By Katia Ostapets
Photography by Stephenson Price
Sharon Ng Hayes; The Backseat Stylers
Sharon Ng Hayes.
Tell us about your first blog post. May 2009. It would have been an introductory post about my sister Tara and I, and what we hoped to bring to the blogosphere. It’s an outsider’s perspective from the backseat – the back row of the fashion show.
How did your blogger career grow? It’s been a whirlwind. It started out slow, as a hobby. It really took us some time to get there – the first year. The second year has been incredible! We’ve had the opportunity to work on several really special projects and those have really helped get The Backseat Stylers name out there. Our readers and the people we met in the industry have been supportive of us. Fashion is not my day job, so I still have that outsider’s perspective, but we’ve had some opportunities that outsiders don’t get. We’re the best of both worlds right now.
Who is your fashion icon? Taylor Tomasi Hill. She has this joy! Her outfits are just happy. Miroslava Duma too. She’s larger than life.
Describe your style in one word. Unexpected.
What is your favourite store anywhere in the world? The white space at The Bay on Queen Street.
Who is your favourite Canadian designer? Definitely Sunny Fong of VAWK. I’ve been following Project Runway Canada, and it’s been amazing to watch him grow over the last couple of years and really come into his own. Seeing him as one of the big headliners at the LG Fashion Week is fantastic. He always surprises everyone. And he’s such a sweetheart, so down-to-earth and so humble. It’s hard not to love him.
If you were reborn who would you be? Can I say, it’s not too shabby being myself? (giggles) It’s fun just being me right now.
What is the craziest fashion-related thing you’ve ever done? My sister and I flew to New York for the last day of the Alexander McQueen exhibit. We lined up for five hours. When we got in, there was a sign that said “Today: eight o’clock Anna Wintourbook signing.” The exhibit was incredible and at the end of it we had our books signed by Anna. She was lovely! She asked if I was in the fashion industry and we chatted. It was one of the most surreal moments for me so far.
If you had to wear one thing for a whole year what would it be? Charlotte Olympiafruit shoes. They’re so fun! Whenever I see them or wear them, they make me happy.
What are your favourite 10 items in your closet? VAWK black jacket with fur trim, YSL arty ring, Fallon violet bow cuff, Fallon pyramid stud cuff, Erdem floral print blouse, Alexander McQueen winged ankle boots, Thakoon pleated skinny trousers, Chanel crocodile clutch, Biko Adoria spike necklace, diamond wedding ring from Hong Kong.
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