Thursday, March 11, 2010

Meagan Fredette


Meagan is a 24 years young photographer. She seems to have thing for Star Wars (who doesn’t anymore? It’s awesome!)

Tell me a little about yourself and where you live.
My name is Meagan. I live in Chicago. I’m 24, I work in human resources and I go to college at the University of Illinois. I want to become a doctor. I’m a fashion and erotica photographer. I’m into feminism and exploring social cultural inequalities, and I write about how this relates to fashion in my blog.

What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion, for me, is a way to express myself. I like adorning myself in ways that I feel express my personal aesthetic and creative interests. I wear a lot of black, with some white and neutral colors. I’m a bit of a Goth. No shame! I also like ridiculous shoes.

How would you define your city's fashion?
Chicago’s winters last about 5 months, so we dress for the weather here. Chicago is a huge city but it's still the Midwest, so fashion here is more about practicality. There are a few great local boutiques that carry some great designers but it is nothing like New York. Part of the reason I started my blog was to show how I layer up and stay warm through Chicago’s tough winters.

What can’t you live without?
A really awesome pair of eyeglasses. No contacts for me!

What are your favorite shops and designers?

I love Bonnie and Clyde's in Chicago; they carry great stuff for those of us with a dark aesthetic. The Nordstrom rack store is a godsend! I bought a 2009 Chanel coat there for a price so low I won't even say it publicly. My favorite designers are Gareth Pugh, Nicholas Kirkwood, Raf Simons, Ann Demuelemeester, Rick Owens, Proenza, Chanel, Maison Martin Margiela, Alexander McQueen (RIP), and Rodarte.

What is your favorite era of style?
The Victorian era. I have a huge fascination with Victorian fashion and costumes. Most notably, the way that their clothing reflected their values...i.e., repressing women socially and physically under severely restricting garments. Plus, I love the dark colors, velvet, and highly detailed tailoring.

What’s on your playlist?
Goth music like Zola Jesus, Cocteau Twins, Elysian Fields, and A Place to Bury Strangers.

Who's style do you admire?
I really like Zana from garbagedress.com for her use of silhouettes and creative ways to wear black. I LOVE the trashicist, I wish I could have her wardrobe! I also like Tavi, she is just adorable and her writing style is creative and fresh.

What is your most cherished item?
My Alexander McQueen skull scarf. It’s precious to me.

Tricia Gosingtian wants to know: If you had to raid someone’s closet, whose would it be?
I would raid the trashicist's closet...her two-toned Gareth Pugh wedges make me weak at the knees!

What would question should I ask the next interviewer?
How do you feel about following trends and seasons?

To see more of Meagan Fredette go to
http://lookbook.nu/user/9632-Meagan-F?category=fashion

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Tricia Gosingtian


Tricia is a photographer/model/stylist/hairstylist from the beautiful country of the Philippines. Seen in many places and has had her face everywhere, it would be a surprise if you didn’t know who she is.

Tell me a little about yourself and where you live.

I'm a 21-year-old Chinese-Filipino photographer-model from the Philippines. Locally been featured as one of the Top 24 Most Creative Pinoys of 2008 by Preview magazine, one of the 100 Things To Look Forward To In 2009 by Stella magazine, one of the Top 10 Most Stylish Teens of 2008 by Meg magazine, and part of Philippine Star's annual feature (2009 edition) of 22 achievers under 22. On the side I do styling, hairstyling and make-up, and I graduated from a graphic design course because it’s my second love.

What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion is a form of expression, something that shows how you are at a particular moment or event. If I’m feeling lazy, I wouldn’t wear an over-the-top ensemble. If I’m feeling extra-special, I’d totes probably be wearing a nice pair of heels or a kick-ass pair of boots.

How would you define your city's fashion?
Manila isn’t exactly known to be fashion-forward. The Philippines is a tropical country, so most of the time, people just dress comfortably and practically. Jeans are a staple, as well as basic tees. Those who dare to dress up usually get stares from the public, but that’s not exactly stopping me from wearing what I want.

What can’t you live without?
High-waisted skirts! I love how you can wear them both casually and formally and how they can be so versatile depending on their shapes and prints.

