Zoe Suen
We are delighted to welcome Zoe Suen to Hai Society! Zoe is a Hong Kong-born, London-based writer who works across editorial, commercial and consulting. In this edition of Hai Society, we learn all about the places, objects, food, music and memories that inspire her. Zoe also reflects on her career, including a pinch-me moment contributing to Phaidon’s Blush, and gives us a glimpse into her idea of a perfect summer’s day.
Introduce yourself and tell us a bit about what you do!
I'm a Hong Kong-born, London-based writer. I work across editorial and commercial, so I write for magazines as well as brands. I also consult, and publish a weekly(ish) newsletter, Floss. I have a black cat named Ilya, and spend not an insignificant amount of my day thinking about what I'll eat next, or in the near future.
What is your first fashion memory?
Being overwhelmed at the Disney store that used to be in Hong Kong International Airport. I think I was eyeing some princess outfit and knick knack.
What is the most beautiful object that you own?
It is right in front of me, so I'll say a small bud vase my dad, who collects Chinese antiques, gave me. It has a small indent that fits the thumb, and the glazing is very beautifully irregular.
What is the most delicious thing you can remember eating?
I will give in to recency bias, and what my body most craves at the moment, and say the mango shaved ice I had in Taipei a few weeks ago. I go to Snow Bro every time I'm in the city. You can't go during mango season and not have it at least once.
What has been the biggest ‘pinch me’ moment of your career so far?
Contributing to the Phaidon book Blush, a directory of contemporary makeup artists.
Is there a song you can’t stop listening to at the moment?
I will cheat and say two: my algorithm recently served me Dolly Parton's cover of House of the Rising Sun, which I've been loving. I went to see Black Country, New Road at Somerset House, and their song Forever Howlong has also been on repeat. The lyrics feel very 'me' in that she sings about eating beans and worrying about being vitamin deficient.
What is one place you visited last year that you felt inspired by?
Last year, my husband and I joined two friends of ours (plus almost twenty of their nearest and dearest) to travel from Hong Kong, to Beijing, and Shanghai. The last time I was in Shanghai was over seven years ago, and I wish I had more time to spend in the shops, museums, noodle stores, coffee shops, etc.
What is your idea of a perfect summer’s day?
There must be swimming, ideally at a beach. A cold popsicle after seafood with lots of lemon (ideally, some clams), souvenir shopping and a very long shower before dinner and getting ready with friends.
Are you more romantic or more pragmatic?
I think I am naturally romantic, but overcompensate with pragmatism, which I should really unlearn.
Introduce yourself and tell us a bit about what you do!
I'm a Hong Kong-born, London-based writer. I work across editorial and commercial, so I write for magazines as well as brands. I also consult, and publish a weekly(ish) newsletter, Floss. I have a black cat named Ilya, and spend not an insignificant amount of my day thinking about what I'll eat next, or in the near future.
What is your first fashion memory?
Being overwhelmed at the Disney store that used to be in Hong Kong International Airport. I think I was eyeing some princess outfit and knick knack.
What is the most beautiful object that you own?
It is right in front of me, so I'll say a small bud vase my dad, who collects Chinese antiques, gave me. It has a small indent that fits the thumb, and the glazing is very beautifully irregular.
What is the most delicious thing you can remember eating?
I will give in to recency bias, and what my body most craves at the moment, and say the mango shaved ice I had in Taipei a few weeks ago. I go to Snow Bro every time I'm in the city. You can't go during mango season and not have it at least once.
What has been the biggest ‘pinch me’ moment of your career so far?
Contributing to the Phaidon book Blush, a directory of contemporary makeup artists.
Is there a song you can’t stop listening to at the moment?
I will cheat and say two: my algorithm recently served me Dolly Parton's cover of House of the Rising Sun, which I've been loving. I went to see Black Country, New Road at Somerset House, and their song Forever Howlong has also been on repeat. The lyrics feel very 'me' in that she sings about eating beans and worrying about being vitamin deficient.
What is one place you visited last year that you felt inspired by?
Last year, my husband and I joined two friends of ours (plus almost twenty of their nearest and dearest) to travel from Hong Kong, to Beijing, and Shanghai. The last time I was in Shanghai was over seven years ago, and I wish I had more time to spend in the shops, museums, noodle stores, coffee shops, etc.
What is your idea of a perfect summer’s day?
There must be swimming, ideally at a beach. A cold popsicle after seafood with lots of lemon (ideally, some clams), souvenir shopping and a very long shower before dinner and getting ready with friends.
Are you more romantic or more pragmatic?
I think I am naturally romantic, but overcompensate with pragmatism, which I should really unlearn.