Avant Guard is a series that digs into a personality’s fashion hacks, dos and don’ts, red flags, and more. In this edition, Alyssa Johaan shares her thoughts on timeless fashion and creating a wardrobe that withstands the test of trends and times.
Sleek hairdo, polished looks, and a creative mind—Alyssa Johaan is not a foreign name in the local fashion scene—she lends her creative eyes and skillset to local brands. Splitting her life between Kuala Lumpur and London, Alyssa’s style encapsulates the subtleties of Nusantara living and classic British elegance.
In recent years, fashion seems to have moved towards a spectrum. Your voice can only be heard through ostentatious designs; the louder the better. As much as we appreciate the individuality this style advocates, the term “anti-trend” has been tossed around with gusto as micro-trends reached their peak online. The fashion community is ready to embrace simplicity and wearability. Alyssa too, enthuses over that notion. She confessed that growing up, she was no exception to the abyss of micro-trends. As she muddled about trying to find her style, she quickly realised that obsessing with trends leads to overconsumption.
Intending to build a wardrobe that can later be passed down to future generations, her innate sartorial flair has earned her a coterie of admirers. There is a noticeable trace of effortlessness and timelessness in Alyssa and her personal style that makes her favourable and relatable to the women of our generation. As the Internet calls it, positive aura points.
On her recent trip back to her homeland, we caught up with Alyssa to talk things fashion, from her controversial style opinions to her fashion red flags.
Confess a fashion crime that you have committed before
I once bought a dress that had six or seven different colourful patterns on it and wore it on an early morning flight—I loved the confidence I had as a 20-year-old though.
A fashion item you cannot leave the house without
My statement jewellery completes the entire look. Other than wearing my wedding rings daily, I also wear a pearl ring passed down from my grandma—the ring was a gift to her from my grandfather after coming home on a work trip. So having this piece with me always reminds me of their love for each other too.
Three items that are on your fashion wish list right now
A statement belt with a gold buckle, a pair of black flats, and an oversized and structured white or cream blazer.
Your first luxury purchase
A bag from Stella McCartney—I use it quite often to this day! I remember working overtime during my first job to save up for this bag. Being able to buy this with my savings felt super rewarding and motivating.
A talent from the fashion industry you would like to work with
There are so many iconic talents in the industry that I would love to work with, from both the local and the international scene. I’m easily inspired by creativity and hard work from the people and resources I surround myself with. But someone I would love to work with one day would be Jacquemus for his vibrant art, and also with vintage designer collector, The Millennial Decorator founded by Julia Rabinowitsch. I’m constantly in awe of the way they view and capture the world.
A fashion tip you’re gatekeeping right now. Spill.
I’m truly no gatekeeper and I always love being able to share what I love. The tip would be to invest in three important items: a good pair of jeans, an oversized crisp white shirt and a timeless handbag. Whenever you’re unsure of what to wear, these three pieces will never fail you regardless of the occasion.
What is your favourite fashion accessory?
As of recently, it would be belts! I think that they are so chic and complement an outfit in the most effortless way, whether you are wearing denim jeans, white pants, black pants, or even skirts.
A trend that needs to die
I’m not the biggest fan of having excessive designer logos from head to toe! I think the outfit will look more refined when it is done subtly.
A fashion red flag
Ignoring dress codes! Dress codes are there for a reason. Adhering to the dress code also shows respect to the host and the event itself. A rule I keep in mind is that it is always better to be overdressed than underdressed.
A controversial fashion opinion you have
You don’t have to follow all trends to be stylish. Micro-trends can lead to many different problems like overconsumption and unnecessary purchases, especially pieces that can quickly feel or look outdated. Growing up, I was once easily influenced by micro-trends too while I explored and discovered my best style. It was only much later that I found a style that spoke to me and was confident enough to realise trends will always come and go. It is up to you to know what works best for you and if that resonates with what you want!
If you could only wear just one fashion brand for the rest of your life, what would it be?
This is a tough one… there are so many brands that I love and would love to keep with me for the rest of my life. I’m going to cheat here and give you two: Petit Moi (local and so proud!) and Jil Sander. Both offer staple necessities to build a timeless closet, regardless of season and even age!
Your lazy day outfit
You’ll probably see me in an oversized blazer thrown over a white or blue shirt, paired with comfy denim jeans or a midi skirt, and depending on what the day is like, I’ll either be in flats or heels.
What is your last fashion purchase?
I recently purchased a new trench coat that is on the midi side for the upcoming winter season! I think it will be versatile for any occasion. Whether you are dressing up or down, a trench coat of any kind is good to have.
Your biggest purchase regret
A super trendy pair of glittery sneakers from 2016. I also queued up hours for this….
A song that will always get you in the mood to get ready
From the first Sex and The City movie, “All Dressed In Love” by Jeniffer Hudson or “Labels & Love” by Fergie. Always in the best mood to also feel like you are in a rom-com.
A fashion memory you want to erase
I’ve had plenty of questionable fashion memories but what’s on the top of my head now was when I thought peacock feathers were cool. I bought an oversized pink jumper with peacock feathers and thought my outfit was so stylish.
A fashion icon that you’ve always looked up to
There are so many icons I love! I love the four main ladies from Sex and The City—Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, and Samantha. I’ve also always admired Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s minimal and chic style which is incredibly timeless.
Something from your wardrobe that you’d love to pass down
My wedding dresses and vintage designer handbags were passed down from my mother and grandmothers! My wedding dresses remain the most special pieces I have in my wardrobe and they were all specially tailored with narratives and designs that match my personality and aesthetic. I hope to share these and inspire my future daughter one day.
As for the handbags, I’m always grateful to my mother and grandmothers for keeping their beautiful bags so well and intact after all these years. This has also inspired me to do the same and that one day hopefully, I can pass mine down—keeping a piece of my grandmothers and mother in me always.