What are your favorite shops and designers?
Most of the time I buy my clothes from high-street brands such as Topshop, Zara, and Mango. As for designers, enumerating all the ones that I like would take forever. I have a soft spot for collections with like fluffy, delicate dresses that come in pastel or nude colors, as well as those that use lots of black and white.
What is your favorite era of style?
I’d say the 90’s weren’t so bad. Personally, I was never a fashion-conscious kid, growing up with 3 brothers. I do remember wearing flannel shirts and Doc Martens though, being the semi-tomboy that I was. Overalls were pretty cute too.

What’s on your playlist?
Everything that you can think of. I have Copeland, Voxtrot, Cat Power, Jason Mraz, Radiohead, Two Hours Traffic, and David Ford playing repeatedly on my iPod lately. Also, been obsessing over a lot of K-pop – this includes SNSD, Big Bang, SHINee, and some F.T. Island.

Who's style do you admire?
I don’t exactly have on particular fashion idol, but I do read a lot of Japanese magazines for inspiration. They’re the cutest!

What is your most cherished item?

My 5D Mk II (my dSLR). I swear I can’t ever live without my camera!
Mihaela Dusan wants to know: How did joining lookbook influence your style?
Lookbook updates me with trends, but that's about it. I don't really have an icon that I imitate there, since most of them have different tastes compared to mine. As a photographer, I love how a lot of Lookbook members have their own photographers that take photos of them in the middle of streets and whatnot - I find it very charming.

What would question should I ask the next interviewer?
If you had to raid someone’s closet, whose would it be?

To see more of Tricia Gosington go to
http://lookbook.nu/user/17845-Tricia-G

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Mihaela Dusan


Mihaela is a chocolate lover from Timisoara. She loves to travel, shop, and of course laugh.

Tell me a little about yourself and where you live.

Well, my name is Mihaela Dusan, in 29th of March I’ll be 21. I come from Hateg, a small town in Transylvania. In the present I’m a student in civil engineering in Timisoara. I chose this major because I see constructions like fashion. It`s like art. You have to make not only a functional building or road or whatever, but a beautiful one, that can enrich the landscape. I love to travel. I`ve been to several European countries (Denmark, Sweden, France, Italy, Ukraine etc) and also in Canada. I like to travel because I like to discover new places, new people and new cultures. I can say that all the traveling I`ve done has had a certain influence on my life.

What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion is not necessarily what you see in the magazines or in the shops. Fashion is something that has to be adapted by every person according to what they like and what looks good on them. I know that the trends are something that cannot be avoided because sometimes you can find the same type of merchandise everywhere. But if a certain piece of the trend does not look good on you, you should not wear it, I never do.

How would you define your city's fashion?
Timisoara is a rather big city and as a result it is a very cosmopolitan. You can find everything from people that follow the trends exactly as they are and they look like the mannequin in the shop window just went for a walk, to people that seem completely out of touch with fashion but are very comfortable with their own style.

What can’t you live without?

I could never live without earrings. They are my obsession. I like big earrings, but also small ones, earrings in all shapes and colors. The more they are, the better :P.

What are your favorite shops and designers?

I wouldn`t say that I have a favorite designer because I can`t really afford designer clothes. Regarding my favorite shop, I still couldn`t put my finger on one. From vintage stores to stores from the mall, I like to explore them all until I find what I like. I don`t like to spend a fortune on one piece of clothing, but if I really like it, I will.

What is your favorite era of style?

My favorite trend is the preppy style, which first came to surface at the end of 1970s through the 1980s. Still, I adapted this style to my own likings because I am, not the most classic person.

What’s on your playlist?

For some time now, Lily Allen. But you can also find Green Day, Cramberries, Kansas, Beatles , Red Hot Chilly Peppers or Coldplay.

Who's style do you admire?
Vanessa Hudgens because she can adapt very easily to any type on clothing, from the red carpet dresses to a very casual, rather junky style on the street, in her everyday life.

What is your most cherished item?
I love all my clothes and my accessories and my shoes, but my most cherished item is a small silver necklace with a maple leaf medallion present from a very special someone.

Samantha Liu wants to know: What item do you love that everyone else seems to hate?
Well I have a purse, a square one in black and blue, I wear it in one of my pictures from lookbook. My friends find it graceless, some of them said that looks like a house and other that is too sharp, but I find it cute and I love it.

What question should I ask the next interviewee?
How did joining lookbook influence your style?

