We have the privilege of conducting an exclusive interview with the extraordinary Vicky Lee.
Can you share your experience as a UN Women Ambassador and advocate for female empowerment?
When I joined the UN Women delegation, one of the points discussed was that of raising awareness of women’s domestic support, appreciation and respect at home, furthermore in business as well as in politics.
UN Women is the only charitable entity that can have an impact on the policy along with the awareness from all of us who have to live with the reality. Awareness among ourselves is not enough to make a change, support is needed both from business and politics. Whether you are a mother, wife or partner a woman’s role at home has been historically neglected, under valued and under appreciated.
Women are judged and unfairly treated in many settings: when you are out there to build a career, you are not staying at home to take care of the family, or you are trying to juggle both and there’s a double standard that comes with this, hence why it explains how younger generations are steered away from marriage and child bearings. In my opinion, it’s key to start empowering women from an early age. It’s not just about becoming book smart, you learn about discipline, work ethic and structure, furthermore it’s powerful tool that pushes children to follow their dreams and achieve all their goals.
I’ve always believed in the responsibility of making this world better for the next generation especially when it comes to understanding and respecting women.
I feel blessed to have a voice and will continue fostering opportunities to speak on behalf of other women fighting for our respect, rights and necessities as much as I can.
DRESS: VALENTINO
DRESS: VALENTINO
How do you balance your roles as a mother, entrepreneur, activist, and fashion/ beauty influencer ?
Just like most women, my life has been a constant juggle and it has not been easy to navigate through uncertainty, however, one of my biggest mottos is to keep on moving. I always devote myself to make sure that everyone in my family is happy and all the jobs I have done involved a great deal of responsibility in every angle. I have learned to be prepared for all scenarios and over the years have learnt how to accept my imperfections trying to be the best version of myself, trying to meet everyone’s needs as well as my own goals.
I learned to be strong and push myself to the the limit from my mother and for me, everything comes down to motherhood.
Becoming a mother has been so rewarding, yet challenging at times, but it has been a privilege experiencing this beautiful gift of life. From the very first moment my eldest was placed in my arms I knew that I had been given the most precious treasure of all. All my four girls have taught me different lessons, each time being different in their own special way. I am trying to master the art of multitasking, balancing a career and a busy home life.
There aren’t enough hours in the day, so sometimes I do have to sacrifice my own personal needs and choices for those of the family especially as a single mother. Although I wouldn’t have it any other way!
What led you to found a high tech company prior to becoming a social media personality and what is your achievement through the entrepreneurship?
I am a risk taker and like to think about how we can improve and live better. After graduating from Cornell Master program at the hotel school, I found a niche market in the scheduling and forecasting for the hospitality industry since back then everyone was doing manual forecasting. I came up with a platform to automate and increase the accuracy with AI. Now I am working on launching a beauty brand.
Fashion and beauty can be viewed completely differently from technology; however, it all comes down to innovation. It’s about our quality of life and wellbeing.
DRESS: VALENTINO EARRINGS: LACUNA PARIS TOTAL LOOK: FENDI
What aspects of Korean beauty do you find most fascinating, and how do you promote and educate others about these trends?
K beauty has one of the most cutting edge technologies among all others.
One of the most popular cosmetic procedures in Korea is self-filler which uses an individuals own blood and is the least non-invasive procedure among all others. The technology allows to avoid the downside of fat injection as it needs to be extracted from their body. It takes only 30 minutes to process blood to the filler application. It helps make people younger and proven to be very effective.
Also, Korean people prefer not to use regular artificial fillers anymore due to its side effects and health concerns.
Another big trend in the beauty industry is that of supplements. Even big Korean cosmetic companies have recently started producing beauty supplement due to its exponentially rising demand.
Lastly, people in Asia are constantly looking for more and more non-invasive procedures to avoid any downtime/ surgery / procedure even it’s a temporary effect. For example, there are micro needling stickers you can apply yourself on your face.
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DRESS: BALENCIAGA BAG: BALENCIAGA
DRESS: BALENCIAGA BAG: BALENCIAGA
How do you incorporate empowerment into your work in the fashion industry?
I see fashion as beyond what you wear, it’s a way of expressing yourself. Most importantly, it a way of empowering yourself.
Fashion allows you to express and take an action based on the representation of the best version of you. Follow your blessings, excitements, passion and your best ability, and represent the highest statement of yourself – there would be no insistence of outcome. I believe it’s the formula of empowerment and success.
How have attending prestigious film festivals allowed you to celebrate the beauty of life and make a positive impact?
Sharing is a value I believe in. I want to be purposeful and be able to bring beauty, abundance and fashion, all great things in our life. Making appearances in various Fashion Weeks and red carpet in prestigious Film Festivals to me is about celebrating the beauty of life.
If you don’t share, wouldn’t it be a waste of your life?
By finding the beauty and luxury in life, I want everyone to be able to feel better about themselves.
DRESS: BALENCIAGA
Can you explain how you have helped others in a beautiful and authentic way?
All the woman in my life are strong and by just being themselves they are superwomen! Every mother out there is doing her very best and often giving more than she can give. A mother’s love is unconditional and it knows no bounds. I really want to be a positive role model for my children and empower them to become confident young women.
Femininity is a very powerful tool we have. I see empathy, gentleness, softness and nurturing as a big part of femininity.
My intention is to cast a light on the how the struggles of what it means to be a woman today, should not define who we are, on the other hand we should turn struggles into strength to push us to be the woman we strive to be.
Ultimately I want to help other women to be a part of a common space, which allows them to be themselves, reminding them to be authentic and to know who they are and what they value so we all can enjoy a beauty of earth.
DRESS: AVELLANO BRACELETS: CHARLOTTE CHESNAIS
Cover Star: Vicky Lee @vickyleeofficial
Photographer: Dawid Klepadlo @dawidklepadlo
Styling: Serena Pompei @serena_pp_pompei
Assistant Stylist: Kimberly Munrayos @kimrayoz
Location: Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo