about fashion schools for Creators (designers)?

As a creator, you will need to really assess what you want. Dig deep and reflect on things like where you see yourself 5 years later. I have friends who want to do fashion communications so they ended up going to Lassalle. Eventually, all of them wanted to quit because they couldn't “tahan” the design modules. You need to accept the harsh truth that some people are just more gifted than others.

 If you weren't naturally gifted in sketching or fabric manipulation, fashion design might not be for you. If your heart is really in to it, you’ll find a way around this issue and hopefully come out on top. If you’re not 110% committed, you WILL suffer greatly. 

How about Journalism School for Critics (Writers)?

Personally, I have a slight prejudice against those who think going to journalism school will make them a better writer. They do, however, get great exposure and learn about the different facets of journalism. After all, nothing is a bigger turn off than having bad grammar/spelling! 

If you're especially keen on being a word smith , keep your hands in journalism through the school paper or better yet, start a blog like your's truly! 

 The next logical step is to up your game and take up an editorial internship or write for a bigger publication. This exposure is crucial because it will teach you to develop your reporter's nose and balls (yum!) to get the story plus the research skills that will prove invaluable over time.

How About Degrees for Sellers (Business of fashion)?

 I'm a fashion fanatic and yet, I study Business. It all makes sense though because Business related courses are useful if you’re interested in becoming an executive for large fashion giants like LVMH, FJ Benjamins, Jones New York, Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus. These brands may find a business background useful in tabulating data or working on mergers and acquisitions. 

 Someone who’s purely about Business all day and doesn't explore other creative subjects like theatre or Music will never survive . Think of it this way. Why would they want to hire someone who's just a mindless businessman when they can hire someone who is creative, fashion savvy and has killer business acumen?  Diversify yourself.

To aid you in your style education, Here is a list of noteworthy fashion literature and a few movies worth watching, all of which are aimed at honing your “critical eye".

• Must read Biographies: "D.V" by Diana Vreeland,   "Chanel and her world" by Edmonde Charles-Roux , "No Time to Die" by Liz Tilberis & my personal favourite "Grace, a Memoir" by Grace Coddington.

• Daily Fashion Fix:  Women's Wear Daily (WWD) ,New York Times Style section , Vogue.com, Style.com ,Streetpeeper.com & of course DREAMOFDIOR.BLOGSPOT.COM !!!

• Fashionista Movies: "The September Issue"- this documentary tracks Anna Wintour orchestrating the team as they build the biggest Issue of VOGUE ever!   ,"Valentino: The Last Emperor" & "Vogue: The Editor's Eye". 

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Internships

 Now that you’re all prepped up and ready to rumble, the next step would be to feel around before you're actually ready for the big leagues. A good way to start would be a part time job or an internship. The difference is that an internship ties you down and "makes you more loyal" to the company you’re interning for. 

You'll also get to learn the inner workings of your employing company .That's where sh*t gets real. Good internships, however, are hard to find, especially since Fashion is an industry that's uber crowded . The key: remain competitive and persistent.  

 Here are the Six Sacred Rules you should follow when searching for that Dream Fashion job.

