Vogue's Fashion's Night Out 2.0: Happy Anniversary Cut & Copy!

Today's the day!

After styling a shoot with Polina & Skene of Iris Studios late last night, I've come to the climatic point where I look back at all the things that I've accomplished over the past year. I remember my first Fashion's Night Out and it was definitely a life changing moment. The connectivity, the joy and above all, the buzz were all factors that made me start fashion blogging in the first place.

For those who have been guiding/following me ever since the beginning, you'll know that this blog wasn't originally called Cut & Copy. Like everyone else who had started out, I too have changed my blog name at least once. As embarrassing as it is, 51 Shades of Fashion was a name that I used with no regrets.

Of course, with anything in life, my blog was also a huge learning process...

With stylist Christophe W at the BLITZ concept pop up 

What I've enjoyed most about blogging is the excuse for me to connect with complete strangers and be friends with them instantly. It makes it fun to be part of this crazy family I call home and I cannot ask for a more supportive environment to blog.

Now in it's second edition, Fashion's Night Out was held again at Lane Crawford this year with the IFC store being the main event. With custom monogramming booths, swinging cocktails and a performance art style panel from The Bumbys, I was more than happy to re-connect with bloggers and stylists from Hong Kong.

Though I have to admit that the activities this year were less eventful, I was no less impressed with the atmosphere at Lane Crawford. In fact, it may have even been a good thing as it gave me the perfect opportunity to snap photos and have a decent conversation with people (as opposed to the usual hi and bye routine).

Megan and her stunning head chain

At the end of the year, I feel like I've gotten to know this cool family of like-minded individuals. I guess that's also another reason why I focused more on what the people were wearing this time round. To me, meeting new people is practically the highlight of one's blogging life and the connections you make are priceless. It goes to show that fashion's NEVER just about the clothes...

In any case, I was able to successfully launch 2 blogs, the one you're reading right now and a street style blog called Style on Pottinger. On the eve of the anniversary for Cut & Copy, I was thrilled to have been invited as a stylist to shoot with 2 talented photographers whose work has been exhibited at the XXX Gallery amongst other places.

Over the year, I've taken millions of photographs and attended countless events. However, nothing beats the rush you get from working in a professional team to create an editorial. Being a stylist for the first time made me realise how much work goes into these photographs despite how effortless it all seems.

Naturally, I can say the same thing about looking stylish and my blogging experience in general. To look good takes an effort and so does making a blog work with your audience. Though I almost threw my laptop on the floor because of the technicalities of domain servers and whatnot, I'm extremely proud of getting Cut & Copy to where it is today.

Without this blog, I also wouldn't have found a place to write about these cool events and share the things I've seen. Call it whatever you want but I can assure you that this blog has definitely been a place of meditation for my own sanity.

Mixing an 'extra dry' martini from the 1930s

Finally got to meet the über talented illustrator Kitty N Wong!

Illustration by Kitty N Wong

Amazing eye makeup by Marta G

The bubbly fashion blogger Maddy Wozencroft from  Style Blossom

Also bumped into the quirky Instagram superstar Ruby Gloom!!

Denham's tasteful scissors... Gotta get myself a tee for this blog!

Tiffany Ps' funky hairstyle caught my attention - fashion designer at PinkShoulderz 

This is what 4 hours of braiding can give you...

Ciaté nail salon!!

Emily C's transparent acrylic box clutch with Candies phone case

Amazing jewellery designer Carmen Chan rocking her new blonde hair!

From left: Nat C, Nicole C, Megan L, me, Emily C, Maddy W - fashion bloggers

Daniel T, hairstylist Zenith L, fashion blogger Visala W and me

Close pals Natalie C and Megan L - fashion bloggers

Hilarious expressions courtesy of RTHKradio presenter and columnist Arthur Tam

Sorry we just couldn't resist with our "editors" jacket...

By this point, I can honestly say that it's been a fun and enjoyable ride with all these experiences. Though it'll be nearly impossible to meet everyone, I surely wish to say hi at the very least. Below is a photo of our fashion crew at the impeccable stylish rooftop bar Sevva for some after-party drinks. It made me realise how special my experience has been and I can only hope for better things to come.

Too all my amazing readers, I thank you from the bottom of my heart!