In the Bag: Zoe Suen

I started working as an apprentice at The Business of Fashion while finishing my LPC (a post-grad certification for lawyers in the UK). I wasn’t a hundred percent sure I wanted to work in law at that point, and decided to try something different for a change. I completed the degree, but stayed on at BoF and ended up working there for almost five years as a reporter covering fashion and luxury in the Asia Pacific.

During the pandemic, I went freelance and now write across fashion and lifestyle alongside spending time on copywriting and consulting projects. I also write Floss, my newsletter, which often features more personal musings.

I didn’t set out to be a fashion journalist, but it was both a surprise and no surprise at all, considering I had always been interested in fashion and creative work—I wrote a fashion blog in high school, which I continued until starting at BoF. Working at a business publication, I developed a ‘method’ of sorts, as we had to touch on certain points to write a constructive story. Now that I do more lifestyle writing, I’m trying to unlearn that formula and include more of my own voice in my stories.

I’ve always loved fashion—it’s easy to forget that when you’re embedded in the industry, and most people I know (myself included) have complicated feelings about it. You have to reckon with issues like the broader industry’s disregard for the environment and labour rights; toxic beauty culture; overconsumption; and our complicity in it all. Still, I ultimately enjoy most of the projects I get to work on.

Throughout my career, a valuable lesson I have learnt is that, as much as I’d rather stay home, going to events is good for the work.

I was born in Hong Kong and have been living in London for the past 10 years. I spend most of my time at home unless I’m having an ‘outside day’ with meetings and such. I work mostly at my dining table, supervised by my cat, Ilya. If my boyfriend and I are both home for dinner, we’ll cook something and watch TV or read to unwind.

I don’t have a noteworthy morning routine; I do the basic hygiene and caffeine-related things: cleaning my face, brushing my teeth, and coffee, before checking my inbox.

To unwind, I cook and watch TV—boring, I know. We’re currently working our way through Lost, which is both frustrating and delightfully campy.

To feel confident I make sure I smell good and feel comfortable (I have quite sensitive skin so abrasive labels and ill-fitting straps drive me crazy).

You would think I’m an organised person if you looked at my iCal; not so much from the sight of my wardrobe.

I keep a lipstick in all of my most-used bags and ferry the important stuff (wallet, keys, AirPods) into whatever I’m using that day. I wouldn’t describe that as organised, but it works. Lip products have an outsized presence in my bags—I like to have several on me so I can alternate depending on my mood.

I have bags that fit my laptop, which is nice, though I don’t love working from coffee shops and co-working spaces. I also carry a tiny pouch where I keep a mini perfume, pads, pills that help with bloating, and floss.

When packing, I draw up a list a week in advance to get into the mood (as I’m usually excited). Best case scenario, I start packing a few days before I leave. But though I use a list, what I pack will change at the last minute.

My style is mostly pared back—lots of cotton basics and jeans—but I’m getting more comfortable with more playful, colourful looks. It’s trial and error. I like a bit of clutter, so nothing is ever too neat. Infer from that what you will.

One of the most special items that I own is a Cartier Trinity ring my mum gave me after I got engaged. I’d given my boyfriend my silver Russian wedding band, which has a similar design before she gave me hers, so it felt like kismet.

At the moment, partly because I published a gift guide in my newsletter, I’ve been spending a lot of time on the David Mellor website, fawning over the chic cutlery and other kitchen knickknacks.

I admire fashion writers who have a rich voice. I’ve been loving Liana Satenstein’s work at the moment—she has a great sense of humour.

I’ve been reminding myself of that Jemima Kirke quote (I think it was from an Instagram Q&A): “I think you guys might be thinking about yourselves too much.” It keeps me grounded.

A tip to make life a little easier is… get a cat!