From: Philadelphia, PA and Brooklyn, NY
Occupation: Audiovisual Artist
Tell me about what you’re wearing. The glasses are vintage Renato Balestra, they were about $60. The bustier and the skirt are also vintage—they were both under $20. The jacket is Couture Vulture, a collaboration with Haddington District; it retails for $190. The combat boot/sandals are Jeffrey Campbell. I believe they were $140? The rose necklace was a gift; it’s from Han Cholo. I always wear a rose motif in honor of my grandmother, whose name was Rose. I’m also wearing a gold ring from a thrift shop and a silver Gucci ring, which was about $100.
How would you describe your look? I would definitely describe my style as graphic, bold, chic, fun, and always playful. I can’t be a serious dresser. I’ve tried and it’s just ridiculous! I look at myself in the mirror and I’m like, “Who is this person? Go cut your hair asymmetrically or something.”
Who inspires you, in terms of clothing and style? I’ve always loved avant-garde futurism and artists like Björk. I pay a lot of attention to street style, too. In Philadelphia and New York, I’m always encountering amazing outfits on everyday women. They inspire me to go deeper with my own style.
Which trends are you loving in particular? I am seeing so much attitude: combat boots, backwards caps, girls with grills. I love that kind of atypical adornment.
Yeah, there’s so much boldness and toughness in clothing right now. Yeah! The economy has us working harder, and that’s seeping into our personal choices from head to toe. Whereas you might have worn heels a few years ago, now you’re gonna go for a platform, because you can stomp around without foot pain and get all your work done. To me, that represents the evolution of womanhood: being comfortable and doing what you need to do while still enjoying your femininity.
By Molly Simms
Photography by Andre Rucker
This review appears in the Aug/Sept 2013 issue of BUST Magazine with Janelle Monáe. Subscribe now.