To see more of Mihaela Dusan go to
http://lookbook.nu/user/86851-Mihaela-D?category=fashion

Monday, March 8, 2010

Samantha Liu


Samantha is a very green girl living in the wondrous Cali. Keep an eye for this girl…The Organic Girl!

Tell me a little about yourself and where you live.

My name's Samantha Liu & I live in California. I love fashion, modeling, and acting, pretty much anything that's artistic & creative I have a passion for! I'm obsessed with thrifting & organic foods. Many people call me "The organic girl" haha =)

What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion never really caught my interest until the beginning my high school years. & now I absolutely love fashion. It's how I express myself every day. I get to create a style that I can call my own. Without it, I really don't know what I'd do!

How would you define your city's fashion?
I can't really define my city's fashion because a lot of people seem to have different styles where I live I see people who are preppy, trendy, bohemian, sporty, classy, relaxed, etc. Everyone has their own style.

What can’t you live without?
I cannot live without leggings & heels!! <3

What are your favorite shops and designers?

My favorite shops are Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, and H&M. But I mostly shop at thrift stores! & my favorite designers would be Chanel & Burberry<3 I love Chanel mostly because of all of the lacy girly items such as bows & love how classy their looks are. I love Burberry mostly because of the colors! Especially their latest colors: Pastels!!<3

What is your favorite era of style?

I love how they dressed in the 40's & the 50's! They always looked so elegant & well put together. & I love how everything looked stunning & vintage. I also like how you could dress up without needing an excuse like a special occasion or a party. It seems like you need an excuse to get dressed up now a days. I love getting dressed up almost every day and I always stick out because everyone is always in jeans and a t-shirt when I go somewhere such as the grocery store!

What’s on your playlist?

I love music, so I have way too many to name! But a few would be: Lady Gaga, Mayday Parade, Lily Allen, Black Eyed Peas, Ke$ha, B.O.B., Teegan & Sara, Asteria, etc. It's basically a whole jumble of different artists and songs that I can find a way to relate to<3

Who's style do you admire?
I'd have to say Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen. I love how they always look so put together & stylish even when they're having a relaxed day. They look like they belong on the runway!

What is your most cherished item?

Mmm, I can't think of just one cherished item, I really cherish all of my clothes!

Bianca Venerayan: What is your opinion on Lady Gaga?

I absolutely love Lady Gaga. She is one of my icons! She is so different & unique! I know there are many people who don't like her because they think she's too "out there" but I think people should be more open-minded. She’s like no other pop star out there & I think it's so important that people know that it's okay to be different, to be unique, to be creative, to be yourself. Why should you hate on someone just because they are different from the crowd? You should be applauding them for being bold enough and brave enough to show off their personality without being afraid. & also, her style is so noteworthy because she treats fashion like art. Every day she is like a walking art piece. Plus, I pretty much love all of her songs. They're so upbeat, quirky, and fun.<3

What would question should I ask the next interviewer?

What item do you love that everyone else seems to hate?

To see more of Samantha Liu go to
http://lookbook.nu/user/87555-Samantha-L?category=fashion

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Bianca Venerayan


Bianca is young gangasta (jk) and has a business with her twin sister. Never ask her what is in her purse (Link below to the video).

Tell me a little about yourself and where you live.
My name is Bianca and I was born in Montreal but now live in Toronto. I'm a student who co-owns an online shop called Plastic Skyline (plasticskyline.com) with my twin, Danielle Roche.

What does fashion mean to you?
I guess I'm supposed to say fashion is my life and my channel for inner peace and expression and all sorts of fun things like that... but it really isn't. I enjoy dressing up and scavenging fashion magazines for the latest trends but it really hasn't consumed me. Not yet, at least.

How would you define your city's fashion?

I would say Toronto's fashion is boring. Don't get me wrong; there are a handful who have the edgy and unique style I yearn to capture, but it's mostly just people playing it safe and I would love to see people finally step it up.

What can’t you live without?
Unlimited text on my phone, hahaha.

What are your favorite shops and designers?
I shop almost exclusively at Aritzia, Gap and of course, various thrift stores! The only designer I ever follow is Marc Jacobs, so I'd have to mention him and only him.

What is your favorite era of style?
I wouldn't know of any era besides this one.