1. Know who you know:  Your contacts are a lot more powerful than you know. Utilize everyone you've ever met. Be it your neighbour’s hot daughter, a friend's parent or a senior from your previous school. As an intern, send frequent emails to assistants of the “atas” people and ask if      there's ever an opening. In this industry, the best advocate for yourself is you!
2. Your Resume is your Life! : Make sure your resume reflects clearly who you really are. If you’re a flamboyant guy who loves pink , make the borders pink. Express yourself. Check your emails and voice mails daily and remember to maintain a neutral voice mail message. Nothing too bitchy or "naughty".
3. No little White, Red or Blue lies: Everyone I've ever asked has confessed that they bloat their resume by adding extra months of experience . These small little lies ARE TRACEABLE! Do not say that you interned at FJ Benjamin for 3 months when you couldn't even last a week. The industry is a small one and everyone knows everyone (no joke). Sooner or later, you're bound to get caught and trust me when I say you're not going to want to be there when they do…
4. Be part of the community you’re trying to join: I don't know why but nowadays a lot of people feel that they're entitled to everything without any effort.  Nobody in this industry is going to entertain any of this bullshit. Show your face and get a feel of what Where you're going.  This initiative will set you apart from 80% of the people who have done nothing substantial for their interview.
5. Possess Unyielding optimism:  Fashion is about change. Believe that your situation can change within the next 24 hours. When the opportunity presents itself, grab it and run! Once that window of opportunity closes, it might never open again!
6. Find your Fairy godmother &/or Fairy godfather:  Get in touch with someone in the industry whose work you strongly admire. Be humble and honest and if you're lucky, these people will feel your enthusiasm. I've read somewhere that a Boy once saw Anna Wintour on a plane. Since he was an aspiring designer, he wanted to ask Anna Wintour to hook him up with Micheal Kors, a designer he idolizes. He didn't want to disturb Anna and so he slipped a note in her bag. Lo and behold, the Boy is now a Man apprenticing with his dream designer. Dreams really do come true :)
7.  Don't be afraid to make cold calls when you're desperate and don't know where else to turn. Swallow your pride and phone them up. Confidently, state what your intentions are without sounding like an introverted 10 year old girl. TRUST ME, THIS WORKS! When I set my sights on Gucci during the School holiday Season, I phoned their office for 2 days straight just to get on the line with their Human Resource Manager. Long story short, I became the youngest employee Gucci Singapore has ever had! Don't be that kind of person that expects these brands to phone YOU up and offer you a job. You're Not Kaiser Karl or Grace Mirabelle. You want that position? EARN IT!

Kurt Hummel's internship with Vogue.com was basically a miracle. Unless you're Chris Colfer, you need  to work harder!

Interviews

YAY! By following all these tips, you've managed to land yourself an interview for your first big job after going through your internship!  Remember; Everything you say or do will be used against you. Make full use of each second during that 15 minute chat session you'll be having with the interviewer.  Here are some pointers you should keep in mind

• Show them a Spark, A passion:  Make sure they notice that sparkle in your eye. Many times, bosses are looking for young and insanely passionate versions of themselves- before they were successful. Don’t fake that spark. Show them you really want it.

• Demonstrate a Sense of Humor:   Only take the chance when the opportunity presents itself.  Showing that funny side will make you seem more relatable and dynamic. 

• Give Evidence of your hunger and ambition: The best way to show this is to come prepared with your resume and all other qualifications. 

• Convince them that you'll work hard (nobody likes lazy egocentric dickheads) : Make it clear that you're not some demanding & bitchy Prima Donna . Ensure them that while the job looks glamorous on the outside(all fashion jobs do), you are fully aware of all the donkeywork that goes behind it. 

• Know your stuff and prove it: Research research research. Find out the company's mission statement, who their current CEO is, Where their headquarters are based and all that jazz.

• Show that you’re a team player : Team players love to be included in press meetings, Ideas pitching and concept building. Its a bit tricky for an interviewer to tell whether someone is good as a team member before he actually enters the team. This is where your previous experienes come in handy. Ever volunteered at a hospice/children's home with a group of friends? Use that & everything else you've ever done to your advantage. 

• Show that you have a "critical eye": A fashionista's most basic asset is his/her critical eye. This skill will set you apart from the general public and put yourself in the mindset of crafting words, pictures and editorials that would pull in your targeted viewers.

• Say why you want the job as well as why you're the best person on Earth for it! : This is actually a code for "say your last words before you get out" and at times, it's the most important question of all. If you haven't made it clear that you're mad for the job, do so now. Don't forget to maintain eye contact when you shake hands on your way out.  Stop talking. Breathe. You made it. 

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Outfit

EVERYTHING & anything you wear will be heavily scrutinized. “Trivial” issues like the colour of your shoe laces to the buttons on your shirt could very well make or break your chances. Your weapon of choice should complement the type of position you’re gunning for. Here are a few cardinal style sins you should avoid committing as well as some useful pointers you should follow if you want to make a lasting impression.

