Jenny AluningArticle by: Rosal Jane
Inspired by her mom, StarCentral Magazine’s Fashionista of the Month for April 2014, Julia Cheng, has the heart and spirit of a true stylist.
Exposed to books since she was a child, Julia found herself especially fascinated by those relating to Japanese fashion and makeup. Being a visual learner, she focused on the pictures and how everything was put together. This became the foundation of her interest in fashion.
Her first attempt at applying makeup was after watching Michelle Phan’s YouTube tutorial on the perfect “prom look.” Looking back, she laughed at how silly she looked and how poor her skills were. Still, she is thankful that she did not give up on the craft. Those early pictures reminded her that you can never improve on something unless you keep trying and learn from those mistakes.
Although she has not fully indulged in fashion as a career, Julia does make it clear that her future is planned for the industry. For now, she simply likes being a girl who enjoys sharing her style and personal thoughts.
Started in 2013, Julia’s blog is her avenue for sharing her art form. She gained experience handling an Instagram account for a fashion brand during an internship in a social media company in Los Angeles. Her time in the company gave her the confidence to launch her own blog and Instagram account. Maintaining her presence in the social media world has led Julia to meet like-minded girls from all over the world and understandably, finds this incredibly fulfilling.
Fashion is freedom. Julia loves the fun of being able to put different pieces together and then seeing how others would put their own spin on the ensemble. She is reminded of what her mother would tell her, “Dress without caring what people will think of you”. It’s an art without rules. It doesn’t only allow you to express yourself; it allows you to disguise yourself too. Her favourite quote is one by celebrity fashion stylist, Rachel Zoe – “Style is a way to say who you are without speaking”.
Despite the unpredictability of a career in fashion, Julia remains steadfast in her dreams. Her mom is her greatest inspiration and describes her as one of the most open-minded people she has ever met. It is also her mom who always tells her to never be afraid. It was through her encouragement that Julia has become the woman she is now.
Julia strives to makes every photoshoot a memorable experience. For her, it’s a great feeling to see the results of your hard work. Putting each outfit together takes time and effort so there is always that feeling of accomplishment every time she sees the pictures.
Julia’s eyes are firmly set on a future in the fashion industry. After college, she hopes to enter into a digital marketing career for a fashion brand and ultimately, become a buyer.
Such a youthful glow Julia Cheng has! Her dreams, her hopes and her plans will never be lost in the wind. With her drive and personality, our Fashionista of the Month, Julia Cheng, definitely has a long, successful road in front of her.
‘LIGHTNING FAST’ Round:
1. What is the one beauty product you can’t live without?
I don’t think I can live without Jill Stuart Gel Eyeliner. It stays forever and is so easy to apply.
2. What is the most dramatic thing you’ve ever done to change your looks?
I haven’t done something dramatic to change my look.
3. What is in your makeup bag when you travel?
Definitely need my Naked palette, false lashes, mascara, gel eyeliner, lip balm and concealer.
4. What is the one “flaw” you wouldn’t change about yourself?
I have a big birth mark on my chest. It looks like leopard print tattoo somehow. I would never try to remove it because I think it’s something unique about me and something my mom gave me.
5. Your best guilty pleasure… My best guilty pleasure is green tea ice cream
Official website: http://www.lifesjules.com/
Jenny Aluning
hollie
Jason Harris
