Twisted Sisters – Editorial for Lucire Magazine. Creative Direction/Styling: Sopheak Seng Photography: Louise Hatton Photography. Models: Sasha/Kirsty Bunny Management Chloe/62 Models

Twisted Sisters – Editorial for Lucire Magazine. Creative Direction/Styling: Sopheak Seng Photography: Louise Hatton Photography. Models: Sasha/Kirsty Bunny Management Chloe/62 Models

A LA MODE SYDNEY is honoured to showcase the talented Sopheak Seng in our THIS IS ME series. Sopheak lives in Wellington, New Zealand and has worked tirelessly to create a successful career in fashion. Sopheak is extremely talented and his vibrant personality is admired, and inspires, his friends and colleagues. It is with great pleasure that Sopheak shares an insight to his fabulous fashion life with A LA MODE SYDNEY – thank you Sopheak…..

My name is Sopheak Seng. I love fashion. I am a fashion and beauty editor for Lucire Magazine as well as a Freelance Stylist, specializing in editorial and commercial style shoots. I live, eat and breathe all things fashion as I am constantly surrounded by it through my work. In my down time I am an avid foodie and can often be found in the kitchen whipping up treats for friends and family.

I began my formal fashion training at Massey University, in 2004, New Zealand, before venturing in to the workroom of Wellington fashion designer Robyn Mathieson. I also styled and merchandised for Robyn and later moved on to Fashion Marketing Ltd fashion marketing, wholesale and Distribution Company.

In July 2010, I was appointed fashion editor of Lucire, overseeing the fashion for all editions, in print and online, the first male to hold the role. I also was given the Lucire beauty portfolio in 2011 for New Zealand.

Sopheak Seng – Fashion Stylist.

Photo: Nikkita Brown Photography

My favourite fashion labels are Dior, Balenciaga (the Nicholas Ghesquire years), Vivienne Westwood, Tom Ford, Elie Saab and Burberry. I think these designers always push the boundaries of fashion each season, reinterpreting their house codes and do something left of field, always being the ones that determine the trends rather than following them.  The New Zealand designers I love and find interesting are Kowtow (a very cool brand which does fair trade cotton clothing), Jimmy D, Maaike and Lela Jacobs. When I am feeling a bit dark and gothic, Stolen Girlfriends for cool streetwear and WORLD for something out there and show stopping.

I adore shoes and jewellery. My favourite shoe designers are Brian Atwood, Giuseppe Zanotti and Christian Louboutin for amazing, standout, look at me shoes. Still dreaming and eyeing up one of Louboutin’s studded loafers, it would complete my wardrobe.

I say there is nothing sexier than a woman in heels. It gives them the confidence to rule the world. I am also really loving the whole sports shoe/casual shoe look at the moment and have been rocking some very cool and comfortable New Balance sneakers recently…very handy when you are on your feet all day working on a shoot.

Jewellery wise there is so much that I love at the moment. New Zealand is producing some amazing jewellery designers. Meadowlark is doing some amazing things. Michael John Jewellery, which is designed by Mike Piercey, is an up and coming label to watch. I was very fortunate to have recently collaborated with him on a piece for Evangeline Lilly for the LA Premiere of The Hobbit-Desolation of Smaug last year. I am also never without one of my Nga Waiata rings. These are gorgeous hand crafted rings, using natural wood and Brazilian crystals, each stone is chosen for their healing and powerful qualities.

Evangeline Lilly attending a red carpet event Charity Fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House in 2013

Photo credit: Hil Cook & Evangeline Lilly

Evangeline Lilly and Sopheak Seng at the Charity Fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House in 2013

Photo credit: Hil Cook & Evangeline Lilly

As a fashion stylist, I have worked with a number of local and international talent. From singer Bella Kalolo to actress Evangeline Lilly, I have dressed them for music videos, editorials and red carpet events. I have also consulted on a number of key projects as the lead fashion director for commercials, advertising campaigns and for local designers.

Grey Gardens – Editorial. Creative Direction/Styling: Sopheak Seng Photography: Ryan Rogers. Models: Hebe from Kirsty Bunny Management

Grey Gardens – Editorial. Creative Direction/Styling: Sopheak Seng  Photography: Ryan Rogers. Models: Hebe & Zoey /Kirsty Bunny Management

Night Fever – Editorial. Creative Direction/Styling: Sopheak Seng Photography: Luke Calder/L-C-P. Models: Caleb,Georgia, Kaiya/Kirsty Bunny Management

Night Fever – Editorial. Creative Direction/Styling: Sopheak Seng Photography: Luke Calder/L-C-P. Models: Caleb,Georgia, Kaiya/Kirsty Bunny Management