DON'Ts for Guys: 

• Don't wear sneakers unless you're sure it's super casual. 
• No grungy T-shirts with distracting designs or writing . 
• No sports jerseys, caps, flip flops, sweats or shorts.  No flip flops. NO FLIP FLOPS. NO FLIP FLOPS!

DON'Ts for Girls: 

•  Don't wear a suit to a creative interview. 
• Don't wear anything that isn't well ironed
• Don't carry multiple bags/shopping bags. You'll end up looking shallow/pretentious. 
• When it comes to jewelry, less is more.
• DON'T wear one singular designer from head to toe or multiple luxury designers all at once. Mix and match yours highs and lows. You'll instantly be labelled a fashion victim . I can assure you that you're resume will be flying out of the window way before you even leave their office.

.....And finally, a few tips during the actual interview , just to be safe? :)

1) Don't be arrogant about where you studied or where you came from. Nobody wants to work with someone who has their nose up their ass.  In-fact, never be arrogant about anything! Yuck!

2) Don't explain why you need the month of June off for your family vacation. You're interviewer honestly doesn't care. These follow up questions are meant to be asked after you've accepted the post. 

3) Keep your answers Clear and Concise . Babbling on and on about nonsense will only make them think you're all bark no bite.

4) Don't be late & 

Never wear a blank facial expression

5) Confidence is all you need!
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Now wasn't that a mouth full of nonsense. I hope you've managed to learn a thing or two about breaking in to the fashion world. Different people do different things. Some get in through their own blood, sweat and tears. Some have "powerful friends in high places". Others are just naturally talented and breeze their way through. Whatever the case, it never hurts to try and plan you way to success. I know this isn't a very Visual article and I haven't done that in a very long time. Hopefully, with all this free time on my hands, I'll be able to churn out more visually inclined mindless writing! & BTW, A big shout out to Singapore's infamous style sensation Bryan Gohey !!!! It truly is an honor having people like you tell me how much you like what I do.   

I'm going to go off on a tangent here and whore myself out. Since  april, I've been attending a forum theatre workshop that targets on issues surrounding violence against women. What sets forum theatre apart from conventional theatre is how you, as the audience, can intervene and change the course of the entire play. As the audience, you have in your hands the power to affect and change the sequence of events in hopes that it will solve or provide solutions for the issues that we're targeting (WOMEN'S RIGHTS and VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN) 

Tickets are only $5 per person. Our first show (with me acting :]) will be on the 22th of June. Click on the link to find out more! Do your part to stop violence against women! It's as much an issue for men as it is for women!

http://www.wecansingapore.com/events/

And with that, I thank you for sticking with Dod. Here's a link to my personal blog where I rant about my personal life. It's super dry but I'm just going to put it out there----->http://bequeathmeyourheart.tumblr.com/
Here's wishing everyone a great June holidays ahead! 

Let the landslide that is life consume you entirely

the Prodigal Son returns with candy

I know exactly what's going through your mind right now. You're probably wondering why this prick of a blogger hasn't updated anything in the last month or so. To be frank, Dreamofdior hasn't been the number one priority for me this May. Being a student writer has its perks but on the other hand, I am plagued with never-ending assessments and deadlines. If you've read my previous post, you'll know that I've conveniently inserted myself into the Poachedmag.com fashion writing team*que the sinister lighting* Slowly but surely, I will exert my dominance and gain control from the inside- similar to how LVMH is discreetly buying over Hermes' free holding stocks bit by bit in an attempt to write them down under their list of distributing brands. If you're a little curious about the nonsense I write for poachedmag, feel free to skim through my articles. 
Here's a link -->http://poachedmag.com/author/samhussain/

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I don't deny that I've been privileged as far as blogging is concerned, so much so that I'm often left feeling unworthy of the opportunities presented to me(on a silver platter,no less!). The funny thing is, I've been experiencing a sudden increase in my own bitchiness and unsurprisingly, it coincided with my being more active in the local fashion scene. Is it just me or does fashion make people more pretentious? In the wonderful book every fashionista should read-In Fashion ( and btw, I owe the NLB over $100 in fines because I don't want to return that book. It's a god-sent! ) , it did state that people tend to change when they're exposed to such prolonged glamour.  Let's face it. Nobody lives this kind of life(at least not forever) & just like Jay Gatsby, you can only run away from something for so long (speaking of the Gatsby, I'll be writing about it's SHEER OPULENCE  in due time :]) I guess it's time for another fashion detox: NO magazines, NO style.com, NO blogging, NO events, NO dressing up unnecessarily(such a thing does not exist!) and NO criticizing others' style choices. 

