MANILA, Philippines - Suyen Lim believes there’s plenty to love about the holidays. Chief among them? “Colder weather!” she chirps. The Human brand manager — and niece of Bench patriarch Ben Chan — is a fan of the Yuletide season. “Nothing beats Christmases in Manila,” she says. “It’s very festive and you have to love the buzz in the malls and streets.”
It’s also a chance for relatives to get together. “I celebrate Christmas at home with my entire clan, about 50 of us. Some of my relatives based in Shanghai even come back to Manila.”
Christmas also means she gets to break open the wardrobe and don her finest threads. “The last Christmas parties are always the best for me. Last week I celebrated Christmas with my friend in a cozy wine bar, both of us dressed up in our best metallic fashion,” Suyen explains. “The men had to unwillingly wear the bowties given by my designer friend.”
Among her designer friends? Joey Samson, who often puts together trim, tailored pieces for Suyen. He defines her simply: “Classic with a dash of the unexpected.”
Suyen Lim breaks it down for us.
STAR: When you were young, what did you want to be? Are you any closer to your dream job?
SUYEN LIM: This is pretty much it. I wanted to get into something creative but business-oriented at the same time. I am not sure if it’s because I have always been exposed to retail or it just happened to be my personal interest, or both.
How did you get involved in the family business?
I was always into the creativity and the arts. It was one of my passions while growing up. As a child, I would help around the office during summer vacations and work in stores during the Christmas season. It was pretty obvious back then that I was being prepared and familiarized with the business.
What is the most rewarding — and challenging — thing about working with the family?
I am very grateful to be trained by different characters from my family (mom Nenita Lim, dad Virgilio Lim, uncle Ben Chan) who are masters in their own departments in the business. At the same time, of course, this can make it more challenging to prove myself. I need to gain respect twice over.
What’s your lifelong dream?
To succeed in the business and be able to follow in the footsteps of my parents and uncle.
What gives you a sense of fulfillment?
I thrive on simple things like seeing a stranger wearing one of my designs from Human, cleaning up my room or office space, or a productive day (like completing my tasks for the day, even if it’s just running errands or going to the salon).
What the Dog Saw by Malcolm Gladwell.
Bedside table musts?
Water, phones, chargers, laptop and clock.
How do you relax after an especially long, hard day?
A nice dinner with friends or a good massage before going to bed.
What’s on current rotation on your iPod?
Currently, Sigur Ros to keep me calm through traffic. The new album of Phoenix is one of my favorites for the year.
How would you define your personal style?
My personal style varies depending on my mood but I try not to put too much thought into it and just keep it stylishly cool.
What was your style as a kid?
As a kid, my parents (even my dad) taught me to always look clean and proper. As I grew older, I think I tried to carry that over into a more sophisticated style.
What is your no-fail outfit?
Black is no-fail for events, especially if I’m not sure what the dress code is. I also find it easy to wear dresses because you can jazz it up or make it casual depending on the occasion. It’s one piece so it’s comfortable and you don’t have to think much about pairing it.
What are you wearing right now?
A dress by Joey Samson for Human and Aldo shoes.
What’s your idea of a perfect pair of shoes?
Heels that are comfortable. I like Charles & Keith because they always have rubber soles underneath for anti-slip.
1) Necklaces
2) Jeans
3) Mid-heels
4) Clutch I can pull out of my handbag for easy handling.
5) Comfy tops. I like shapes that give a lot of room but are still feminine.
What is your favorite recent purchase?
Alcogel wipes for kids. I try to keep clean since I am always out and about this Christmas.
What’s your most recent purchase?
A Joel Escober necklace.
What do you feel best wearing?
Heels. Posture is different when I’m in heels and it gives any outfit an extra kick.
Do you have any fundamental rules of dressing?
Comfort with style. By comfort, I don’t just mean physically but dressed within your character, too.
Whose closet would you most like to raid?
My mom’s closet of designer bags. I know she has quite a collection.
Is there an item in your closet you cherish the most?
Cartier watch I got when I graduated college.
Your best shopping secret?
Tokyo. It’s not really a secret but definitely a lot of great finds. The shops are very vibrant and there are many unknown designers and brands filled with creative ideas and great quality.
Your fave place to shop?
Since I travel a lot, I take the chance to do some shopping as well. I look for unique things wherever I may be. I love Tokyo and Thailand. I also make it a point to visit our shop each time I go to the mall and I always end up buying something. This way I can also get the customer’s perspective and shop for more than one reason. I am lucky to be able to put work and pleasure together this way.
Glittered jeans from Fox — in the spirit of the holidays.
What would you never be caught dead in?
Animal fur. I can’t imagine putting real animal skin on my body.
What would you love to receive for Christmas?
YSL perforated Tote.