Essentials: Rigel Davis

Rigel Davis may be relatively unknown in the West, but she is a bona fide style icon and one of the most well-connected women in Asia. With a far reaching social media following (281K Instagram followers and counting), Davis is a hyphenated millennial that has entrepreneur, boutique owner, buyer, influencer down on her résumé. The jet-setting individual is a proud Eurasian with both Welsh and Chinese roots, and an upbringing as colorful as her DNA. Raised in the United States, Davis moved to Shanghai, China during high school and has since resided in the Chinese metropolis. Her international background and interest in fashion inspired her to open her own multilabel boutique, Vanitas Boutique in 2010 at the ripe age of 21. Her exposure to international fashion allowed the fashionphile to become a pioneering buyer that introduced brands such as Helmut Lang, Acne, Cacharel, Public School to the budding Chinese market. Now, Vanitas Boutique has evolved into the Rigel Davis Studio, and has become one of Shanghai’s retail mainstays. Dabbling in a variety of different styles, Davis is a master of mixing streetwear with high-end items, curating a style that is distinctly her own.

Some of Davis’ essential items include staples for the jetsetter, including her passport, a monogrammed “RD” Globe Trotter, a Natalie Brilli toiletries bag, and Kanei Tei travel clutch. Her Beats Pill (special edition by Barry McGee) also stays by her side, along with her iPhone and MacBook. Davis’ elevated take on street style is epitomized by her Alexander Wang dress (and matching clutch) styled with her Public School x Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG, complemented by a strong showing of hardware from the likes of Céline, Hermès, Revé by René and Chrome Hearts. Davis’ love of anime is also on display with an exclusively customized Louis Vuitton jewelry case by SoHyun Lim. Check out Rigel Davis’ website here, and her Instagram here.