Exclusive Q&A with stylist extraordinaire Ines Ligron of Dream Factory

For starters, personal styling is not an easy feat. It takes a tremendous amount of trial and error to figure out personal preferences and what styles or silhouettes suit your body shape. Then more often than not, we run into the risk of clashing prints, colours or unflattering cuts and that not only ruins our first impressions but reduces our style quotient as well.

A quick solution for those who can afford it is to hire personal shoppers and stylists but the rest of us have to look to other sources; that is until Dream Factory came to town. Essentially, Dream Factory by Ines Ligron is a one-stop solution to nailing your personal look by exploring different options with the resident Dream Team. The studio stocks an entire collection of apparel and accessories, ranging from resort to ethnic wear – some of the brands available are Anouk Grewal, Imperial and Mr & Mrs Wardrobe.

For 13 years, Ines Ligron worked as the National Director of the Miss Universe Japan Organization and transformed it into a multi-million dollar sponsorship and televised glitzy affair. Known for her knack to transform women and bring out their inner strength, Ines is indeed a formidable force to be reckoned with.

In an exclusive interview, we asked the strong yet bustling lady behind the concept a little more about this Singapore-based studio and what goes into creating a top supermodel.

Marie France Asia: Why did you decide to start up Dream Factory?

Ines Ligron: I moved to Singapore and I still loved what I was doing for the past few years in Japan and decided to open a branch here. The difference is that before I was working with coaching Miss Universe participants, famous models and actresses and over here I’m working with any kind of woman, from little girls to older women.

MFA: So what do women stand to gain after one of your transformational classes?

Ines Ligron: Think confidence. Because many women always tell you what they don’t like about themselves but never mention what they love about themselves. So that is what I try to help them with – to think more positively, focus on their best qualities and develop that because that is what people see.

MFA: What is the difference between Japanese and Singaporean women?

Ines Ligron: Singaporean women are more confident of themselves in terms of being a woman but Japanese women I think know better how to play with fashion.

MFA: How important are first impressions in our society?

Ines Ligron: I think it’s the most important because before you talk to people, they have already judged you based on your look. I think your style is what defines you at the first instance of meeting and then after that they will get to know you after some conversation.

MFA: How would you define confidence in a woman?

Ines Ligron: It is an attitude. It should be someone who can feel at ease with who they are. For me, confidence is me being in a slum in Africa and not feeling inappropriate when I talk to people less unfortunate – I know how to be with them. Also when I talk to the prime minister of Singapore, I would know how to introduce myself and be social with similar people in power. I think you need to accept who you are and accept your weak and strong points – that’s what builds confidence.

MFA: What is the secret to becoming a top model?

Ines Ligron: Again it’s the personality. There are many girls in this world with long arms, legs and neck but the ones that stand out the most are those who can be loved by the camera and it’s important to make a lasting impression. You can’t have a bad attitude – not eating well for instance. So a supermodel is one who knows how to manage herself and understands how to get herself ready for a shoot. When she goes into the room, everyone will know the girl has arrived.

Supermodels all have something that is uniquely spectacular.

MFA: Who are your favourite models?

Ines Ligron: Jordan Smalls, Kate Upton, Kate Moss, Liu Wen and Doutzen Kroes…

MFA: Do you think Asian model now have a better chance of getting recognition overseas?

Ines Ligron: Yes, they do. The way foreigners pick models for the big fashion shows is always girls with very narrow eyes. Foreigners like the extreme look of Asians so usually the girls that are attractive overseas are not attractive in their home country so in that sense it is good but I just wish there could be a better balance as well.

MFA: What is the trick to ruling the runway?

Ines Ligron: You have to hypnotize people with your presence on the stage and everything lies in the eyes. Many girls on the stage know how to move but don’t have a connection with the eyes. That is why girls like Gisele Bundchen and Karlie Kloss make it big because of their strong connection with the camera.

We have this problem every time we train girls, sometimes their eyes just remain blank, and it is just not there.

MFA: What would be your advice then?

Ines Ligron: I think what is important is to tell them to think of something that makes them happy or excited so it connects with the soul and also maybe tell them to imagine a good looking guy who is admiring you. So just have that image in their mind and at that very moment they will feel beautiful and attractive.

MFA: What would be your style tips to dressing up in hot and humid Singapore?

Ines Ligron: It’s good to wear breathable fabrics and especially avoid nylon – I see a lot of women very nylon in Singapore and it’s not good. Good quality cotton is great to wear along with some cowboy boots but always have your heels in your bag so you can change if you’re going to a nice restaurant.

MFA: Do you think women should follow fashion trends or wear whatever suits their preference?

Ines Ligron: They should wear whatever suits them if they have good taste but trends are fun because you see it in the magazines and you’ll feel part of the fashion movement. For me, I follow trends without being a fashion victim. I hate having the same thing as other people, which is why at Dream Factory we have so many different designers that are not here in Singapore.

MFA: What is your beauty regime to looking flawless?

Ines Ligron: First it is most important to do a test to know what you are allergic to or what kind of food makes your body sick. If you avoid it, automatically you’ll have better skin, more energy and your body will feel better. Also, always make sure you wear a good cream, wash your face correctly before bed every night, eat healthy and drink a lot of water and definitely exercise.

I’m using extra virgin coconut oil a lot, on my skin. I just use it everywhere on my body after showering. It’s a cheap and natural way for the skin to feel more moisturized.

Tarandip Kaur