Wild roses for you and someone you truly love. The Amare set is a heart torn in two meant to never be taken off.
You may recognize Jessie from major campaigns like Victoria's Secret, but when she's not walking the runway she's meticulously practicing the piano or ogling over the latest museum exhibit in New York. We caught up with her recently in our DTLA loft.
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN THREE WORDS.
Driven, idealistic, playful
WHAT IS ONE THING PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I was born in Belize. I'm Chinese, but raised in the United States.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PLAYING THE PIANO AND WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC TO PLAY?
I started playing piano at the age of five. I practiced intensely for most of those years and studied at the Juilliard school for two years in college to become a concertizing pianist. My favorite music to play is probably impressionist music (like Ravel). I also enjoy certain contemporary composers such as Philip Glass and Olivier Messiaen.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL DAY OFF.
My ideal day would start with a latte, walk through Central Park to the MET or Guggenheim, then come home and cook dinner. I would wrap the day watching Netflix while knitting... and once I'm recovered maybe a night out with my girlfriends. :P
WHO INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?
Karlie Kloss is truly inspirational to me. She beautiful and elegant both inside and out- she lands amazing campaigns and also contributes to charity whenever she can. On top of that, she has a business-savvy way; partnering with places like Momofuku Milk and creating Kode with Klossy. I hope that one day I would be able to contribute to society the way she has done and mold it to be a better place for everyone.
IF YOU COULD GRAB COFFEE WITH ABSOLUTELY ANYONE, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHAT WOULD YOU ASK THEM?
If I could grab coffee with anyone, it would probably be Warren Buffet. His mind intrigues me and I want to know more about what he sees in our society's future. I want to learn from him his approach to life: his values, how he faces difficult decisions, why he feels that some ideas have more potential than others, etc.
WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FONDEST MEMORIES WITH FASHION?
I worked a show for MAC x Guo Pei a few years back and it was INSANE. We had 7 inch clear shoes with intricate roses intwined in it. We had corsets and dresses that weighed what felt like our entire body weight, plus wigs that weighed between 5-10 pounds. It looked straight out of a fairytale with all the props and the beautiful decor of the house on Park Ave. Basically, the show was INCREDIBLE however walking down the stairs were not.
WHAT DOES BEING AN IT-GIRL MEAN TO YOU?
Being comfortable with yourself and having the confidence to do what makes you happy.
WHAT AYAI PIECE CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?
I love the Selya top. It is sexy enough to wear for a night out, and basic enough for day to day.
The Fei Dress on Alexis Mackenzie.
The Lykla Dress on Alexis Mackenzie.
The Katra Dress on Jessie Li.
The Anke Top in white on Elsa Hosk.
The Sappha Top on Danielle Bernstein.
The Meili Skirt on Hailey Baldwin.
The Ninki Top on CoryAnne Roberts.
The Misa Midi Dress on Alexis Mackenzie.
The Kuik Bodysuit on Gizele Oliveira.
Inka Williams in the Anke Dress.
Gossamer-like stretch tulle and the daintiest flocked velvet dots make for the perfect evil cute look.
A perfectly tied permanent bow to decorate your neck. Lisse is a hard choker in gold dipped brass that latches securely on a chain.
Yasaiya Mei Omotesando
4-12-10 Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingumae, Omotesando Hills 3F, 150-0001
Daikanyama T Site
16-15 Tokyo, Shibuya, Sarugakucho, 150-0033
TENOHA & STYLE RESTAURANT
20-23 Tokyo, Shibuya, Daikanyamacho, 150-0034
AFURI RAMEN Azabujuban
1-8-10 Tokyo, Minato, Azabu-Juban, Azabu-Juban TS Bldg 1F, 106-0045
Yoyogi VILLAGE
1-28-9 Tokyo, Shibuya, Yoyogi, 151-0053
Bar MARTHA
1-22-23 Tokyo, Shibuya, Ebisu, 150-0013
B-Side LABEL Harajuku
4-25-6 Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingumae, Hanae Bldg, 150-0001
LOFT Shibuya
21-1 Tokyo, Shibuya, Udagawacho, 150-0042
Tokyu Food Show
2-24-1 Tokyo, Shibuya, 150-0002
HARAJUKU CHICAGO
4-26-26 Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingumae, 150-0001
35 Steps Bistro
1-1 Tokyo, Shibuya, Maruyamacho, Shibuya City Hotel B1F, 150-0043
Shibuya Cat Street
5-10-10 Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingumae, 150-0001
Park Hyatt New York Bar
3-7-1-2 Tokyo, Shinjuku, Nishi-Shinjuku Park Hyatt Hotel, 160-0023
Kyu-Furukawa Gardens
1-27-39 Tokyo, Kita, Nishigara, 114-0024
WHAT AYAI PIECE CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?
