Genevieve Peggy Jeffs: Style queen
Genevieve Peggy Jeffs believes in turning heads at every age
Helmi Yusof
GENEVIEVE Peggy Jeffs is the kind of woman who provokes a particular kind of bafflement. She is of a certain age and makes little effort to conceal it. She wears her wrinkles proudly and doesn’t want to turn back time. But the clothes she picks are something else – fabulous, flamboyant, age-defying creations which, if anything, want to stop time for anyone who catches a glimpse of her.
That’s exactly what happens during our afternoon chat at the private club 67 Pall Mall. People would walk by and slow their pace just to look at her. Women, in particular, stare at her up and down, furiously making mental notes in those fleeting moments.
One young woman plucks up the courage to approach us and praise Jeffs’ outfit of the day: a shimmering ombre blue-green kaftan over electric Dries van Noten pants, accented with a gold bangle from MUS.za and large creature ring by Oistein Dosen. As icing on the cake, her headgear is a Panama hat in peach pink from Hat Of Cain.
The young woman gushes, “I hope I can look like you someday.” Jeffs replies with a simple “thank you”.
When the woman is out of earshot, Jeffs says matter-of-factly, “This happens all the time: Strangers coming up to say how much they love my clothes and accessories.”
For Jeffs, dressing like a style queen daily is simply something she does as a matter of course. Ever since she was 6, she’s been wearing bright, bold dresses with striking details: “My eldest sister Kim (who became a top model) used to sew dresses for me from scratch. She would add eye-catching features like a big bow or embroidery. It could be a party skirt or a patchwork dress. But whatever it was, it was always so pretty. That’s how my love of fashion began.”
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Their grandmother was the late Queeny Chang, author of the 1981 autobiography Memories Of A Nonya. “She was an inspiration. She always looked beautiful, always perfectly turned-out. She loved textures in fabrics and had an appreciation for rare and exquisite fabrics like brocade, songket and batik tulis.”
Growing up in a Peranakan family also made a difference: “Peranakan families enjoy the finer things in life, like food, clothes and antiques. The Peranakans always believe in being more vibrant and colourful, so our clothes are brighter, louder and more intricate than everyone else’s.”
Today, Jeffs expresses a passion for designers and labels such as Dries van Noten, Christian Lacroix, John Galliano, Givenchy and the late Alexander McQueen. The mother of 2 grown children also supports local designs; her recent purchases include 3 gorgeous creations by Thomas Wee as well as pieces by young fashion graduates from Lasalle College of the Art, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and other local institutions.
“When you purchase or commission something truly beautiful, it doesn’t age. It doesn’t matter how long ago you bought them or who designed them. If it’s a good piece, you’ll always cherish it.”
Many of her gowns made their flashy, splashy debuts at fundraising galas and charity balls, which Jeffs has successfully organised for over 25 years to help the less fortunate. She has championed the Singapore Red Cross, the Breast Cancer Foundation, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and other organisations. In June 2022, she became the first female president of the Peranakan Association Singapore.
As for accessories, she is an unapologetic size queen. Whereas others see jewellery as the final touch of an outfit, she sees it as the headlining event equivalent to the dress. Her favourite jewellers include Belinda Chua (of Flower Diamond), Maison Schiaparelli and Lotus Arts De Vivre – all known for their bling designs.
But if there’s one accessory that clearly distinguishes her from other fashionistas, it is her fabulous headgear. She has over 120 hats, from fedoras and fascinators to top hats and turbans. Several are one-off creations by trusted Singapore milliner Kristine Hakim, who studied under famous British milliner-to-the-stars Judy Bentinck.
Jeffs says, “I’ve just commissioned a hat made with burnt ostrich feathers. Can you imagine – burnt ostrich feathers? I can’t wait to see how it turns out.”
Who are her red carpet role models? Cate Blanchett? “No.” Amal Clooney? “No.” Nicole Kidman? “No… Their dress cuts are too simple. I’m not a fan of small flowers and prints. If the colour is too muted, I don’t really like it. I prefer more sophisticated detailing, something that announces its presence.
“If I had to pick a style icon at all, I’d pick… Rihanna.” Aaaah, Rihanna – that fiercest queen of fashion there is.
“She has a unique perspective that makes her an instant standout. I may not be as sexy as her, but there are things she wears that I can see myself in. You see, I always prefer something over-the-top as opposed to something underwhelming. I don’t play it safe. You almost never see me in a black dress unless it’s under a beautiful jacket or coat.
“Minimalism isn’t my thing. I’m a maximalist. I love colours. I love details. I love making an impact.”
As she says this, a group of women walk past us, slow their pace, and stare intently at Jeffs’ jewellery – before scurrying away.
CREDITS
Photography: Darren Gabriel Leow
Fashion direction: CK
Makeup & hair: Zoel Tee, using Dior Beauty.
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