With the advent of social media networks like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, the way we interact with each other has changed greatly and the world has gotten significantly smaller. One online phenomena of sorts who has been brought to our attention (via the aforementioned micro-blogging site Instagram), is Rigel Davis– an entrepreneur, style star,  and a miniature Amazonian with a devil-may-care attitude and trademark steely gaze.

Her first foray into the business of fashion began with her multi-label store Vanitas, which later on morphed into Rigel Davis Studio where she also carried her own eponymous label. These days, she has shifted her focus entirely onto the outlet where she carries weight and influence– the Internet. With her fashion collaborations and makeup line (both available online), she has brought to her masses of followers her take on street-luxe which overlaps between high-end labels such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel, and street brands like Supreme. 

Watch out for her because something tells us that Rigel is set to go even higher places.

LOVE distressed oversized tee

HOLD MY HEART oversized varsity jacket

MARIANNE studded belt

NAOMI hoop chain earrings

You are considered one of the key influencers on social media platforms such as Instagram and Weibo. What are your thoughts on that?

I did not use to be familiar or connect myself with such labels that have been given to me like "influencer", "fashion icon", "It girl", or "KOL" etc. Personally, I don't like labels which I feel restrict an individual's capabilities and capacity. But I've grown accustomed to it and don't mind it that much now.

Social media to me is a great platform not just for me but for everyone; it is a really great tool for the new generation, depending on how you utilize/optimize it.

What are you currently working on?

I've had capsule collections with Yoho!Buy  for three years, and we are working on a full collection right now. I'm also expanding my existing makeup line and have another project under wraps for now that is fashion-related. Tell us a little about your makeup line– what is available and what's the inspiration behind it? I have a mascara and liquid eyeliner available for purchase online (here). I only have two products for now because those are two necessities that I use daily and I really wanted to create formulas that are suitable for Asian eyes, long-lasting but really easy to remove as well. Besides the mascara and eyeliner, there will be more products coming up soon. After having produced my own line of clothes, I wanted to create an affordable and accessible commodity for all girls. Many people also frequently ask me what I use on my eyes... so I decided to create products that I personally really like and believe in, and started with what I use to accentuate my eyes with.

Where do you get your creative inspiration from?

Anything from movies to music, travels, and the people around me. I also actually get more inspired during night-time; once it turns dark, I begin to get more creative and start concocting all sorts of wild ideas (some of which actually come to fruition).

ARISSA X JAHAN embellished oversized army jacket

MARTELO skorts (available in burgundy)

Can you share a style tip?

It's important to find your own style based on your body shape, personality and attitude. How did you learn what is suitable for you? It was a long process. You can take inspiration from others but change up bits and pieces to suit your own style. For me,  I don’t like to wear long dresses as they don’t suit my body shape. How do you go about putting together your outfits? On a daily basis, I don't decide what I am going to wear beforehand and usually just pick one thing out first and go from there. For travels, I plan and pack by looks, 'coz I don’t want to be unprepared… so I often overpack.

What do you think about ARISSA X's Collection Nº 1?

I personally really like it and would wear all the pieces. Arissa has put out a glamrock-ish style with this collection in a way that is achievable– short and mini bottoms, oversized tops, glitzy but wearable fabrics... Her collection is suitable for all types of girls, and is really easy to mix and match.

I’m more into a street kind of style but her pieces appeal to me because not a lot of brands do the glamorous rock-chic thing that well. She dares to take things to a little extreme while still keeping it very wearable.

Which are your favorite pieces?

The splattered denim tie-shorts which I wore to the runway show and thought was innovative, the platform chain heels, and the PYT army jacket; I really like the structure of the jacket. The ripped, oversized t-shirts are all a must-buy too because they can be worn in so many ways, even as a dress which I usually wear with a corset waist-belt.

NICO bodysuit 

SIENNA vegan leather bustier dress

CROSS MY HEART signature choker

CHAIN MY SOUL chain earrings

Where did you grow up?

Florida, but I moved to Shanghai when I was 14 and have been living here ever since. Where would we be able to find u in Shanghai? Because I don' have a set schedule, when I'm in Shanghai and don't have work I usually stay home in the day to chill with my cats and mom. During the night, I love going to mixology bars, such as The Botanist with my friends or underground, grimy places like Arcade, which is a bar, and a club called Arkham.  When I have free time, I also like exploring and scouting for industrial places to take pictures. Tell us something that we don’t know about u. In high school I wasn’t very girly, loved to skate, listened to rock bands like Metallica and was more interested in things that boys liked. 

I’m also very afraid of sharks. I can't watch shark movies, I will freak out.

Truth or Dare: Truth. Cats or Dogs: Cats. New York or L.A: L.A. Matte or Glossy Lips: Matte. Asian or Western food: Asian. Comedy or Mystery: Comedy. Saver or Spender: Spender. Dressed Up or Down: Dressed up (even when I dress down, I don't fully dress down). Tattoos or Piercings: Piercings. Sunrises or Sunsets: Sunrises. 

EYE HEART YOU sunnies

 Rigel's Instagram: @rigeldavis

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