The Knife tee!!! Honestly I wear it all the time, because it goes with everything!
FAVORITE FASHION CITY?
London
FAVORITE IG ACCOUNT?
@Knighttcat
WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Kendrick Lamar and Outkast
CURRENT GIRL CRUSH?
My sister... and Beyoncé.... Beyoncé forever
LATEST BEAUTY DISCOVERY?
MAC Ruby Woo lipstick
BEST PIECE OF FASHION ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
Dress for your body type
BEST PIECE OF FASHION ADVICE YOU'VE EVER GIVEN?
Classic never goes out of style
LAST PURCHASE?
Bumble bee pillow for my new apartment 🐝
Eva is a fashion, lifestyle and comedy vlogger. Better known as MyLifeAsEva. She is just as funny and likable in real life, as we found out when she stopped by our DTLA Loft to shop and hang out.
WHAT AYAI PIECE CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?
The Tiiu top! It goes with every outfit.
WHAT IS YOUR PERFECT AYAI OUTFIT FOR COACHELLA?
Definitely the breezy Daphna dress with tons of jewelry! Its moveable and will keep me cool in the hot sun.
FAVORITE FASHION CITY?
New York! I am always inspired to dress fashionably when I'm there.
FAVORITE IG ACCOUNT?
I love @gypsea_lust because she's this super rad Australian girl that lets her magical photos speak for themselves.
WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
I love Halsey's new song Now or Never.
CURRENT GIRL CRUSH?
Not to be cheesy, but Rumi Neely's aesthetic will always keep me coming back for more IG stalk sessions.
LATEST BEAUTY DISCOVERY?
Wearing cool wigs to change up your look quickly!
BEST PIECE OF FASHION ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
Wear whatever you want and don't let anyone hold you back from looking and feeling your best.
BEST PIECE OF FASHION ADIVCE YOU'VE EVER GIVEN?
If you don't feel good in it, you won't look good in it. Don't wear anything that doesn't make you feel absolutely radiant in it!
ONE THING PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I used to be a competitive dancer and am trained in all dance styles!
LAST PURCHASE?
I've recently started working out again, so I bought a kettle bell for my squats I do in the kitchen while watching Say Yes To The Dress haha!
Sonya came by our DTLA loft for some shopping, and we found out that she's as chill as she is gorgeous. We took the opportunity to ask her a few important questions...
WHAT AYAI PIECE CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?
I wear my new strike hoodie & leggings way more than I would like to admit. I literally ran into CVS to change into the set the day I got it haha. Clothing softer than your bed is honestly one of the best things on Earth.
WHAT IS YOUR PERFECT AYAI FESTIVAL OUTFIT?
Without a doubt- the siqi leather lace up shorts are coming with me to coachella! The Stelle top would also be so stunning in the desert. I'd also go heavy with the accessories and layer the jace chain chocker, the binx, and the tsuki. And I'd bring my lighter case ;)
WHO IS YOUR STYLE INSPIRATION?
I think my style more so comes from my dreams of- and working towards of the woman I want to become. It's mood-dependent, a constant evolution, a metamorphosis, if you will.
FAVORITE FASHION CITY?
Every city has a culture and style that I get inspiration from in some way or another. The street style in Soho, New York is always ridiculously creative and cool; but my favorite fashion city is probably Seoul, South Korea. I think South Korean fashion is an impeccable mix of vintage classics and street style trends.
WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
SO much! I live in headphones, and am always looking for new songs, and update my soundcloud every day. https://soundcloud.com/sonya-esman
FAVORITE INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT?
Cate Underwood (@undervoodoo) has the most beautiful artistic aesthetic, which is a huge inspiration to me. Maya Stepper (@mayastepper) is also such a joy, and I love to watch her grow. @fashion_viadi and @gildaambrosio are my go-to for style inspiration and new ideas.
CURRENT GIRL CRUSH?
Again, Maya Stepper!
LATEST BEAUTY DISCOVERY?
The RMS living luminizer is the best highlighter I've ever layed my hands on. It's natural, coconut oil based, and doesn't look fake or shimmery at all.
LAST PURCHASE?
