Tell us a little bit about you and your journey to where you are now with your career / creative path?

My earliest memory of realising I wanted to pursue a career in fashion was when I was 4 growing up in Zambia. My mum would hold creative gatherings at home a bunch of women silk painting and batiking, quilting, sewing. I was obsessed with the fact that an idea could become a reality out of nothing and in a day. I was soon introduced to the sewing machine and pattern cutting. I think I was 7 when I made my first dress. As persistence would have it I went on to do a degree in fashion and textiles in Nottingham, England. After graduating, I played the field in the UK high street market at Reiss menswear as a junior knitwear designer. Then junior design  at French Connection, All Saints and finally trying my hand in a fashion PR agency. But I always new creating for myself was the real motivation. So I hung up my employment coat in 2001 and headed to Asia where I modelled to fund starting my own line. Voila The tui collection was born.

What is it that you love most about being a woman today?

The Freedom to express yourself, the freedom to 180 turn and choose again and that the social guidebook on timeline achieving is a lot more fluid and in many way non existent.

How would you describe your style and what influences what you wear; how do you like to express yourself through your choices with your personal style?

Hmm I look at pictures of myself and the first thing to pops to mind about my personal style is …. disheveled yet classic. I love beautifully tailored garments but mixed in with vintage or detailed rich handmade numbers. Whilst I do drop in and pick up some trend led pieces I always seem to put them together with another era. So I think if I had to choose one word … cclectic is best suited. I’m not easily influenced, I’m a collector of beautiful things that catch my eye on my journeys. The majority of my wardrobe is occupied by items I’ve had for almost 10-15 years maybe more. That I wear repeatedly but always elevate in a different way… it’s so easy when you buy what you love and not what you were manipulated to buy by trend. Perfect example is I have 5/6 natasha vintage pieces that are possibly as old as our friendship but they transcend trend and I always feel unique and on point in them. I also always get stopped in the street … which fills my attention needs too!

What practices inspire you to keep evolving yourself and your career during such changing and often challenging times?

Well honestly I believe in the work 'slump’, so I allow myself to go full on as this is the only holiday you really get when you are your own boss. I see it as my inner boss telling me to go to the Maldives (aka Netflix and tracksuits and lots of sleep). I trust myself creatively so I know I’m coming back better each time. It’s also something I would do even if I wasn’t getting paid so it’s not going away. For us creatives I think it’s the business side taking it to market that’s the struggle. Surrendering that part to the professionals is something that’s necessary I think.

What is your favourite part of calling Singapore home? 

The Tropical climate is everything for me and Singapore particularly is the Europe of Asia in functionality. It is also very safe so raising my teenage girls here creates a lot of peace for me. It’s Geographically close to where I produce my collections - Bali - so it works well for me.

What is on the horizon for you - what’s next?

I recently opened another side business producing marketing imagery for Brands. It kind of grew organically as I still model (a mature model these days) and clients needed a one stop shop to meet their budgets so these packages include me modelling, styling, producing. It’s a business that works well alongside my own brand and I’m really enjoying creating in a different way and will be looking to expand this further.

Finally, what is it about wearing Natasha garments that resonates for you, and what would you love to be wearing but haven’t found yet?

My Natasha pieces are all heavy on the artisanal side, which makes them unique and keeper pieces! They are on my hand down to the kids list too so it’s safe to say they are very special. I’d love to be wearing a utility inspired jumpsuit adorned by Natasha’s famous old school karawang …. just saying lol!

With thanks

Natasha xo

Tui wears the Amelie Bolero Jacket in Nude and the Sophia Rouche Shoulder Dress in Camparia Print Bold from the upcoming collection