French ultra-chic in Notting Hill: boutique owner Val Heng-Vong
Val Heng-Vong, co-owner of the Aimé lifestyle boutique, gives Verity Owen her essential fashion 'do's and 'don't's
Val Heng-Vong by Alice Whitby
Val Heng-Vong runs the supremely fashionable boutique, London's Aimé, with her sister. French-Cambodian and in London for 16 years, Heng-Vong keeps the little store well-stocked in Parisian style. She is married, with two children.
Which collections stand out for you this season?
Celine, Chloé, Christophe Lemaire and Hermes.
What three pieces are on your Autumn Winter wishlist?
A gorgeous navy double cashmere coat by Celine, a black suede teddy jacket by A.P.C., and APC x Free trainers.
What is your signature style?
Casual chic, effortless and consistent. I tend to go with quality over quantity – I’d rather invest in a timeless piece which I can wear season after season, than a trendy item, which I will be bored of after two months.
Fashion 'Do’s and 'Don’t's?
Don’t try to look younger by wearing the wrong clothes, or try to be sexy. Sexy is not feminine. Don’t follow trends too much, and dress head-to-toe in one designer. My other pet hates are hipster trousers, push-up bras, fake designer handbags, Botox, and rip-off copies of designer pieces from Zara, Mango etc.
Do wear lots of navy, black, grey and cream. Pay attention to details, your hair and manicure should be immaculate. Also, the right handbag and shoes are crucial to finish a look. Finally, be yourself and wear what feels comfortable.
Which cultural events have you booked over the next few months?
I've booked tickets to go and see Pharell!
Which gallery or museum do you find yourself drawn to time and again?
I love Le grand Palais in Paris, and The Serpentine Gallery in London.
What were the last books you read?
Decoded by Jay Z, The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.
What’s your favourite street in London and why?
Clarendon Road where I live. It is so quiet it feels like being in the country – it feels like home.
Where does the best weekend brunch in London?
The roof garden of Shoreditch House is fantastic. The Albion in Shoreditch is also really nice for brunch. The East End is great at the weekend, it has lots of energy and a good atmosphere.
Favourite websites or apps?
Goop and Thisispaper.com are great websites. I like instagram, trendland, and ffffound.
How do you relax?
I have a massage at home with Basia who is amazing. If she is not around, I treat myself to a head massage at Cowshed Clarendon. It’s only 30 minutes but does the trick and I switch off completely.
Which collections stand out for you this season?
Celine, Chloé, Christophe Lemaire and Hermes.
What three pieces are on your Autumn Winter wishlist?
A gorgeous navy double cashmere coat by Celine, a black suede teddy jacket by A.P.C., and APC x Free trainers.
What is your signature style?
Casual chic, effortless and consistent. I tend to go with quality over quantity – I’d rather invest in a timeless piece which I can wear season after season, than a trendy item, which I will be bored of after two months.
Fashion 'Do’s and 'Don’t's?
Don’t try to look younger by wearing the wrong clothes, or try to be sexy. Sexy is not feminine. Don’t follow trends too much, and dress head-to-toe in one designer. My other pet hates are hipster trousers, push-up bras, fake designer handbags, Botox, and rip-off copies of designer pieces from Zara, Mango etc.
Do wear lots of navy, black, grey and cream. Pay attention to details, your hair and manicure should be immaculate. Also, the right handbag and shoes are crucial to finish a look. Finally, be yourself and wear what feels comfortable.
Which cultural events have you booked over the next few months?
I've booked tickets to go and see Pharell!
Which gallery or museum do you find yourself drawn to time and again?
I love Le grand Palais in Paris, and The Serpentine Gallery in London.
What were the last books you read?
Decoded by Jay Z, The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.
What’s your favourite street in London and why?
Clarendon Road where I live. It is so quiet it feels like being in the country – it feels like home.
Where does the best weekend brunch in London?
The roof garden of Shoreditch House is fantastic. The Albion in Shoreditch is also really nice for brunch. The East End is great at the weekend, it has lots of energy and a good atmosphere.
Favourite websites or apps?
Goop and Thisispaper.com are great websites. I like instagram, trendland, and ffffound.
How do you relax?
I have a massage at home with Basia who is amazing. If she is not around, I treat myself to a head massage at Cowshed Clarendon. It’s only 30 minutes but does the trick and I switch off completely.
TRY CULTURE WHISPER
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