I bought myself a new polaroid camera an hour ago! (polaroid sx-70) All my inexpensive polaroid cameras broke in my luggage when travelling, so I got one that's a little more professional... sans the plastic.
BEST PIECE OF FASHION ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
Burn your bra.
BEST PIECE OF FASHION ADVICE YOU'VE EVER GIVEN?
Sunglasses- always. They're like an accessory to the face and can make you look like a million dollars.
ONE THING PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU
Everybody is always surprised to find out that I know literally zero movies or tv shows. I usually tell people I just meet to not even bother with asking me "have you seen ___ movie?" because the answer is always no. Always. I get bored SO quickly, and prefer to spend my time creating something of my own.
DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT DAY IN LONDON.
Urgh, no rain and especially no wind. Wine and pizza with my boyfriend on our balcony.
WHAT KIND OF CAT WOULD YOU BE?
The one that would scratch you if you don't give her food!
WHAT ITEMS DO YOU SAVE ON, AND THEN WHAT DO YOU SPLURGE ON?
Shoes are my weakness, I absolutely hate bad quality shoes so will always prefer to invest in good quality pricy shoes. Also coats, an amazing quality coat is the one clothing item I can spend A LOT on. Tops, jeans, everything casual i normally don't spend much on.
ONE THING PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU:
I eat chalk? It's probably the weirdest thing, but I it has a very intense influence on me, kinda like fresh newspaper smell. I remember being in school and sneakily stealing pieces of chalk when none else was around.
WHAT WERE YOU LIKE IN HIGH SCHOOL?
I was the tallest in my class... and in all the other classes of my grade haha. I was quite shy and often bullied, studying 24h was my only escape from that haha.
AYAI PIECE YOU WEAR THE MOST OFTEN:
The chokers! Followed by the Kimia bodysuit in black.
ONE OF YOUR BOYFRIEND'S FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT YOU:
He finds it cute that I can be super slow in understanding his inappropriate jokes sometimes.
FAVORITE INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT:
NASA!!!! For all the freaking awesome Snap stories.
FAVORITE KIND OF COOKIE:
Chocolate cookie covered in salty cheese. Umm.
FAVORITE NETFLIX AND CHILL OUTFIT:
My dressing gown + face mask.
BAD HABIT:
Sleeping on my face!
LATEST BEAUTY DISCOVERY:
Charlotte Tilbury's dry sheet mask
SONG ON REPEAT:
Right now: city of lights from La la Land
FAVORITE SMELL:
Fresh newspaper
BEST SKIN TIP:
Massaging your face with ice in the morning, it gets rid of puffiness and gives you a fresh look.
WEIRDEST NICKNAME YOU'VE BEEN GIVEN:
Doinitza Spritza, don't even ask…
ANIMAL YOU WOULD RATHER BE:
Panther
FAVORITE WORD:
Amore
Introducing Keltie, a sweet A-line dress with just the right amount of mischief.
Introducing Keltie, a sweet A-line dress with just the right amount of mischief.
Made in a high-end wool blend, Keltie is winter appropriate and just as perfect on its own as it is layered with your favorite shirt underneath.
Made in a high-end wool blend, Keltie is winter appropriate and just as perfect on its own
as it is layered with your favorite shirt underneath.
Made in a high-end wool blend, Keltie is winter appropriate and just as perfect on its own
as it is layered with your favorite shirt underneath.
Pure kitten.
A deep scoop back and lobster clasp straps make Keltie an updated take on a classic.
Available in Black and Charcoal Grey
Pure kitten.
A deep scoop back and lobster clasp straps make Keltie an updated classic.
Available in Black and Charcoal Grey
Babe and total bombshell Rachel Cookwears our Crushed Velvet Zillah Slip Dress in Blush, the Katya Leather Choker in Blush, the Era Choker, and the Ambrosia Velvet Choker.
Photographer: Adam Mont
Stylist: Dalit Gwenna
Assistant Stylist: Mackenzie Lopez
Hair: Kristin Heitkotter
Makeup: Anna Branson
Babe and total bombshell Rachel Cookwears our Crushed Velvet Zillah Slip Dress in Blush, the Katya Leather Choker in Blush, the Era Choker, and the Ambrosia Velvet Choker.
Photographer: Adam Mont
Stylist: Dalit Gwenna
Assistant Stylist: Mackenzie Lopez
Hair: Kristin Heitkotter
Makeup: Anna Branson
You're here. You get it. Don't miss a thing.