Lee Ming (left) turns a simple peplum dress into a film noir dream; Kaci Beh closed out the Autumn Emporio Armani show in Milan this January
Lee Ming
Content creator
An experienced thrifter for many years, Lee Ming possessed a passion for finding vintage gems long before her social media career took off. With encouragement from her then-boyfriend-now-husband, with whom the content creator and vintage clothing collector shares a love of fashion, she decided to hone in on a specific era, overhauling her entire wardrobe. “I naturally lean towards clothing that embodies elegance and modesty, while he has a flair for a more daring style. For me, the 1950s exemplify the perfect balance between sophistication and allure, emphasising the beauty of women who exude both grace and confidence,” she says.
In 2016, Lee Ming took the plunge and fully devoted herself to the art of vintage fashion, falling in love with classic Hollywood glamour. Wearing items she inherited from family elders who lived through these bygone eras, as well as articles of clothing infused with the stories of those who came before her, became her way of honouring the past, making dressing up a sentimental and meaningful process. “I relish the thrill of uncovering rare treasures, and there’s something incredibly special about wearing a piece that once belonged to my grandmother.”
When it comes to inspiration, American burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese, who Lee Ming sees as her ultimate style icon, is the first name that comes to mind. Several of history’s silver screen darlings influence her look too. “My inspiration also comes from classic acting legends such as Grace Kelly, Rita Hayworth, Jane Russell, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Brigitte Bardot, Ava Gardner and Hedy Lamarr. Each of these remarkable women exemplifies a distinct charm and sophistication that perfectly aligns with my vintage aesthetic.”
16e8dfa0-7c7c-4e50-9a8c-720e66396e3_newf.jpg
Sporting any unconventional look in public is bound to attract attention, and luckily, Lee Ming has had mostly positive experiences, usually the result of curiosity about what goes into creating her unique appearance. Her signature updo earns the most remarks, she says. “While I can’t recall any specific memorable encounters, I often get asked how I style my hair and how much time it takes me to get ready. When I share that it typically takes about an hour to an hour and a half, people are often shocked. They seem to find it hard to believe I can achieve my 1950s-inspired hairdo in that amount of time,” she laughs.
More interestingly, she says strangers tend to not recognise her when she dresses more casually and modern. “But when they realise who I am, they’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, you’re the girl with the vintage hair and style!’ It always gives me a good laugh!”
Beyond her usual styling guides and get-ready-with-me sessions, Lee Ming’s social media also offers a glimpse of her life as a mother of one. While it is not unusual to come across “momfluencer” — mummy influencer, whose content exclusively or primarily focuses on how they raise and care for their little ones — media these days, she and her son Tyrese display a heartwarmingly tight-knit and loving relationship, often appearing in her videos together to get dressed up or show viewers parts of their regular routines.
Juggling work and parenthood can be stressful, but Lee Ming is grateful for the lessons it has taught her and the deeper sense of connection it has cultivated with others online. “It has shaped my career as a creator in numerous ways. It taught me the value of authenticity and vulnerability, allowing me to share not just my fashion journey, but also the realities of balancing motherhood and personal pursuits. I’ve found that my experiences as a mum resonate with many of my followers, creating a sense of community where we can support each other,” she explains.
In many dual-income households around the world, women still bear the brunt of childcare. They are also expected to take on the cooking and cleaning after coming straight home from work. Thus, they often find themselves lacking the time for self-care, much less the energy for it at the end of a long day.
Lee Ming says it is important that mothers do more for themselves, whether it is keeping up a morning routine or dressing up to the nines, if that is what one wants. “It is so important to carve out time for yourself, even if it’s just a few minutes a day. Remember that self-care isn’t selfish, but essential for your well-being. Dressing up or taking the time to feel good about yourself can significantly impact your mood and confidence. So, whether it’s putting on a favourite outfit, doing your hair or even indulging in a small daily ritual, prioritise these moments. You deserve to feel fabulous, and embracing your personal style can be a wonderful way to express who you are amid the beautiful chaos of motherhood.”
