Inside Jamie Collector's Journey

Imagine a closet that resembles a museum dedicated to the vibrant spectrum of Hermès handbags. For entrepreneur and fashion icon Jamie Chua, this is a reality. Known on Instagram as @ec24m, Jamie has captivated audiences worldwide with her unique style and awe-inspiring collection. In this exclusive interview, she opens up about her fashion journey, her love for Hermès, and the stories behind her most treasured pieces.

The Beginning of a Fashion Journey

Jamie considers herself fortunate to own such an impressive array of designer goods, accumulated over many years. Each piece tells a story, and she views her collection as a 'memory lane' of her life. Rather than chasing runway trends, Jamie prefers pieces she can wear repeatedly and mix with different outfits. 'Fashion should express your inner self,' she says, emphasizing that true collectors cherish their items rather than discarding them after one wear.

First Designer Bag and the Shift to Hermès

Jamie's first designer purchase was a Louis Vuitton Fisherman bag, a coveted item in the early '90s. Her second was a classic Chanel Flap, which cost S,850 at the time—a significant sum for her then. However, her passion for Hermès began about 15 years ago. While the Birkin and Kelly symbolized stealth wealth, Jamie was drawn to their functionality. 'They fit the stuff I need for a day and it's really easy to find my things in them,' she explains, contrasting with the disorganization she experiences with other brands.

Her first Hermès was a Togo Birkin 30 in Blue Jean with white stitching, purchased from a reseller in the USA. 'I have never felt more chic in my life,' she recalls. This initial love led to acquiring the bag in every color, and eventually, her first crocodile Birkin—a Miel porous B30 with gold hardware, which she initially found unattractive but now treasures.

Beyond Hermès: Other Brand Favorites

While Hermès dominates her collection, Jamie also appreciates special pieces from other luxury houses. She collects Chanel's seasonal minaudières, treating them as art pieces to decorate her room. 'They don't fit anything,' she admits, often carrying a second bag to hold her essentials when using a minaudière.

Evolving Tastes and Investment Pieces

Jamie's style has evolved over the years. She once owned over 20 Chanel bags but later experimented with trendier brands like Prada and Bottega Veneta, which she now views as poor investments. 'They go out of style so fast,' she notes. This experience led her back to classic, durable pieces from Hermès that retain their value and timeless appeal.

Style and Pairing Bags with Outfits

When it comes to styling, Jamie tends to rely on a few favorite bags that work with everything. For travel, she always brings her So Black crocodile Birkin or Kelly. 'They are my mandatory travel bags,' she says.

Holy Grails and Birkin vs. Kelly

Among her collection, the Himalayan Birkin and Kelly are her ultimate holy grails. Although she identifies as a 'Kelly girl' for its feminine silhouette and convenient strap, she finds the Birkin easier for everyday use. 'The Birkin is hard to be photographed in when I take my OOTD photos,' she jokes, especially the larger sizes.

Exotics and Special Orders

Jamie doesn't reserve her exotic bags for special occasions only. 'They are so much more durable than normal leather,' she asserts. Her favorite special order is an Oran embroidery Birkin made uniquely for her. However, she has grown weary of the lengthy wait times and politics involved in special orders, stating, 'I'm done with this game.'

Future Wishlist

Despite her reservations, Jamie still dreams of a K20 in crocodile. Yet, she remains content with her current collection and focuses on enjoying what she already owns.

Inspirations and Advice

Jamie draws inspiration from fashion figures like Chiara Ferragni, Audrey Hepburn, and Victoria Beckham. Her advice to aspiring collectors is simple: 'Be comfortable with whatever you do and don't be afraid to be true to yourself. Craft a collection that is YOU, not because someone else has it.'