Q & A: Carin Olsson of Paris In Four Months

Despite being only 22, Carin's poise, maturity and talent belied someone at least a decade older. Her determination to strike it out on her own and take a leap of faith by moving to Paris where she knew no one nor did she even speak a smidgeon of the language has paid off. Her Instagram followers are well over in 6 figure digits (increasing by the minute as I'm typing out this post). She's on Buzzfeed's list of 23 Instagrams To Follow To Travel the world in 2014, worked with Nicole Warne of Gary Pepper , published in fashion magazines and online publications as well as collaborated with other bloggers. I managed to catch up with her in London late last year while she was in between appointments. Without much ado, here's a Q & A session with Carin.

1. Name and occupation

Carin Olsson. I’m a freelance photographer (and sometimes writer as well).

2. Your favorite food

Oh gosh, this is like choosing your favourite parent (or child if you have any of those). I might have to go with a really yummy risotto though. Or pizza. Or lobster roll. Or a delicious hamburger. You see? It’s impossible for me to choose.

3. Craziest thing you ever did

Moving to Paris without knowing a single soul, the language or having any sort of idea about where it would take me.

4. Favorite cities

Rome, New York and Paris. So far.

5. Best Fashion Week moment

Having to pinch myself because I just kissed Roberto Cavalli on the cheek while visiting his showroom in Milan. 

6. 5 favorite items in your closet 

- Horseshoe bracelet from Claire Aristides and watch from Corniche 

- Striped top from J.Crew 

- Purse from Salvatore Ferragamo 

- Earrings from Swarovski 

- Pyjamas from Oysho 

7. 5 most asked questions on your blog/Instagram

- What camera do you use?

- How do you edit your photos?

- I want to move to Paris. How do I do it?

- Where should I stay/eat/drink/sleep while in Paris?

- What do you work with?

8. Your favorite haunts in Paris

My new favourite place for a special treat has to be "Des Gateaux et du Pain”, I love having a cup of coffee at Ten Belles and stop by Verjus Wine Bar when I’m in the mood for a yummy lunch. Saint Germain and the Marais (predictable, but true) are two of my favourite neighbourhoods to take a stroll in and when the weather gets better you’ll find me on a picnic blanket in Jardin du Luxembourg. Or along the Seine.

9. How did your interest in photography started? What do you shoot with?

I’ve always thought it was fun taking photos but I guess it really started once I moved to Paris. I had promised myself to walk around and take photos when I arrived in Paris so that I could share them with my family back home (it was actually sort of a strategy as well so that I wouldn't feel too lonely when strolling around the city myself). I started realising that I really enjoyed myself and last year (2013) I decided that it was so much fun I actually wanted to do it as a profession everyday as well.

I currently have a Canon EOS 5D Mark II.

10. How many languages do you speak?

I guess I’d say two and a half since I don’t speak that good French just yet. So Swedish and English, and a tiny bit of French.

11. 3 things you can’t live without

My phone, my camera and my loved ones.

12. Best advice you’ve been given

Do what you love.

You can check out more of Carin's beautiful snapshots on her blog - Paris In Four Months

Q & A with Red Hong Yi

Hong Yi's explosion into the world of YouTube has created such a sensation that she has been featured in numerous websites, magazines and newspapers from one end of the world to the other. She's an unconventional artist who doesn't paint with a paintbrush or crayon for that matter. Her life hasn't been the same since. She has been zipping across a few continents and managed to fit this interview between her conferences (she's been invited to speak at TedxKL, EG etc) with the help of her mom, Terri, a popular Malaysian food blogger.

Top photo via Esquire

Name and occupation

Hong is my family name ('Kang' in Mandarin, and it means healthy in Chinese, not red as reported in most articles) and Yi is my first name. I don't have a middle name like most Chinese because 'single names' are common among Shanghainese (my Dad is from Shanghai). I am an architect-artist, now known as Red Hong Yi because of the play on my family name which spells like 'red' in Chinese-Mandarin. 

Your favorite food

I love soto and soup tulang (Malaysian beef soup and noodles) and I've been starved of these dishes for the past month because it was Ramadan! I prefer Asian cuisine (Chinese, Japanese, Korean (oh!), Thai, Vietnamese---there's so much variation in flavors and ingredients--- to Western although I do love cheeses, salads and steaks.

3 edible things that'll never pass through your lips

Exotic meat, bugs, worms...

