SEEK: Lydia Pang
As told to Kelly Agnew, Senior Fashion Editor
Lydia Pang is the Brand Aesthetics Director at top creative agency Anomaly, an art agent and contributing writer for Refinery29. As a self-proclaimed seeker, the Welsh-born creative approaches every project with the desire to evoke emotion—and alter perceptions. Here she talks about her drive to continually discover and experience in all aspects of her life, and why she’ll never be one to settle.
Seeker Beginnings
My father is from Hong Kong and my mother is an artist and so I was brought up to see the world as tiny and creativity as endless. My boyfriend and I met in grey old Wales ten years ago and moved to London. Just when everything was perfect we packed up and moved to NY—time to be scared again. I’ve always craved that scared feeling, I hate to be comfortable and settled.
My sense of discernment one hundred percent comes from my parents. They’re both effortlessly stylish, know exactly who they are and what they’re about.They always taught me that less is more, never over-gild the lily, never drench yourself in cheap make-do or throw money at bad quality imitations. They taught me to invest in key, core, substantial pieces that shout presence and iconic simplicity. I bow down to them daily.
I am a relentless, hungry and life-greedy seeker. To me that means never settling for anything less than exactly what you deserve. What you hunt out in this life, what you surround yourself with, the things that concern you, drive you, shake you, draw you in, those things make up the person you will become.
"To seek means to never settle for anything less than exactly what you deserve."
The Pursuit Of Perfection
I am an emotional shopper, through and through. I’ve always had a very distinctive style, I know what I like, I know my fabrics, my cuts, my angles, the brands who speak to my heart. My eyes are always open for that perfect thing.
I’m a romantic, ya know? I get palpitations when I see The Row has released a new billowing sleeve, I get greedy eyes when Margiela drops that perfect leather clutch, when Acne reveals that chunky navy knit. I crave the hunt and I refuse to settle for the inferior option, even if it means waiting patiently for the sales or wearing my Pleats Please everyday for three months.
The Thrill of Discovery
When I started out in branding, I worked as an Art Commissioner, so it was my job to seek out new exciting artists and commission them to create beautiful work with us. Since growing from that role I’ve always had a passion for finding daring new talent. A year ago I saw a wild child photographer post a casting call on her Instagram, asking if anyone wanted to get shot that day covered in snails. I was like, 'HELL YEAH!' I spent the day witnessing her crazy mind covered in snails and have since gone on to represent her globally as an Art Agent. That day I discovered her I knew she was going to be important.
"I crave the hunt and I refuse to settle for the inferior option."
Her name is Maisie Cousins and she has since exhibited at the Tate Britain, shot beautiful work for Hunger, Dazed, Refinery29, I-D— the list goes on. She is a force to be reckoned with and I’m incredibly proud to work with her and shape her art career. We have a solo show happening in London this year. She is my greatest discovery.
Power and Inspiration
I’m also an art history geek, I adore imagery, visual shifts, trends, art and cultural movements. I want to make work that asks people to feel something, challenges them to think differently. Visual communication is a powerful tool for good and when used elegantly can shift perceptions and behaviors. I like to give everything my all. That’s how I was brought up.
My mother lives by the William Morris quote that you should have nothing in your life ‘that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.’ And that’s it—that nails it.
City of Seekers
New York romanced me hard. All of its dirty perfection and arrogance, it’s everything I ever wanted. The decision to move here was a big one—we had everything in London. But it felt time for a change and I feel like I’m starting to conquer the beast. Everyone here has a story, a reason to be, and I love that. I love New York’s relentless passion for life. Everything is always new and changing.
I love walking my dog along the pier in Williamsburg and looking at that epic skyline. I love walking to work through Soho and watching all the characters, the smoke, the snow, the fog, the piercing sunshine. We got tattoos and sat in a jazz bar in Alphabet City the other day and listened to the barman tell us stories about musicians and my heart felt full. NY has given me the push I was craving in my job. It’s opened my eyes to new ways of working, the different roles of branding. It’s made me want to create more immersive experiences and hunt for different types of artists. There is a tremendous sense of opportunity here. It’s all yours to take.
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The Row Women's Black V-neck Blouse - $1428
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