K-pop star-turned-entrepreneur Jessica Jung: it’s natural to feel nervous when starting something new

Forbes magazine put her on its 2017 list of Asia’s top 30 under 30 – highlighting the world’s best and boldest leaders, creators and thinkers.

Vogue America loves her. So do her 7.4 million Instagram followers, who call her their “lovely ice queen”.

Jessica Jung Soo-youn may be best known to many people for her star turn as one of the original members of K-pop girl group Girls’ Generation – also known as SNSD – which was formed in 2007.

The 29-year-old has since carved out a successful career with a trajectory that she can proudly call her own.

She runs her own fashion brand, Blanc & Eclare – specialising in denim, clothing, eyewear, skincare and accessories – sits in the front row at the hottest fashion shows and is a star of film and television, including joining her sister, Krystal, in the hit reality show, Jessica & Krystal.

With her star continuing to rise, it was no surprise to learn that in May Jung signed up with United Talent Agency, which stars such as actor Benedict Cumberbatch, the television presenter and former model Tyra Banks and pop singer Mariah Carey, all call home.

Born in San Francisco to a South Korean family, Jung speaks fluent English as she discusses her role as creative director of Blanc & Eclare, which sells casual, ready-to-wear clothes, accessories and skincare products in more than 70 places worldwide.

Unstoppable in her plans to achieve global status as a woman of multi-hyphenated-talents, she was in Hong Kong to officially launch her collaborative effort with The Landmark Mandarin Oriental – a loungewear collection imbued with her favourite shades of cool blue.

How did your collaboration with The Landmark come about?

This is actually my first loungewear collection and it’s my first collaboration with The Landmark Mandarin Oriental as well. It came about very naturally because I love staying here when I’m in Hong Kong.

And we kind of thought of an idea, maybe why don’t we create something that can be luxurious, fun and also an experience for the hotel guests.

I chose loungewear because I’ve never done it before and I love loungewear. I think it’s a very important item.

What do you think makes loungewear so cool, and how would you wear it outside the hotel if you could?

Well, I don’t know if I would wear it outside the hotel. (laughs)

I love loungewear … I think it’s cool and very important because I like to feel stylish and comfortable at the same time.

And I want to feel like [I’m at] home and that sense of comfort. I want to feel like [I’m at] home even when I’m travelling from city to city and country to country as I travel a lot.

When you travel, what is it about a hotel that gives you the most pleasure?

The scent. And I always pick a hotel with a great restaurant and bar scene and spa.

I came here yesterday morning. I had to check out the spa. I like to relax like that and prepare for the next day.

What do you like to check out in the places that you visit?

The restaurant scene. I’m a foodie: I love to eat. I take recommendations from friends, clients, from everybody.

What’s your stylish essential for all seasons?

You know, packing is actually very hard. Especially when you are packing for different cities where the climate changes.

I usually take my favourite pair of jeans and comfortable shoes that I can dress up and down – I usually go for flats.

With the jeans, I can put a blazer over it to dress up. Or with a T-shirt to be casual. I keep everything very simple because I also like to shop. I always need to leave room for shopping as well.

Talking of jeans … what is happening with your brand?

When you start something it’s always natural to feel kind of nervous. But with the help of everybody, we came here. We started in 2012 so we are still a “baby” brand.

We are constantly teaming up with great partners. So we have a lot of collaborations –[some] in the works as well. So, I hope you guys stay tuned and look forward to what’s coming up.

What skincare product are you obsessed with?

It’s hot here in Hong Kong and also becoming really hot in Korea as well. The weather report said it’s gonna rain [today], but it’s very sunny [and] I forgot to put my sunblock on.

Sunblock is an essential for me. I know it can be a little sticky, but you know, [you can] wear something that is lightweight and always … never forget to put sunblock on.

That’s one of my key items. I always use [Blanc & Eclare] B&E sun cream.

Otherwise, because I’m travelling, I don’t really have time to go and take care of my skin.

So I usually put a mask pack on before I go to bed, just to soothe the skin.

What is your must-have item in your make-up bag when off-duty while travelling?

When I’m travelling just by myself, I usually have a cushion with me. These days I use the La Mer cushion.

It just came out, but … it covers everything and is lightweight. And it’s very hydrating as well.

I use [the] cushion – and some tinted lip balm.

How do you keep your eyebrows so on fleek?

For eyebrows, I use a lot of different products, especially cosmetics.

For skincare, I have my particular ones, that are my go-to skincare.

But for cosmetics I love to try new things. So I’m always using different product all the time. I don’t really have one product to tell you.

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