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In April, Singapore suffered a severe FASHION FAMINE. There was literally NOTHING GOING ON. No press releases, no invitation to events(maybe there were but clearly I wasn't there so it's not worth noticing) and lastly, no significant fashion shows (and I don't mean the clothes. I'm referring to the Substance, the Essence and the level of drama. Fashion is a lot like theatre. Suspense and staging make up the core principles of its paradigm.) Then came May ,accompanied by a FLOOD of fashion festivities enough to occupy me for months!!! One instance would be how we were lucky enough to have Karl Lagerfeld and Cara humble us with their presence as they attended Chanel's 2013/2014 resort collection show held at Dempsey Hill. 

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Unfortunately, my invitation for the show was "misplaced" in the Mail. Chanel has since issued an official apology complete with handwritten love letters from the kaiser himself. (I ked) 
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Seriously though, May has been Mayhem! Not a week goes by without something to attend or somewhere to be. Right off the bat, I can recall attending Carolina Herrera's Floral bag presentation at her MBS outlet(SHE WAS THERE! IN THE FLESH!), Fashion Steps out(FSO) in Orchard  whereby the entire stretch of road was pimped to resemble a runway( I use the word RESEMBLE because it, in no way, looked like a runway) , the inaugural Audi Fashion Festival(which proved to be more of a downer than I had originally anticipated), Fifty five's new boutique opening(Pay Attention to this because I'll be giving away free Crawford & Son goodies in my next post!) and finally,  Furla's Candy bag exhibition held at Paragon's Main Atrium(Pay attention to this part too because in the post(s) to come,  I'll be giving away free Furla goodies courtesy of Furla :D) Here are a few pictures for pictures' sake.

Hanky Panky business happening on Desigual's runway for Audi Fashion Festival

the Furla Candy bag Displays!

Fashion Steps Out

It's not entirely impossible for me to explain in detail all of my fantastic(and exhausting) escapades , it's just that I can't seem to find the time. Right now, as I type these very words, I am 2 hours away from my second Mid-Semester Examination Paper(Quantitative Analysis is no joke!).  It's just that I've been ignoring my duties as a (failed)purveyor of sincere fashion blogging(read my previous post where,basically, I express just how much I dislike the current local blogosphere. They're just fashionistically erroneous!) and that's been bugging me a lot lately. 

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I guess what I really want to say is thank you. I used to envy(and obsessively emulate) people like Shane Tan of mymomhatesfashion.com. So graceful and glamorous in their ways. They're always where the party's at. They were in the loop and like Dan Humphrey from Gossip girl, I could only glimpse into their world through their concise and clearly written blogs . One faithful day in June, I decided to actually do it. I finally gathered enough willpower to write my own blog. I swear to God there were these AH-HAH moments during last week's Furla Candy Bag Exhibition that left me thinking ,"I can't believe I'm here. Where did all this come from? Why me?" And then I remembered my little personal gem-this lil'old blog of mine. So thank you. Thank you for reading my incessant rambling on what's hot and what's not. Thank you for reminding me that everything has it's place. I received this wonderful email weeks back from a lady saying she wishedshe had the chance to go to these kinds of shindigs and it got me thinking,"PEOPLE, start writing your own blogs!" . Everyone's opinion is important. Each of you has a voice and it's up to you to make people listen! Muster that courage you know you have deep inside of you to start because let's be honest- you're not getting any younger,right?  

I'll be sure to upload the next post as soon as possible. Till then, I wish all you wonderful readers an amazing week (or weekend) ahead. The June holidays are almost here. Live loud , make full use of every opportunity and take everything in your stride. After all, time is of the essence and nothing ever stays the same for long(especially in fashion)


 Hell happens when the evil of the world exceeds our belief that we can conquer it