Your pet peeves

People who talk when I am watching a movie. I know many who do that.

How would you describe your life now?

Like a dream come true! My schedule is very busy, with deadlines and a lot of travel, but because I enjoy what I'm doing, I wake up looking forward to work everyday!

Favorite cities

Berlin, Shanghai, Melbourne, Paris and New York. 

 

5 favorite items in your closet

My black go-everywhere MiuMiu bag, a pair of Rag & Bone jeans given to me by Rag & Bone New York, a grey Theory dress for when I want to be taken seriously, a sundress I bought from Rome for 10 euros that I wear all the time when I'm back in Malaysia because it's so hot, and an old brown leather jacket that I picked up in some market in Shanghai. 

Best gift you've ever received

Chowder, my 10-month Chow Chow mutt. Best ever ever gift.

Best advice you've ever received

DON'T GIVE UP. 

Favorite must reads (blogs, books, journals, magazines etc)

I wish I have the luxury of reading time! When I travel, I bring books on business and Chinese culture to read on the plane. I loved to check out blogs but now I never have enough time although I always check out Gary Pepper's Instagram, daily! 

  

 

How many languages do you speak?

Growing up in Malaysia, multilinguality is common so I speak English, Malay and Chinese (Mandarin, Shanghainese and some Cantonese).

3 things you can't live without

My iPhone, Apple laptop and my family, which includes my dog, Chowder.

5 most asked questions on your blog/YouTube/Twitter/Instagram/life

How long did it take me to do an artpiece, how did I get the idea for an artpiece, where do I see myself as an artist-architect in 5 years, how old am I, are you an artist or an architect?

My daughter is a massive fan of yours. How do you feel about having a 7 year old as your apprentice? 

Thrilled! I'd love to meet Lil L (she is so lovely!) and spend time with her one day! I hear she's extremely bright, fun and speaks the most exquisite English. The British accent, by the way is my favorite English accent (I'm going to ship Lil L to Yi for a week. She may change her mind after the experience!)

Thank you Marlene, for interviewing me, and I think your blog and photos are excellent!

Red Hong Yi

**A HUGE thank you to Red Hong Yi's mom, Terri for making this interview possible.

Q & A with Alice Gao

You may be familiar with Alice Gao by now seeing that I've featured her work here a couple of times. She's only 25 but has the maturity and confidence of someone decades older. She's an Instagram extraordinaire and an incredibly talented photographer. She's talked about shooting a campaign entirely with an iPhone and it looks like her dream has come true. She's in fact, on her way to Miami to get behind the wheels of the new Mercedes CLA to photograph her experience with an.....you've guessed it....iPhone 4S. Send her plenty of likes and she may be the lucky gal who gets to keep the car.

Name and occupation

Alice, Photographer

Your favorite food

Oh god, for me, this is like a parent answering which child is her favorite ;)

I love comforting Korean food just as much as I love top notch fancy French food. 

What would you NOT eat EVER?

I consider myself pretty adventurous and willing to try things at least, but I think I draw the line at monkey brains. Shudder. 

Favorite cities

New York, Paris (I imagine London too but I have yet to go there!)

Cliché but what can I say?

Favorite designer brands

Céline, Chloé, Givenchy, and Proenza Schouler

1  /  2   /  3  /  4  /  5
 

5 Favorite items in your closet

- AG ripped boyfriend jeans (I actually re-entered boyfriend jean territory after seeing how versatile you make them!)

- Helmut Lang moto leather jacket

- Everlane black silk blouse

- Chloé scalloped flats

- Proenza Schouler PS11

How would you describe your style

Frankly, it's a bit boring. Some may call it "classic" but I feel that's often just a euphemism. I gravitate toward neutral colors and safe, minimal silhouettes. I like a little bit of edge and masculinity in my outfits. With the addition of these ripped boyfriend jeans in my wardrobe, my boyfriend has described my look as grungy artist. Hah. 

5 most asked questions on your blog/Instagram/Twitter

What camera do you use?

What lens do you use? 

What color paint is your kitchen wall? 

Why are you always posting photos of your food? 

What font is your blog header?

Your weirdest experience ever

Shoot I don't have a good answer for this! Can we skip? :P

Your favorite haunts in NYC

For shopping:

- Still House

- ABC Home & Carpet

- Save Khaki

- McNally Jackson Books

Coffee:

- Abraço

- OST Cafe

- La Colombe

- Bowery Coffee

- All Good Things (for the Blue Bottle and general other awesomeness there)

I could go on and on...

