HARPER’S BAZAAR SEPTEMBER 2018 167

STYLING: MUGHNI CHE DIN. PHOTOGRAPHY: KHAIRUL/LENSWORK PRODUCTION. HAIR: JUNO KO. MAKE-UP: JOEY YAP. LOCATION: AFIQ M SHOWROOM, SUNGAI BULOH

here is something about Jacky Hussein that captivates and draws

people in. Her steely con dence, razor-sharp humour, and uniquely

bold style sets her apart from the other personalities I have had the

pleasure of working with in the past. Prior to taking up the role as senior

creative at Leo Burnett Malaysia, Jacky spent eight years working in fashion

publishing, an industry that allowed her to express her fervour for

writing. “At times, I do miss the rush of working for a publication,

and my days working as an editor is something I continue to treasure

to this day,” says Jacky, before continuing, “however, creating impactful

advertising campaign strategies and implementing them from start to  nish

continue to challenge and satisfy my ever-growing creative hunger.”

Jacky possesses the irreverent swag of Bianca Jagger with her androgynous approach to

dressing, and admits that she only fully embraced her mannish style signature in her 30s.

“As a child, I’ve always been a bit of a tomboy. Back then, I used to hide behind feminine

clothes to meet society’s perception of how a girl should act or dress,” she explains. “ at all

changed in my 30s when I realised that I shouldn’t allow other people to in uence the way I

dress or conduct myself.”

Unlike most style stars whose initial fashion exposure is due to their mother, Jacky’s father

was her biggest role model growing up. “My father, an ex-army guy, always takes great care of

his appearance and is always well-groomed and smartly dressed,” she divulges, while wearing a

navy-blue suit-like jumpsuit from A q M, Céline cat-eye sunglasses, and black strappy au courant

sandals. “One of my earliest memories of fashion includes playing dress up in his bush jacket and

pretending it was an oversized coat. Perhaps that’s how I developed an interest in menswear.”

Between shots, the conversation quickly shifts towards a topic that she is truly passionate about—

the local fashion industry. “ e Malaysian fashion scene has grown so much in the past decade,

especially with the boom of e-tailers such as Zalora.com.my and FashionValet.com that help provide

a platform for homegrown designers to promote and sell their designs,” says Jacky. High on her list of

Malaysian designers is A q Mohamed and Ezzati Amira.

“I once wore a songket pantsuit by Ezzati Amira to the Chanel show at Paris Fashion Week.

People took photos and showered me with compliments, and I remember feeling so proud of

our Malaysian talents,” Jacky reminisces. In addition, Jacky urges young Malaysian designers

to continue to push their signature aesthetic, and to take it to a whole new level and expand

their in uence beyond Malaysian shores.

Having said that, Jacky believes that style is more

than just the clothing; it’s about a person’s attitude

and how they carry themselves. For instance, her

favourite style icon, Emmanuelle Alt, is Parisian-chic

personi ed. “ ere is something so appealing about

French girls, even if they are wearing something simple

like a blazer, T-shirt, and jeans. It’s that je ne sais quoi

that make them so e ortlessly stylish,” Jacky says.

Having gone through persistent hyperplastic

primary vitreous (PHPV), a rare eye disease

that caused her to go blind in her right

eye, and having experienced all sorts of

bullying growing up, Jacky emphasises the

importance of self-love and acceptance on a

regular basis. “We need to stop chasing the idea of

perfection and start embracing our imperfections and  aw

because beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and colours. Don’t

others tell you otherwise.” 

t

pantsuit by Ezzati Amira to the Chanel show at Paris Fashion Week.

perfection and start embracing our imperfections and  aws,

because beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and colours. Don’t let

regular basis. “We need to stop chasing the idea of

J A C K Y ’ S

T O P

PICKS

“Hollow” by

Alice in Chains

Blazer,

Loewe

Shoes, Jimmy Choo

Sunglasses,

Miu Miu

This season’s coolest take on

the wardrobe essential? Afi q M’s

suit-inspired jumpsuit

The ultimate cool-girl,

throw-on-and-go staple:

the statement blazer