Designer Hester Sunshine Talks ‘Slutty Kindergarten Teacher’ Fashion: BUST Interview

by BUST Magazine February 4, 2016

BUST Magazine February 4, 2016

Hester Sunshine, Fashion Designer/Creative Director, Brooklyn, NY
Tell us about this look.
This outfit is what I might call my slutty kindergarten teacher look. The sweater is a vintage kid’s sweater from eBay, and the skirt is from O-Mighty. I got the tights and socks at Party City around Halloween. The glasses are from See Eyewear, and the head wrap is a ’60s nylon scarf I got on eBay and tied into a big bow. The backpack is a kid’s one from the 99-Cents store.

When did you become interested in fashion?
I’ve always been interested in fashion. I wanted to be a fashion designer when other kids wanted to be astronauts or ballerinas. I grew up in TriBeCa, and I was very fortunate to have an artistic mom and be in a very artistic community, so I was exposed to weird creative outlets from an early age. I would make clothing for Barbies out of pieces of felt and paper and tissues. That was my jam.

How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style changes significantly from day to day. When I was younger, I was very specific about how I would look for a season or a period of time, but as I got older, I just treated dressing like a daily dress up. I am, each day, whoever I want to be. But there are certain characteristics that define my style: little fluffy skirts, cropped tops, and over-the-top hair accessories. My outfits vary from psychedelic mod to what I might call Barbie-meets-The Brady Bunch.

What tips do you have for building an original wardrobe?
I shop a lot on Etsy. The majority of the stuff I buy is either made by some indie designer or it’s vintage. If you really want to be an individual, look off the beaten path. You don’t need to be shopping where everyone else shops. Also, explore kids clothing!