What’s on your playlist?
It's a funny list, actually. It has quite possibly the most random musicians on it; Drake, Kanye West, Kid Kudi, John Mayer, N*E*R*D and Passion Pit. There are more but they are too embarrassing to mention.

Who's style do you admire?
Taylor Momsen.

What is your most cherished item?
If you're asking about my most cherished clothing item, I don't have an answer for you. I'm pretty sure I can live without any one thing in my closet because everything becomes out-of style at some point. But I suppose the basics are things I wouldn't part with, like a nice blazer, comfy jeans or a black pencil skirt.

Celia Plz wants to know: What's your favorite skin product?
I don't really have a favorite skin product! I just use whatever face wash and moisturizer that's in my bathroom at the time.
Right now, it'd be St. Ive's Apricot Scrub and Olay Classic Moisturizing Creme

What would question should I ask the next interviewer?
What is your opinion on Lady Gaga?

To see more of Bianca Venerayan go to
http://lookbook.nu/user/6697-Bianca-V
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vw3UN6o3i70

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Celia Plz


Celia is a 15 year old from Chicago. She is pretty new to where I found her (lookbook). I give her big props for quickly making herself known.

Tell me a little about yourself and where you live.
I'm 15, I hate going out during winter, and I can't wait for the summer because I love the fashion so much more during that season, plus I live for the beach.

What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion isn't really something I take as seriously as a lot of people on Lookbook. I love fashion, but I don't know how people can try so hard and put so much effort into everything daily. I try to look nice on weekends, but whenever I'm going to school I always put comfort first. During the winter there aren't many options for me; summer is where it's at.

How would you define your city's fashion?
My city doesn't necessarily have a defined style, there are just too many people. But mainly the younger scene is really into the hipster stuff which can get kind of annoying because apparently the only stores that exist are Urban Outfitters and American Apparel. Oh yeah, "thrift stores" too. Some people my age have the idea that a thrift store means a t-shirt is $10. Sikeeee.

What can’t you live without?
Family. My closest friends. Public transportation, haha.

What are your favorite shops and designers?

I love Michael Kors, BCBG Max Azria, and Chanel is just admirable to everybody. And my favorite stores are American Apparel, Forever 21, and recently, Vogue fabrics.

What is your favorite era of style?

I think the 80's were really fun, plus people dress similar today but without as much color. That's kind of something I'd like to see come back in style. The side ponytail, though...

What’s on your playlist?
Oh shit, you really don't want to know. Talk about embarrassing.

Who's style do you admire?
There's not really a specific person, but I do love the way Taylor Swift dresses.

What is your most cherished item?
Life? (:

Nicholas Uccan wants to know: Have you ever Googled yourself and if yes, what surprised you the most.
Yepp. I'm not on google. It's some professor in Cali...

What question should I ask the next interviewer?

What's your favorite skin product?

To see more of Celia Plz go to
http://lookbook.nu/user/25054-Celia

Friday, March 5, 2010

Nicholas Uccan


With a mind set of an older person, Nicholas is a young musician who is on his way.

Tell me a little about yourself and where you live.
I'm a 17-year-old student in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I'm a writer and musician. The art is my blood. Fashion is my way of putting art on my body.

What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion to me is like I said is an art form. A mobile and fabric art form. It shows who I am without speaking words. Also, fashion is the only way to stand out here.

How would you define your city's fashion?

Well, in the high school scene, everyone is clone of their peers. Only the college kids and the teens living in the downtown area really have an eye for fashion and style. They use thrift stores and incorporate the ol' west into most out fits.

What can’t you live without?
Ahhh, this is a tough one. I would have to say my note pad. Everyday I'm writing down a name, number, brand, band, song, artist, etc etc. Without it I would come home and feel as if I wasted the entire day.

What are your favorite shops and designers?
I love Urban Outfitters only because it's the only store in this city that has "trendy" clothes. Other than that I'm always online shopping at American Apparel. By far I would say Alexander McQueen is my favorite. He built an empire for shoes and clothing by himself. His death was tragic and too soon.

What is your favorite era of style?
A few years ago I would say the 1980's, but getting older I find the 40's and 50's to yield the most beautiful people with classy finger-waves and cigarette holders.