How did your interest in photography started? What do you shoot with?

In the beginning I shot with a dinky point and shoot and would mostly shoot my food and flowers (this was ages ago in high school, though I suppose not much has changed). When I got a little more serious, I emptied my bank account one summer and bought a Canon Rebel SLR off a guy on Craigslist. The rest is history. Now I mostly shoot with my iPhone, and for professional shoots, I use a Canon 5d mkiii and generally my Carl Zeiss 50mm Macro lens or the Canon 24-70mm version ii. Both are sweet lenses. 

Favorite must reads (blogs, books, journals, magazines etc)

Well, your blog, for one! And les anti-modernes, andy heart, note to self, park & cube, just to name a few!

I think my all-time favorite book is still Nabokov's Lolita. As for magazines, too many to list... I'm going to have a serious hoarding problem unless I change all my subscriptions to digital. 

How many languages do you speak?

This is embarrassing but I'm only fluent in English. I can mostly get by in French (aka I know how to ask if "this bag comes in another size/color" and how to order food -- I obviously have my priorities straight) and know basic Mandarin.

3 things you can't live without

- Camera

- Face moisturizer 

- Ice cream (only half-kidding)

**do check out another awesome interview of Alice over at Industry Of One. 

All about Wedding Gowns with Celest Thoi

Celest with Mike Loh, CEO of Snips Group, Malaysia

Valentine's Day is all about romance, weddings and love. I figure today's the perfect day to introduce my readers to a personal friend of mine, Celest Thoi who's also a bridalwear designer. Formerly from Singapore and New Zealand, Celest is currently based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Every time I saw her, she was immaculately dressed with not a hair out of place even despite being a busy working mom.

Tell me about yourself.

Hi, I am Celest Thoi, a bridal designer. I am mom to 2 awesome girls. I love to dress them up and they are my biggest fans. ;p

How would you describe your personal style? Who are your favorite designers and why?

I like my style to be simple, elegant and timeless with a touch of detail. My favourite designers are Sass and Bide, Elie Saab and Vera Wang.

Sass and Bide - They inspired me with anything is possible with passion. Eli Saab & Vera Wang - Classic and beautiful dresses, eye for details and ethereal materials.

Supermodel Ling arrived to lend her support

How did you get involved with bridal wear? What got you interested in fashion?

I have always loved fashion since I was a little girl. It was not until the preparation of my wedding 8 years ago that got me hooked on everything bridal. I was looking for something really simple and elegant at that time and nothing seemed to tickle my fancy. I decided to design the dress, shoes, ring pillow and invitation cards myself. From then on, I loved the whole process so much that after my big day, I did not want to stop what I was doing and decided to make that my career and opened a bridal boutique in New Zealand before moving back to Malaysia.

You're a mom, business owner and wife. How do you juggle the demands of  all 3 facets of your life?

I must say it’s never easy for moms to have their own business. I am sure all moms will agree that there will come a point in time where you will feel torn having to live up to the expectations of being a “good” caregiver and a “client centric” business owner. Luckily I have a very supportive husband and family behind me that I can turn to whenever I need to.

We met in NZ and years later, we're all off to different parts of the world. How has it been for you settling down in Malaysia? What challenges did you face being back in Asia?

Yes, it’s amazing how we have evolved and how we are doing things that we love doing, Marlene. Coming back to Asia has been great…I reckon the opportunities here are plenty! I must say the market is a totally different ball game now and I am learning heaps. One thing still excites me; I get to work with happy people and knowing them better too.  Many of my clients have now become my personal friends whom we will catch up over a cuppa now and again.

What tips can you give to a bride to be when choosing bridal gowns?

 Always try on as many gowns as possible. The envisaged gown from your childhood dreams may not be the one that will flatter you most. Only bring those whose opinions you value and trust the most for fittings to avoid getting more confused in the end.

Finale walk with Deborah Henry, Miss Malaysia/Universe and her two adorable little girls

Now I heard that you had a fashion show recently with a princess in attendance, no less. How has the journey been from starting your business in Malaysia to the showing of your first collection ?

I must say I am very blessed to have met many angels in my life. My clients are my best testimonies and they are also the ones who have prompted me to start my very own label here in Malaysia.

What inspired your collection?

