At THE FIFTH COLLECTION, we always love hearing what you have to say about fashion, style and, of course, the many #lifehacks. Whether it is on personal styling or beauty regimen or wardrobe organisation, it is always great to learn how the collectors out there are living. So, we wanted to share some of these ‘findings’ on our blog. #SharingIsCaring, right? So to kickstart this new series, we begin with sharing interviews with friends of #TeamTFC.

In this month’s ‘5 Questions With…’, we speak to Debby Kwong, the founder of Sortorial, a Singapore wardrobe organisation and personal styling service company, on style and tips for a more organised life.

Debby Kwong, founder of Sortorial. Image courtesy of Debby

The key to decluttering your wardrobe (and your life), says Debby Kwong, is honesty. Before you begin, the founder of Singapore personal styling and home organisation company Sortorial (@sortorial) suggests asking yourself three questions: Have I worn the piece in the last six months, or even the last year? Does it still fit? Can I style it in three different ways?

And if the answer to any of the questions above is a resounding no, then it is time to chuck it out and make room for better things.

“It is important to keep your space organised so you feel happy and not bogged down by the mess. It’s true, many clients have commented that they feel lighter after we’ve worked through their space. They use the items they have more often - so there isn’t that sense of wasting money, or being clueless about how to wear a piece of clothing”.

Debby, who is also a personal stylist and has worked in fashion for the last decade, started Sortorial in 2018 to help people get organised so they know what they have, and not buy unnecessarily.

But Sortorial, she explains, is not about pandering to the latest trends. Rather, it is about timelessness and wearing what works for your body type.

Here, we ask her 5 questions.

What is style to you and how do you define your own sense of style?

Style is being confident and happy with what you’re wearing. I appreciate the minimalist style of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Dua Lipa’s ability to be a fashion chameleon with her maximalist looks.

My style is really eclectic, it can range from a slouchy tie-dye pyjama co-ord to a sleek tonal outfit, it all depends on my mood or the occasion, or even the weather. I don’t chase trends, I hardly wear an all black outfit and I never compromise on comfort!

What's your latest luxury buy? Why?

Debby showing her latest luxury bag, the Céline Mini Triomphe. Image courtesy of Debby

I might have a weakness for non-functional mini bags. With the #ootds I post on @sortorial, you can see how I often go about my day with just a card case and phone in hand.
Just prior to going on a recent vacation to Europe, I was flipping through a magazine and came across the Celine mini Triomphe. I must have subconsciously taken note of it as I tried my luck at the first Céline boutique I came across.

“Do you have the mini Triomphe in black calfskin?” The most basic option is usually the hardest to get ahold of and it was sold out online. Thankfully, the super helpful staff found the last piece in the back. And that’s when you know, it’s meant to be.

What is the one fashion piece you are still hunting for?

I hope to find a secondhand collarless Chanel tweed jacket that fits perfectly. Not too boxy, not too long, ideally in a nice shade of red (that’s my favourite colour). I believe it’s a timeless and versatile piece that is easy to style, no matter your age.

Why is it important to make sure our space is well organised?

A well organised home (whether in your bedroom, bathroom or kitchen) means less stress. It saves you money so you don’t buy duplicates of something you already have, and guarantees you’re always ready to host guests.

Share with us 5 organisation hacks that anyone can do on their own

Instead of trying to organise your home in one weekend, try to conquer one room in a day, one section in one hour etc.
Organise by category/purpose, type then colour
Practice the “one in, one out” rule so you don’t create clutter
File fold your clothes/snacks/books instead of stacking them on top of each other
Label every box/container so you know what’s inside and can keep everything back in its place!