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5 questions with Junita Simon and Lum May Yee

SINGAPORE — They were the faces to look out for in the ’90s and their visages have graced many a magazine cover. This year, proving that one can get better with age, former Singaporean top models Junita Simon and Lum May Yee have once again come under the spotlight — as part of a cohort of former top models — for the ELLE x ION Orchard 2015 calendar for the January issue of ELLE Singapore.

SINGAPORE — They were the faces to look out for in the ’90s and their visages have graced many a magazine cover. This year, proving that one can get better with age, former Singaporean top models Junita Simon and Lum May Yee have once again come under the spotlight — as part of a cohort of former top models — for the ELLE x ION Orchard 2015 calendar for the January issue of ELLE Singapore.

These days, Simon, who won the prestigious Ford Models Supermodel of the World competition in 1995, is more selective with her modelling work. Her son is in Primary Three and she has been busy with her emcee work. “Once in a while, I’ll do a photo shoot, depending on what it is for,” she said.

Lum, who started modelling part-time when she was in university “just for fun” is also enjoying motherhood. She gave birth to her second child just prior to the ELLE photo shoot last year. Lum is involved in the jewellery business and works from home.

“I don’t do many shoots anymore since I don’t have the time, but I do enjoy it once in a while,” she said.

For the two women, the calendar project for SG50, which also features other Singapore’s top models such as Wendy Jacobs, Sheila Sim, Nadya Hutagalung, Irin Gan, Serena Adsit, Huda Ali, Ivy Chng, Jane Chong and Gina Tan, was a reunion of sorts.

“I had a lot of fun seeing models we used to work and play with. It was really nice to catch up,” said Lum.

Added Simon: “I only shot with Wendy, Huda and Gina. Shooting with them was super fun.”

Q: How would you define your personal style?

Simon: I’m not one to go with fashion trends; I do what I want to do. I’m not out to please others or to prove a point because I’m in the fashion industry. But my own personal style is very simple. I would like to think it’s very classy and timeless.

Lum: I always try to dress for myself. I try not to follow trends blindly. I adapt seasonal trends to my wardrobe, but I like monochromatic colours and that clean and neat look. I would say (my style is) quite simple, clean and elegant.

Q: Are you a dress-up or dress-down person?

Simon: I don’t think I’m dress-down, neither do I think I’m a dress-up person. I’m an in-between ... it depends on the event. I would always follow the dress code and I would not go underdressed. I’m kind of in the middle — I’m very safe.

Lum: On a daily basis I dress down, but on special occasions I try to dress up. Even when I dress down, I accessorise — wear nice shoes, a decent bag. Even if you are in jeans and T-shirt, you can make it work.

Q: Do you think that women should dress age-appropriately?

Simon: To a certain extent, yes, but more importantly, they should dress appropriately and hide flaws and accentuate assets. I think they should dress for their body type.

Lum: Even if you want to be trendy, you should have a sense of elegance to it. Try not to look trashy. You’re not 18 or 20 anymore; you can’t get away with looking trashy or wearing dresses that are way too short. You need to look appropriate for your age. You can still look beautiful and stylish.

Q: What is your fashion must-have?

Simon: An awesome pair of jeans. It’s essential in my wardrobe. I think it’s a good item to have. It’s really versatile.

Lum: I think it would be a nice pair of diamond earrings — ear studs that you can wear anytime, anywhere.

Q: What’s your fashion/beauty guilty pleasure?

Simon: One thing I really enjoy — and I don’t do this often — is going to the salon. I have difficult hair, so coming out with beautiful hair is a pleasure for me. It’s relaxing.

Lum: I love shopping online. Sometimes when you have kids, you don’t have time to go shopping. When everyone is asleep at night, I go online shopping. It’s so easy.

The January issue of Elle Singapore is out now.

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