What’s on your playlist?
As of this moment I'm going through a Sea Wolf phase. I don't know why. To name a few; The Kooks, The Smiths, Interpol, Vampire Weekend, Animal Collective, We Were Promised Jetpacks, and the famous Death Cab for Cutie.

Who's style do you admire?
I admire the amazing style of James McAvoy, he has a face that screams H&M. And for some reason Justin Long is getting his act together in the fashion scene.

What is your most cherished item?
Either my guitar or my Dr. Martens.

Dominique wants to know: Which trend would you like to see disappear?
Haha easy. Bright neon colors with animal print. Tacky.

What would question should I ask the next interviewer?
Have you ever Googled yourself and if yes, what surprised you the most?

To see more of Nicholas Uccan go to
http://lookbook.nu/user/68304-Nicholas-U?category=fashion

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Dominique


Dominique is a gorgeous 18 year old who loves all things Chanel (who could blame her!). Her boyfriend says she is “bad girl”. Her style is anything, but bad.

Tell me a little about yourself and where you live.
I`m an 18 year old fashion lover & piercing addict from Texas.

What does fashion mean to you?

It means expressing my creativity & being able to be a different person each day if I choose to do so.

How would you define your city's fashion?
I definitely prefer to stand out amongst my city`s Abercrombie clones.

What can’t you live without?
Mascara and my Chanel 2.55. Seriously, what more could you ask for?

What are your favorite shops and designers?
I like Forever 21, mostly because of their great deals. As far as designers, you can`t deny Karl Lagerfeld`s genius.

What is your favorite era of style?

I love the class that women displayed during the 50s.

What’s on your playlist?
Everyone from Lady Gaga to Ghostface Killah.

Who's style do you admire?
I love how effortlessly put together Nicole Richie always looks & I admire the badass-ness of Taylor Momsen and Rihanna.

What is your most cherished item?

Definitely my cell phone. It keeps me entertained throughout the day when there`s nothing else to do.

Krystle Gail Uy wants to know: If you were forced to own only one piece of clothing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A classic little black dress.

What would question should I ask the next interviewer?

Which trend would you like to see disappear?

To see more of Dominique go to
http://lookbook.nu/user/98325-Dominique?category=fashion

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Krystle Uy


Krystle is a student in the Philippines who loves the performing arts. This young dancer is ready for world. Is the world ready for this girl though?

Tell me a little about yourself and where you live.
STUDIES: I’m a graduating student at the Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines. I took a luxury brand management course for a semester at Mod'Art International, Paris.
HOBBIES: I live, eat and breathe performing arts. I dance contemporary, jazz and modern ballet.
WORK: I am a contributor for the fashion and lifestyle segment of a national newspaper. I also do some modeling and styling occasionally.
PHILIPPINES: I grew up in Cebu City, but I’m studying in Manila. I’ve been here for four years, but I'm going back to my hometown in a few months to relax and take a break from the fast paced lifestyle. Manila is kind of like New York, and Cebu is
like Miami or California. :)

What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion is my form of self-expression. It dictates my mood for the day, and greatly influences everything I do. I want to be totally submerged in the industry!

How would you define your city's fashion?
Very casual and laid back, considering its a tropical country and wearing jeans means having sweat all over your legs! People usually wear dresses or short shorts to brave the weather. Only a few people really dress up in the Philippines.

What can’t you live without?
A bottle of water, my phone, my favorite denim shorts and my boyfriend!

What are your favorite shops and designers?
I'm going to shamelessly plug in my sister's store: WAGW, which stands for What A Girl Wants. (http://wagw.multiply.com) They only sell locally, but the shop has gained a lot of hype for international fashionistas. Aside from that, I usually get my clothes from Zara, H&M, and Topshop. My favorite designers? Gosh, too much to mention!

What is your favorite era of style?

50s and the 80s!

What’s on your playlist?
Everything that isn’t metal or punk.

Who's style do you admire?

Martine Cajucom , Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, Edie Sedgwick

What is your most cherished item?

My sapphire in 24k Gold ring that’s been passed down to me as a family heirloom.

