Peony Lim is flawless. She’s the girl with the long dark hair, natural makeup and an easy, breezy effortless style. It is this perfection that has garnered her a legion of loyal followers through her blog and brought her high fashion collaborations with the likes of Chanel. On the day of our shoot, the sun is beginning to set and we have only an hour before the daylight is gone. That’s no problem when you’re used to being photographed for a living, so we were all wrapped up in less than 45 minutes. Here’s our interview with fashion blogger Peony Lim wearing an edit of new season denim pieces worn with delicate silk and cashmere styles from Donna Ida.
Peony Lim wears DONNA IDA Downtime Jumper and IDA Rizzo in Thunder
DONNA IDA: Where are you from and where
I don’t really know, I grew up all over the place, HK, Singapore, KL, NYC and the UK. I studied in the UK and now I am based in London most of the time.
DONNA IDA: How did you get started in the fashion world?
I was a student at the Courtauld (which is in the arches of Somerset House) when the BFC moved the show space there, it was the beginning of Street Style and I would get photographed as a student outside of lectures. When I graduated I had made friends with some of the photographers who encouraged me to try my own site. The rest is history.
DONNA IDA: What inspired you to start your blog?
I think I just wanted a creative space. After giving up art to do an academic subject I was craving creativity and I wanted an outlet. I saw the blog as a place to share my thoughts. Over time it has become more of a lifestyle guide.
Peony Lim wears IDA Ivy jeans in Goldies Dream and DONNA IDA Miss Maggie Blouse
DONNA IDA: What are your tips for taking a great photo?
Light - it’s all about getting good light, not too harsh not to dark.
DONNA IDA: Tell us about Fashion Week; what are your show highlights, what are you looking forward to and what are your survival tips?
Always have a full iPhone charge and a bottle of water, if you can get a car do! I love seeing the Chanel show, I love the direction Amanda Wakeley is going and Manolo Blahnik does beautiful presentations.
DONNA IDA: What are your wardrobe essentials and how do you wear your jeans?
A white shirt, skinny jeans with an ankle crop, a pair of Manolo BB pumps, red lipstick from Tom Ford, I love Ruby Rush and Cherry Lush, a Hermes bag and a Balmain jacket.
Peony Lim wears IDA Sadie the Boiler Suit
DONNA IDA: Why do you think jeans are such an iconic item?
I just love them, it’s always what I turn do. I must wear jeans at least 250 days a year. They make me feel like me! The variations are now endless, there really is a pair for everyone. They are iconic because they can say so much in such simple terms.
DONNA IDA: Which are your favourite jeans from our shoot and why?
I love the new Sadie the Boiler Suit! So cute for every season.
DONNA IDA: Who is your denim icon?
Emmanuelle Alt and Jane Birkin
DONNA IDA: Where in the world are girls best dressed? What kind of style do you admire?
Ooo tricky I think it depends on the aesthetic you like. I love how uptown New Yorkers dress, but Seoul girls are so cool, Paris is so effortless. I love every look just not on me.
Peony Lim wears DONNA IDA Downtime Jumper and IDA Rizzo in Thunder
DONNA IDA: Describe your style highs and lows?
Highs have to include my white and blue Cavalli gown and lows include a period I had at the beginning of my career when I got to edgy with a pair of Acne Admire boots.
DONNA IDA: What’s your favourite restaurant?
I love Kitchen W8 and Daphnes.
DONNA IDA: Where’s your ultimate holiday destination?
The Maldives
DONNA IDA: What is your favourite fashion magazine?
French Vogue and Veranda
DONNA IDA: What advice would you give to a younger you?
Don’t worry so much.
DONNA IDA: What’s next?
I hope onwards and upwards. Moving into my new house is a major thing on the horizon!
