Jun
NYC
M: Hello! Can you tell me who you are?
J: Hi, I’m an Asian kid in finance major, taller than average, and am pretty outward.
M: How would you describe your fashion style?
J: Well, it used to be super flashy with silver chains, shiny tucked in shirts with ripped skinny jeans. I didn't like how it made me look and so I switched to a more conservative style. These days I try to keep it earthy with much darker tones, primarily shades of brown and green, with softer textures, trying to convey a more mature and compassionate me. I also incorporate more head accessories to my outfit these days as it just adds the finishing sophistication that makes the outfit stand out.
M: Who inspires your outfits and fashion sense? Is there anyone you look up to?
J: I don’t look up to anyone for fashion inspiration. I mostly get inspiration through people I see on the streets. As I've walked around shopping districts in China, Singapore, and New York, I've seen quite a few outfits that had elements that stood out to me. I keep those in my head as I put new outfits together.
M: That sounds great. Do you have any particular favorite apparel stores?
J: Well, I personally enjoy Uniqlo a lot because they have a lot of Asian elements in clothing. Also, their clothing is really easy to build layers with due to their simplicity, which is not to say they're plain. They just don't do many flashy patterns. It's just a lot more about the silhouette of the clothing. I personally prefer this emphasis on the silhouette due to my taste in oversized clothing.
M: I really like the simplicity of the clothes in Uniqlo too. Do you think there is a diverse range of styles in your school? How would you compare your style with everyone else’s there?
J: I personally think that it is not that diverse in terms of fashion. I see a lot of the same outfits everyday, especially among girls, namely the light blue jeans with white crop top look. But there is a numerous numbered subgroup of folks exhibiting some unique choices in their outfits. I personally think my style is quite unique in the school.
M: How does school influence the way you dress?
J: The school doesn't affect me that much in what my style is but it does affect how much effort I put into thinking about it. That’s because I like to feel confident in what I wear.
M: How do the clothes you wear help you feel confident?
J: They allow me to show that I care about how I present myself. Also, they grab the attention of others and the casual glances make me feel confident.
M: How did you discover what clothes and style you feel confident with?
J: I look for clothing that looks good and can easily curate outfits with. For example, I personally buy new cohesive pieces and then, I pick and match them with pieces that I have already.
M: Do you tend to stay on top of fashion trends?
J: Yes, I do. I look for the latest trends to explore new styles.
M: Do you think there’s a story behind your style? Does it tell people who you are as a person?
J: Yes, I think my extensive travels in Asia does often reflect in my stylistic choices. I think it correctly reflects my status as a reserved, outward, and soft person.
M: How long does it take you to come up with outfit ideas everyday?
J: I have a few clothing groups of 6-10 pieces that work with each other and I spend around five minutes each morning putting it together based on which ones are available while the rest are washing.
M: What are your essential pieces?
J: All of my earthy pieces: browns and beiges. I feel like those shades fit well on me.
M: What advice would you give to teens and youths who are trying to express their individuality through fashion, finding their own styles, and to feel confident in what they wear?