STORY (^) YIP JIEYING MAIN PHOTO CHEE YAN
can be happy, why can’t we? I see a lot of unhappy
people around me and I think it’s ’cos of greed. I
thought about how greed is feeding us and nothing is
ever enough. For a long time, I didn’t like the person
I saw in the mirror, but when I was 40 I finally liked
[who I am]. I don’t want to be part of the whole circus
anymore.
How has your lifestyle changed?
It was such a transition for me. If I want to buy new
things, I go to [a heartland place like] Ang Mo Kio
Hub [instead of an upscale shop]. I have a few Gucci
and Prada bags, but [buying them] didn’t make me
any happier. I just want to be happy. Going to the
supermarket is very therapeutic for me now. On my
last trip to the supermarket, I bought some Christmas
decor and chicken ’cos I often cook at home. That’s
what happens when you get older! When you’re young,
you talk about where to eat or about fashion trends,
but now, you discuss allergies and where to find an
acupuncturist.
What do you splurge on these days then?
My glasses are usually designer. But [Japanese optical
chain] Owndays makes very nice and affordable
glasses. I also own a lot of [Issey Miyake] Bao Bao
bags, but I stopped buying them ’cos everyone was
carrying them. And I must walk into Charles & Keith
whenever I pass by their shops; they have such nice
shoes! [Everyone has Charles & Keith shoes too],
but a Bao Bao bag is more obvious when everybody’s
carrying it. And I cannot do without perfume, from
Elizabeth Arden to Chanel. A 100ml bottle lasts me two
weeks. I shower myself with it!
You’re the fur-parent of Oreo,
a Scottish Terrier. Did you cut
back on your pet expenditure
too?
I cut down on my own spending,
but I make sure she gets the
best. I frequently send her to
the groomer’s for a bath. I got
her when she was three months
old and initially I bathed her myself, but
I didn’t know if I was doing it right. The blowdry is a lot
of work to do at home. Each grooming visit costs about
$18, which is still okay. I spoil her a lot. She’s got over
80 toys. Every time I go out of the house, I feel so bad
about leaving her, so I always stop by the pet shop on
my way home to buy a toy or a treat for her. Bribery lah!
What was the last thing you bought before this
interview?
I just came back from doing my hair. I take care of
my hair, ’cos you need nice hair to go on stage. The
hairstylist at the salon at my block knows exactly what
I want. I also got make-up removing wipes from the
pharmacy for $12.90.
If you were to set up a Carousell account, what
would you put up for sale?
Most of my Bao Bao bags. I have about seven. At my
age, I should put myself up for sale too lah. Maybe
someone will buy!
Catch Kumar in Kumar50, Feb 28 to Mar 11, 2018, Capitol
Theatre. Tix from Sistic.
singke
(singke)
#1