What question should I ask the next person interviewed?
If you were forced to own only one piece of clothing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Célèste Brott wants to know: Who would play you in a movie about your life? This is a very difficult question! Probably someone in between Bridget Bardot and Ashley Olsen? Haha

To see more of Krystle Uy go to
http://lookbook.nu/user/52455-Kryz-U

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Célèste Brott


Célèste is a young woman living in Cleves with her boyfriend and cat. She writes a column for examiner.com

Tell me a little about yourself and where you live.
I'm 21 years old and I live in Cincinnati, Ohio. Well, technically in Cleves, which is a small town just west of the city. I live with my boyfriend and our cat. I go to school at the University of Cincinnati. I'm a senior creative writing major with a poetry focus. Fashion has always been a huge passion of mine. Since I'm a writer, my dream job would be to write about fashion for a magazine or website. Right now though, I'm writing a sex and relationships column for examiner.com. You can find it here: http://www.examiner.com/x-25008-Cincinnati-Sex-and-Relationships-Examiner

I used to be really into acting--I was even a dramatic performance major at a conservatory my freshman year--but I feel like writing is more suited to me because I can speak in my own voice instead of embodying another writers words. Lately, I've gotten into standup comedy, which is right up my ally because it involves performing things that I myself have written and because humor is something that's really important to me. I also keep a fairly regular blog of my ideas and activities at

What does fashion mean to you?
I like fashion because it's the point where are, beauty, and self expression meet. What you wear is important because it communicates to the world what kind of person you are, how you are feeling that day, and how you want people to see you. I think I may have initially gotten into fashion because, being of French origin, I felt like it was a part of my identity. I know that that's why I initially got into studying Ballet and French; I felt the need to live up to my French name, Célèste. I'm not really sure though, because I've love fashion for as long as I can remember. I used to make my own dress-up costumes when I was around six years old.

How would you define your city's fashion?
Well, Cincinnati doesn't have a reputation for being the most fashion forward city. It's no New York, LA, Paris, Milan, or Stockholm. However, it's got it's own charm and there are definitely some very fashion forward people and a fashion community here. My school has one of the top fashion design programs in the country, so while a lot of the people walking around my campus wear horrible sweats like on any other campus, there are others who wear their own designs and sport trends before they hit the mainstream. The majority of the city, though, is less fashion-conscious. People on the west side wear mostly high school hoodies, Bengal's jerseys and Old Navy jeans, while people on the east side wear mostly North Face fleece, leggings and Uggs. There's definitely a uniformed look that people fall into.

What can’t you live without?

Fashion-wise, I can't live with pairs and pairs of opaque black tights and a slew of self-knit scarves. In general, I can't live without my loved ones, books, the internet, or music.

What are your favorite shops and designers?
My favorite store by far is Anthropologie. They are quite expensive for my college-student lifestyle though, so--apart from the staple gift card I get every Christmas--I can usually only buy one or two things there a year. I shop at thrift stores a lot and in vintage and consignment stores. I alter a lot of the things that I find there. My mom only shops in thrift stores, so when I was about 10 and went in a department store for the first time, I was amazed to find that they carried the same item in several sizes. My mom loves to tell that story. There were times when I resented not wearing new clothes, especially during awkward puberty when I really wanted to fit in, but now it's a big part of my identity. Thrifty forces you to learn how to be creative and innovative with fashion. It also allows you to create a truly unique look. I was never one of the uniformed clones, because even when I went through a phase of wanting to be, I didn't have the resources to be. I do buy more new clothes now than when I lived at home. I love vintage, but I also love buying cutting-edge new stuff. I've discovered recently that a lot of my stuff is from Forever 21, even though they often don't design with big-chested girls in mind. I understand that they have to save on fabric to keep things cheap, but that's still annoying. I also shop at American Apparel when I can because I believe in their anti-sweatshop cause. Also, Topshop and Ebay are great for online shopping. We still don't have a Topshop in my area, but we did just get an H&M. I've liked both of them since I studied in Cambridge, England when I was 17.
As for designers, I am a huge fan of Coco Chanel as far as her historic significance is concerned. She's a real game changer and an original thinker and if Coco Avant Chanel doesn't win the Oscar for costume design, I'm going to picket. I love Givenchy, Chloé, and Anna Sui as well. It's all a bit of a mixed bag. I can appreciate a lot of different aesthetics. I rarely get tied down to one.

What is your favorite era of style?

