If you think DJs sleep all day and party all night, well, you may be right, but that’s certainly not the case with athleisure- and workout-obsessed May Kwok. A typical day for the stylish scenester starts at 4:30 a.m.
“I brew some coffee, organize and pack up my outfits for the day,” Kwok says. “I’ll have a light breakfast as well and then head to the Rockaways for a quick morning surf — there’s nothing more soothing, cleansing and relaxing than starting my day in the ocean.” And, yes, she goes surfing in the winter. If it’s really too cold to surf, Kwok is all about high-intensity training. “I love mixing intense strength training, HIIT, mobility work, boxing and running…I love to do it all!” She’ll then typically head back to her home turf in Williamsburg, Brooklyn to work.
“After a day’s work at The Gathery, I’ll normally either attend an event or DJ one. I’ll end my day with a nice healthy dinner and sleep.” This jet-setting, quintessential New York City lifestyle is exactly what drew Alala founder Denise Lee to Kwok when she first approached the brand about collaborating.
“Alala is a New York-based brand and May is a born and bred New Yorker,” says Lee, whose collection with Kwok, May All Day, launched earlier this month. “Moreover, her drive to pursue her many passions paired with her dedication to her career and family is truly the reflection of who the Alala woman is.” Fittingly, the just-launched capsule collection is designed to take women beyond the gym with Kwok pointing out that she wears her leggings just as often when she’s lounging about as when she’s working out at places like Barry’s Bootcamp.
Check out the above slideshow to see how this creative New Yorker styles her day.
Fashion Diaries: DJ May Kwok
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DJing
"My show outfits can range from tight, sexy dresses to lots and lots of leather. It very much depends on the event that I'm DJing. I DJ for a lot of brands and designers, so of course in those cases I wear their designs. Also, I dress for the type of event. If I know I'll be playing for a corporate crowd, the outfit will be more sleek, whereas for a younger crowd it will be more trendy."
Image: Getty
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DJing
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At Home
"When I'm having a lazy day at home, I love a cozy oversized sweater or hoodie and leggings. I like wearing comfortable T-shirts at home as well. A few brands I love are Reformation, RE/DONE, LNA and, of course, Alala. I also love Scandinavian brands like Acne Studios — they really know how to design a great sweater!"
Image: @iamamayzing
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Surfing
"I like to stay comfortable and WARM, so a normal outfit to the beach on a cold winter day is a cozy Patagonia fleece, comfortable jeans and UGGs. To stay warm IN the water, I have a R4 Patagonia wetsuit with hood, mittens and booties."
Image: @iamamayzing
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At Work
"Jeans, T-shirt and a sweater is my go-to. I'm very easy and simple. The brand I specifically love is NOMIA. I also actually really love shopping at Zara for work outfits. I work in a creative environment — my colleagues have become a few of my closest friends, so there is no need to 'dress up.'"
Image: @iamamayzing
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At the Gym
"I wear Alala x May Kwok, of course! The colorblock set has a thick, high-waisted band that really holds you tight. If you want to go for a more badass, cool look, I would recommend the leather/mesh fabric blocking set. I especially love the open back on the sports bra!"
Image: @iamamayzing
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Out to Dinner
"These days, my favorite outfit to wear to dinner is a thick turtleneck sweater, skinny jeans, large hoop earrings and I always like a great statement coat. My current favorite is this Sandy Liang Mingo Coat."
Image: @iamamayzing
