With over 21K followers on Instagram, Lee Ming has cemented herself as a standout in the influencer space. The first time I saw her, there was an undeniable charm — her distinctive, vintage-inspired 1950s style felt like a breath of fresh air in a world that often leans toward the predictable. She embodies timeless elegance, effortlessly blending retro flair with modern-day relevance.

From showcasing her impeccable taste in fashion and attending exclusive events with renowned brands to offering glimpses into her life as a devoted mother, Lee Ming captivates her audience with authenticity and grace. Her content is more than just visually stunning — it’s a reflection of her passion and personality.

In this exclusive feature, we get up close and personal with Lee Ming as she unveils the inspiration behind her signature style, her must-have products, and how she crafts content that truly resonates with her followers.

An Exclusive Interview with Lee Ming on Vintage Fashion, Motherhood and Influence

Hi Lee Ming, it’s a pleasure to meet you! Could you introduce yourself to our readers? 

Credit: @leeeeming/ Instagram

Hi! I’m truly honored to be featured on Beauty Insider Malaysia! My name is Lee Ming, and I’m 38 years old. I’m a proud mom to one adorable child. Many people know me as the girl who loves to dress in a vintage style reminiscent of the 50s — it’s my trademark! 

I’m a passionate vintage enthusiast, particularly drawn to 50s glamour. My interest in fashion history has been lifelong, sparked by my teenage years when I would often wear grandma’s clothes and delight in the stories behind them. I can’t wait to share more with you!

As a renowned influencer, you have a distinctive vintage style reminiscent of the 1950s. What inspired you to embrace this particular era’s fashion?

I’ve always had a love for vintage and thrifting, but I didn’t focus on a specific era until my boyfriend — now husband — encouraged me to revamp my wardrobe. I gravitate towards fashion that is elegant and modest, while he appreciates a more sexy style. For me, the 50s perfectly blend both elegance and sensuality, showcasing how women could look both sophisticated and alluring.

Around 2016, I really dove into vintage shopping and started learning more about sustainability and slow fashion. During that time, I found myself drawn to the Hollywood glamour of the 50s, which further fueled my passion for vintage pieces. I love the thrill of hunting for rare finds, and wearing something my grandma once wore is just fantastic!

Before adopting vintage fashion, you explored various styles, including punk and gothic. Can you share more about that journey and what ultimately led you to settle on vintage fashion?

Credit: @leeeeming/ Instagram

Oh wow, you really did a deep dive into my style history! Yes, I was a huge fan of Avril Lavigne back in high school, which kicked off my punk phase. As I entered college, I began exploring various styles, diving deep into thrifting — something I’ve always loved.

However, I didn’t settle on a specific style until about 10 years ago when my husband encouraged me to revamp my look. That’s when I discovered the elegance of 50s fashion and embraced it as my signature style. It’s been a wonderful journey finding what truly resonates with me!

The first time I met you, I was absolutely in awe of your makeup, hairstyle, and fashion sense! I’m curious — are there any celebrities or icons you look up to for inspiration?

Thank you so much for the kind words! I absolutely adore Dita Von Teese; she’s such a style icon! I also draw inspiration from classic Hollywood legends like Grace Kelly, Rita Hayworth, Jane Russell, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Brigitte Bardot, Ava Gardner, and Hedy Lamarr. Each of these women embodies a unique elegance and glamour that resonates with my vintage aesthetic.

If you had to describe your style in three words, what would they be?

I would describe my style as timeless, sophisticated, and graceful. If I could add another word, it would definitely be polished.

When it comes to beauty and hair essentials, are there any must-have products you always keep in your vanity?

Credit: @leeeeming/ Instagram

Absolutely! Here are my must-have products that I always keep in my vanity: 

1. Red lipstick – it’s a non-negotiable for me! My favorite is Chanel 31 LE ROUGE; I can’t live without it.  

2. Chanel COMÈTE perfume – the perfect signature scent.  

3. N°1 DE CHANEL REVITALIZING FOUNDATION – for that flawless complexion.  

4. N°1 DE CHANEL LIP AND CHEEK BALM – it gives a beautiful pop of color.  

5. A bun styling tool – perfect for quick and easy updos.  

6. An assortment of bobby pins and hairpins – essential for any hairstyle!  

7. Davines This Is A Strong Hair Spray – to keep everything in place.  

These essentials not only reflect my personal style but also make getting ready a breeze!

Vintage makeup and hairstyles have a unique charm, but beauty trends are constantly evolving. How do you stay true to your vintage aesthetic while keeping up with modern trends?

I appreciate vintage makeup and hairstyles for their unique charm, but I don’t really focus on keeping up with modern trends. I dress for myself and prioritize my personal style over fleeting fashions. 

I believe it’s important for all of us to think twice before purchasing something brand new and to strive for more sustainable choices when it comes to clothing. We should aim to wear our garments many more times; ideally, a piece should be worn not just seven to eight times but closer to 700! It’s all about making better decisions and truly valuing the clothes we own.

With over 21,000 followers on Instagram, how do you maintain authenticity and keep your audience engaged with your content?

Credit: @leeeeming/ Instagram

I believe my audience is very niche, consisting of people who appreciate vintage style and those who connect with my relatable motherhood moments, especially the experiences I share with my son. To maintain authenticity, I focus on sharing what resonates with me — whether it’s vintage fashion or the everyday joys and challenges of being a mom. By being open about my journey, I create genuine connections with my followers, fostering engagement and making my content relatable.

As a mother, how has your approach to fashion and beauty evolved? Do you incorporate vintage fashion into your child’s style as well?

I try to incorporate vintage styles into my child’s wardrobe, but it can be challenging to find authentic vintage kids’ clothes here in Malaysia. Instead, I often look for vintage-inspired pieces that capture that timeless charm. 

I’ve noticed that my son suits a more street-style look, but I tend to avoid cartoon graphics on his clothing — unless it’s a really cool graphic tee! I prefer plain and basic styles for him because they are easier to mix and match. Plus, since kids grow so fast, keeping his wardrobe simple and versatile makes it much simpler for quick outfits!

What advice would you give to aspiring influencers looking to carve out a niche, particularly in vintage

My advice for aspiring influencers looking to carve out a niche in vintage is to identify your unique angle. Focus on a specific sub-niche, whether it’s 50s fashion, retro home decor, or rare collectibles, to help differentiate yourself in a crowded market. 

Always prioritize creating authentic content that reflects your passion and knowledge. Share personal stories or insights about your vintage finds, and engage with your audience to build a genuine connection. Remember, authenticity is key in attracting and retaining followers!

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