This collection named “The Celestial Spark Collection” was inspired by the treasure trove of pretty trims and haberdashery from my mother’s keeping that I have grew-up dearly to. It was like heaven to me. I will always remember that feeling of just taking a peek at them and it will thrill me with ideas to create.

This collection was sparked by clients who supported and encouraged me to start a bridal wear line under my own label in Malaysia. My gratitude and thanks to them all.

What's the best advice anyone gave you?

Be confident and trust your gut instinct. 

Her family from Singapore

Tête-à-tête with Ingrid of The Bag Hag Diaries

I've been following Ingrid's blog, The BagHag Diaries  for 4.5 years now. How time flies. In fact, hers was one of the first I discovered when I was introduced to this strange internet phenomenon called "blogging". She has been a very busy lady ever since she was invited to Luisa Via Roma's Bloggers event in 2010 which culminated in a flurry of requests to attend major fashion shows in Milan and Paris. Years ago, I asked if she could recommend a few restaurants and shopping places for an upcoming trip to Hong Kong. Thanks to her, I had some of my best meals there. Boy, I still have major drool issue whenever I think of that amazing roast goose. Ingrid has a killer model like figure despite being a major foodie (NOT fair!) as well as being incredibly down to earth and gracious. 



You're a blogger, mom, wife, business owner and journalist. How do you juggle all these different aspects of your life?
 

It's really not easy to be all that, to be honest. And I don't think I can juggle all those aspects well! At the end of the day it's all about being a good mother to my kids and being able to spend time with family as well as have a sustainable form of income to ensure the future of my kids-- and to afford our occasional vacations!

Ingrid's "Blue" Collection

What did you use to do before becoming a blogger? 

I was actually a managing editor for the #1 weddings magazine in the Philippines! 

Attending 2012  S/S Dolce & Gabbana Show

You opened a store not too long ago. Can you tell me more about it? What gave you the idea to start your own business? 

I was actually inspired by Natalie Massenet. She put up net-a-porter and couture lab, and I got inspired to put up a site called Accessory Lab which featured accessories made by local artisans.

In the process of putting that site together, we were offered a nice spot in one of the best malls in the Philippines, and we decided to make Accessory Lab a real boutique instead.

 

You've been blogging since 2006 before the massive explosion of blogs everywhere. You've been going from strength to strength. What got you started? What are the memorable highlights? 
 

Haha thanks for thinking that I've been going “from strength to strength” - that's a big boost of confidence right there :) At that time I began blogging, I just gave birth to my 2^nd child. I had ceased to be managing editor of the weddings magazine but continued to freelance for magazines within the publishing company I wrote for. It was an adjustment to become a full time mom although I was loving being around both my children at all times. 

During the times my children were asleep, I would go online-- surf shopping! One day I found a bag I fell in love with-- it was the LV Denim Speedy with Crocodile handles. I balked at the price but realized this was the one time I should reward myself-- a birthing gift if you will. I couldn't decide. I also needed a couch for our house at that time. So it was between a couch and the bag. I went online, decided to put up a blog to ask for help with my decision. The bag won in the end! And no I still don't have a couch to this day :) 

Memorable highlights include being invited to the Luisa Via Roma 10^th anniversary party in Florence, getting invited to shows during Paris and Milan Fashion Week and subsequently meeting designers and the industry heavyweights themselves-- it was all just a dream back then for me to even see these people in the flesh, and now it has all happened!

 

Dress Me Up at Dolce & Gabbana with Bryanboy, Anna Della Russo, Denni (ChicMuse) and Kristin (The Clothes Whisperer)

What challenges did you face as a blogger? Have there been any discouraging moments? 

Everything had been pretty rosy up until the latter part of 2010, shortly after I attended shows during Paris Fashion Week. While I ended up meeting new and very interesting people abroad (away from my home country), I also earned some detractors in my own home country. At the end of the day, it's all about how much you value the opinion of others. As in everything in life, you can't win them all. I realized that as long as I am conscious of my actions and words and do not step on other people's toes, I am fine. As long as I don't speak ill of others, I am good. And as long as my family and loved ones think I am grounded and am on the right track, then I am happy and will continue doing what I do :) 

Attending 2011 S/S Hermes Fashion Show

Has blogging changed much since you started? 

On my end, it hasn't changed as much although I now have more content to write about! It's not just about the personal stories (my embarrassing moments) I share anymore. 

