055: ANNA NG
lives in oversized trousers and Costa Brazil perfume.
I usually try not to start these letters by writing about the weather, but it's hard to avoid it after the last two weeks in New York. Is it… almost spring? Between the sunshine and the shopping stories I’ve been writing for Vogue lately (we’re very into jackets this season), I’m feeling the shift.
I’m feeling more inspired style wise too. I haven’t been shopping much, but rather trying to wear my clothes in new ways (or wearing those back-closet pieces I haven’t seen in a while). And I’ve been trying to wear my jewelry more too, adding a vintage piece from my grandmother to my typical small hoops and chain. How is it that jewelry, even the tiniest piece, can change your whole look? Maybe it just changes the way we feel about our look, being that it's so personal by nature.
For this week's newsletter, I interviewed my friend Anna Ng, a designer, art director and founder of the very chic jewelry line Objett. Anna’s jewelry perfectly straddles the line between sleek and sentimental, I am particularly into her double signet ring. Anna’s personal style, too, is a meeting of cool individuality and practical function. I chatted with her about what she’s been living in lately.
Describe your personal style. What are you living in right now and why?
Fairly minimal, mostly black, usually oversized, and easy to wear. I have an obsession with oversized pants in interesting cuts, particularly black ones. When I moved house my collection became very apparent. Now I'm aware and I try to hold back but... I can't. I love an interesting shaped bottom with a basic tee, sweater or shirt. I'm definitely a little more expressive in summer, adding in dresses or skirts and playing with proportions. Winter is all oversized pants and tops.
How often do you shop?
I find that I shop more for my daughter than myself these days. For me it's when something calls for it, like an event or when I feel I'm not wearing something because I don’t have the right shoe or top.
Where do you shop the most?
Ssense, The Frankie Shop, St. Agni, and Deiji Studios (representing the Aussies!)
Anna’s Most Worn
Oversized black trousers
Frankie Shop black shirt and shorts set
Georgia Alice Man White Shirt. Sadly no longer exists but I've had it for over a decade and still wear it! It's the best fabric and cut.
What are you currently searching for?
The perfect oversized cotton knit jumper. I've been wearing one from COS for the past few years and is sadly starting to fall apart... but it is the perfect fit and so easy to wear and wash; a must with a toddler and puppy.
I’ve also been on the hunt for an Obi style utility belt. Am eyeing this one from St Agni and recently came across this silk Heirloom one. I kinda want them to fuse together.
What’s your go-to bodega/coffee/grocery-run outfit?
Depends on my mood; cosy is Adidas sweats, gazelles, hoodie. If I'm feeling more together then it's jeans and a sweater or tee. All a little oversized and with my CHCM wool puffer or trench depending on the weather.
Oversized Burberry trench, timeless and perfect for Spring / Fall.
Arket t-shirts (please start shipping to USA!) ed note: linking to some favorites that are available stateside.
What’s your go-to out for a night out?
Jeans or black pants, flats and a dressier shirt or top with my St. Agni bag, bolder jewelry.
What do you always travel with?
I picked up a Northface Purple Label crossbody bag in Tokyo just over a year ago - it’s the perfect size for travel essentials, including a kindle, and I like it’s attached to my body so I don’t have to go hunting around for stuff - game changer when traveling with a toddler. I never fly without a cap. I love taking film photos, more for the surprise when you develop them and the memories, and recently discovered FOTOFOTO so that’s now on my list too!
Objett double signet ring and medallion
Saks Potts jeans, I live in these. Recently discovered they're closing though!
Best buy of 2024?
Best and most worn would have to be The Frankie Shop Lui black shirt and shorts set.
My most loved purchase is the Sacai denim cape jacket.
Also excited to wear these Rotate jeans again when it gets a little warmer.
Do you change your accessories daily or wear the same ones?
Since having my daughter, I rarely change my jewelry. I love forever pieces I can keep on all day every day- something that has been infused into Objett. Pieces become like a second skin, if I don’t have them on I don’t feel like me anymore! If I'm going out I'll swap out my earrings for something a bit larger, add an ear cuff and my chunky bracelet.
is objett available in any stores?! would love to try the pieces on
Wowwow Anna’s black denim are perfection. Do you know if the pair in that first photo are Saks Potts or another brand??