A conversation with Winnie Pua
Winnie Pua is Managing Director of brand and PR agency antics@play. As the face of a creative agency, and mother of two, this do-it-all wheeler-and-dealer makes it a point to keep her health in tip-top condition, and her appearances razor sharp. A fashion devotee, an avid traveler, and baking enthusiast, Winnie has been a Colorwash fan since 2010.
Q: What’s your connection to Colorwash?
I have been sending my designer bags and shoes to Colorwash since 2010. It started with my Balenciaga Motorcycle City bag. I loved its aged, dark brown look, but it had certainly seen its share of adventures, having accompanied me throughout my late-20s. Daily use had caused the leather to become patchy, dust and grime had collected around the braided parts of its handles, and the metal studs had lost their shine. After sending it for treatment at Colorwash, it felt clean and refreshed. Upon their advice, I later had it colored black for a more classic feel.
When I started a family, besides my personal bags, I have also been sending in diaper bags and now my kids’ school bags for cleaning. My husband – now also a Colorwash convert – has also been sending in his leather shoes for cleaning and touch-up. He is fond of his leather Camper shoes, which are so comfortable. He even sends in sports shoes for deodorizing and cleaning.
Q: Tell us about the bag you use most for traveling and why it’s your go-to bag
I don’t have a go-to bag, really. We need different bags for different occasions! That’s what I tell myself anyways. I buy on impulse and focus on new designs and new types of leather treatments. Of course, quality is a must. It is hard to care for these purchases properly though, so Colorwash is helpful in justifying my shopping!
Q: What do you look for when buying a luxury item?
Besides interesting new designs, shopping for luxury items also enhances key life events emotionally.
For me, most of my high-end purchases are done when holidaying or to celebrate memorable milestones: Prada shoes during a work hiatus with girlfriends in New York City, a Loewe Amazon when honeymooning in Spain, and my Hermes Lindy when on a family holiday with my newborn daughter. They sweeten the already-sweet memories.
I am quite the online shopper too, with Net-a-Porter being one of my favorite sites. Sometimes I ask Colorwash for advice on the authenticity of luxury items I buy online, as I trust their expertise.
Q: What is your typical off-work routine like?
City life is undoubtedly busy busy busier. There are endless errands, shuffling kids to classes and catching up with work.
I typically bring bags, shoes and other family items to Colorwash at Mandarin Gallery over the weekend, and indulge in some me-time with freshly baked breads from The Providore.
Q: What do you do to pamper yourself after a long day?
Besides quiet time at the café, I enjoy the occasional spa treatments – mostly back massages. Catching up with friends is lovely too, if we can just co-ordinate our schedules!