 
I'm sure these questions are on every blogger's lips. The road to success must've been a steep climb. What helped you along the way? Any advice for bloggers? What are the pitfalls to look out for?

I think being true to myself helped me a lot. Being positive also helped me a lot. The worst thing that a blogger can do is to fabricate stories and spin lies on the blog to get readership. That's really not the way to go to get credibility. Advice? Always stay passionate! Pitfalls: once you express your opinion out there, don't expect everyone to agree :)

Meeting Karl Lagerfeld

Describe a day in the life Ingrid.....

I start my day pretty late because I end my day early (in the morning)! I wake up quickly to say goodbye to my kids before they go off to school and wake up at 10am. So my day officially begins at 10am. I do my household “chores”, get changed, and leave by noon for lunch meetings. Otherwise I do a lot of my work from the home. Afternoons are spent in our boutique where I meet up with my very hardworking business partner. Of late though I have blog- related meetings in the afternoon, but still make sure to pop over our boutique. I spend most of my dinners and after- dinners with the children until about 9p. 

Quality time with husband begins after the kids are off to bed. We catch up on tv shows and movies. And at 12 midnight, that's when I begin my writing and research. I also go through at least 50 emails (yikes, I know, it can be a nightmare if I had to answer each one of them haha) daily, so that keeps me pretty tied up too. I usually sleep anywhere between 3am- 4am, depending on the amount of work I have. 

Photo credit: Saskia Lawaks for Vogue.fr

 

Ok, fess up. How many bags do you own? If you have to absolutely positively choose ONLY 3 bags, what would they be? And why?

LOL I don't answer that question but all I can share with you is this-- I don't have a lot, but I have enough :) The key to my bag collection is constant editing! Once a new bag comes into my collection, I make sure to let another bag I no longer use go. This way I don't neglect the other bags. I think that's not just practical, it's also very economical! Money doesn't grow on trees for this bag hag, so I have to work extra hard to buy a new bag :) 

ONLY THREE??!?!?! Morbid thought! Hahaha but it would be the Hermes Kelly, the Tod's D Bag, and the LV watersnake speedy frame bag. Why? Because they are really the bags that have never given me problems when I use them :)

Making Tod's bags at the Tod's factory, Italy

 

What's the best advice anyone has ever given you?

It came from my parents: ALWAYS BE HUMBLE!!! :) 

Interview with Kylie Malcolm Part 2

6. I for one, am dying to find out about the photo shoots and fashion shows you've worked on. Who did you used to work with? What was the highlight of your career?


I have been a session hairdresser for 8 years and have worked on so many jobs. So I guess some whos that I'd done are Prada, Miu Miu, Louis Vuitton, Hussein Chalayan and many many more. Vogue, ID etc. The list goes on.


I was assisting Eugene Souleiman who is a true artist and gentleman on shoots with Steven Meisel, the photographer. I lived in NY for a month while working with both men. Everyday, we would work with someone was was incredible and talented like Richard Burbridge, Inez Van Lamsweerde (photographer) and Vinoodh Matadin (art director).

Gisele Bunchen

Claudia Schiffer at Louis Vuitton Alek Wek Partying with Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana 7. Can you give a piece of advice to those who want to work as a hairstylist on fashion shows and photo shoots? They really need to assist a session hairdresser. Expect to work really hard and don't complain about the long hours. Contact hair agencies such as Naked Artists, Streeters, Premier, One or Julian Watson.

Kylie worked on this shoot with Jade Jagger

Worked on Guy Ritchie hair for an article when he was still married to Madonna

 Liberty Ross

8. You went from a hairstylist to a fashion designer. Why the career change?
After having children, I felt I wanted to change my career. I have always loved making clothes. After watching my mum and grandmother sew for years, I think it was a natural change for me to become a designer.

Spring/Summer Collection

Using vintage lace

Spring/Summer Collection

9. How would you describe your style?
Granny chic. I love mixing vintage with new. Old family photos of my grandmothers and when my mum was young. Growing up in rural and moving to the UK, I have taken my inspiration from the British countryside. Eclectic. I don't spend hours putting together my outfits. They kind of work but clash at the same time.

Autumn/Winter collection

Autumn/Winter collection

Autumn/Winter collection

10. Do you have any style icons?
Yes, I think Alexa Chung's look is quirky. She has a certain innocence about her. I also love Margo from The Good Life. It's all about the fabulous 70s.