The archetype of the 1950s feminine style, though pictured by many as always and effortlessly beautiful, has become the target of feminist rhetoric, due to the fact that the real-life women who pioneered this aesthetic had fewer rights than their modern-day counterparts. Many even likened their prim and proper lives to birds trapped in gilded cages. Generational clashes aside, creatives like Lee Ming show it is possible to reclaim personal style for ourselves while imbuing them with our own values. After all, fashion is meant to be empowering. You wear the clothes, not the other way around.
Kaci Beh
Model and tattoo artist
Those with a finger on the pulse of Southeast Asia’s fashion and modelling scene will likely be familiar with the name Kaci Beh. The Singaporean model and tattooist — who initially shot into the public eye after several videos showing a glimpse into her past life as a vegetable seller went viral — has come a long way in her seven-year-and-counting career, having graced some of the world’s most coveted runways, working with big names such as Emporio Armani, Brunello Cucinelli and Philipp Plein.
Some may think of modelling as an easy job, that this line of work is all glitz and glamour. Beh assures that, a lot of the time, it is anything but. Highly competitive and always hectic, the industry is unpredictable and challenging, often in ways the ordinary, non-model would not think of. She notes how they have to get used to changing quickly, and sometimes that means doing so in tents, moving cars or even public restrooms. Carrying a bag packed with essentials from fashion tape to spare heels at all times is also crucial, and can save you from wardrobe malfunctions while on the go. Additionally, long hours on set churning out one pose after another can get physically taxing, leaving the body sore and exhausted. “I have worn clothes presented on the runway that were not even sewn shut, pinned together just for the show. I would be one wrong move away from scandal!” she adds.
kaci_beh.jpg
Thriving in a demanding and ever-changing field that prioritises appearances boils down to a few key lessons, and embodying both inner and outer beauty trumps all. “I’ve learnt that looking good takes a lot of discipline. The simple stuff like skincare, sleeping early and staying in shape all contribute to it. But beyond the physical, how you carry yourself matters just as much. Being professional, showing up with good energy and having the stamina to push through long shoot days or back-to-back shows — that’s what really counts.”
All good things come to those who wait, and practising patience and humility is another virtue that has kept Beh grounded and focused through the inevitable ups and downs. It is not to say that scoring the gig of a lifetime you once could only dream of should not be celebrated, but every engagement deserves equal effort and attention. Furthermore, staying composed and optimistic even in the face of rejection and hardship can take you far. “There is a lot of waiting in this industry, but when things move, they go fast. I have to be quick on my feet, ready to adapt and stay calm in the chaos. No matter how big the brand, every job reminds me of the same truth: Show up prepared, stay grounded and treat everyone with the same level of respect. Ego fades, but humility and hustle stick with you.”
When not strutting down catwalks or shooting a campaign, Beh can typically be spotted donning a mix of comfy staples and edgier pieces — think boxy leather jackets, sporty footwear and pops of print and colour. Fun textures and silhouettes, as well as a special fragrance of the day, keep things interesting. The most important criterion? Not feeling restricted by what she wears. “Over the years, I have definitely started choosing comfort over fashion, but I still try to keep it stylish. I would say my personal style is a mix of comfort, streetwear and casual. It is laid-back, but with intention.”
While she notes accessorising can instantly elevate any ensemble (rings and a pair of hoop earrings are her go-tos), Beh’s impactful appearance is completed by her tattoos and multiple piercings, something models have traditionally been encouraged to avoid. It was only in the last few years that beauty norms have started to shift and more unconventional looks are gradually being platformed in mainstream fashion. She is one of several individuals breaking boundaries, proving that personal expression can coexist with a successful career and embracing your own individuality is what makes you shine.
“I have always seen my body as a canvas, one that reflects who I am, what I love and how I express myself. Tattoos and piercings are not just aesthetic choices — they are extensions of my personality and a visual representation of my style. Sure, there are other ways to express yourself through clothes and accessories, but for me, body art has always felt the most personal.”
Every little detail is one puzzle piece in a larger picture, each playing a part in Beh’s ultimate fashion goal — to express herself boldly and authentically. “Fashion empowers me by helping communicate exactly how I feel, even when I don’t say a word. Dressing up in a way that reflects my mood gives me the power to own the day. It is confidence, armour, expression. Each piece of ink or piercing adds a layer to my individuality. It tells a story, marks a moment or simply celebrates the freedom to create beauty in my own way.”
This article first appeared on Apr 21, 2025 in The Edge Malaysia.