My favorite is definitely the 1920s. I love it for aesthetic reasons as well as symbolic ones. Aesthetically, the silhouette, the drop-waist dress, the cloche hat: it's all amazing. But the symbolism is great too. The 1920s were a huge change for women. When women stopped wearing corsets and raised hemlines, their silhouettes changed entirely, and with them changed the idea of their sexuality. Instead of the hourglass shape (which was symbolic of fertility) being admired, now it was a woman's legs that took center stage. The changes in fashion allowed women to participate in sports and leisure activities more freely. They could actually dress themselves without help, so they were more self-sufficient and independent. Rather than being hourglasses, whose sexuality was based on the ability to bear children, these women were sexual and independent. The new silhouette tells the story of of the sexual liberation that was going on at that time.
My other favorite era of style is the early to mid 1960s, which coincidentally (or perhaps not) was also a time of sexual liberation. I love the Edie Sedwick look. I also love the beehives and the mini skirts and the go go boots. I really wish my mom had saved some of her clothes from that era for me.

What’s on your playlist?
My all-time favorite band is Dresden Dolls and my favorite artist is Regina Spektor. I do tend to get obsessed with certain songs and I make little playlists for each month full of the songs I'm obsessed with at the time. Some of my recent obsessions include "I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You" by Black Kids, "I Want You" by Fefe Dobson, "Cette chanson et pour vous" by Django Reinhardt, "Anthems For a Seventeen-Year-Old Girl" by Broken Social Scene, "Love in a Trashcan" by The Raveonettes, "Deux garsons pour une fille" by April March, and "Stay" by Lorene Scafaria.

Who's style do you admire?
There are a lot of girls on lookbook, whose style I am just in awe of. Some of my favorites follow:
http://lookbook.nu/user/15005-Claire-W
http://lookbook.nu/user/16660-Sushi-F
http://lookbook.nu/user/8465-Mimi-S
http://lookbook.nu/user/3372-Riikka-A
http://lookbook.nu/user/34296-Ann-N

What is your most cherished item?

The teddy bear that my brother gave me when I was one.

What question should I ask the next person interviewed?
Who would play them in a movie about their life?

Chelsea Whipps wants to know: If you were forced to wear one pattern (floral, stripes, polka dots, etc.) for the rest of your life, which would you choose, and why?: It would definitely be plaid. I have a strange plaid obsession that I can't really explain. I actually always wished that I went to a school where we had to wear uniforms, because I liked the plaid-skirted-school-girl look so much. Most people that I know who went to Catholic schools or other private schools with plaid uniforms hated them, but when I was an exchange student in Japan, I was surprised to find that the girls their loved their uniforms as much as I loved them. It's actually fashionable in Japan to wear your school uniform when you go out at night because Japanese culture values youth so much and wearing a school uniform is a trendy way to showcase that you young.

To see more of Célèste Brott go to
http://lookbook.nu/user/69935-C-l-ste-B?category=fashion

Monday, March 1, 2010

Chelsea Whipps


Chelsea is young aspiring designer who has dreams that we hope to achieve. She has some great outfits and a beautiful style.

Tell me a little about yourself and where you live.

My name is Chelsea, and I'm an alcoholic. Just joking. I'm 18 years old, and currently finished school and unemployed! This is a blessing and a curse because I miss making money, however I now have so much free time to sew, paint, and design! I live in St. Catharines, Ontario. I wish I could tell you about it, but I just moved here this month, from a small town called Orangeville (cute, eh?).

What does fashion mean to you?
Having a keen interest in fashion from a young age has just made fashion a lifestyle for me, as opposed to something I put thought into. Fashion to me is like my feet: an important part of me and something I would never want to live without.

How would you define your city's fashion?
As I mentioned earlier, I just moved here, but from what I've gathered, there are a small percentage of fashionable people. However, for the most part it is filled with boys and girls who either think that Hollister is God, or that New Balance running shoes are high fashion.

What can’t you live without?

My sewing machine. Even if I'm not making something that I plan on using, I am always down in the basement stitching pieces together and creating new things. Also, my Mac Book.. I'm a computer addict.

What are your favorite shops and designers?
Well, like I already said, I am unemployed. This means that I have found a new appreciation for window shopping. I shop at H&M the most, but I would say that my favorite designer is Marc Jacobs. I love the simplicity to his ready-to-wear collections and how he can go from designing outfits that completely blur traditional gender lines, to traditional chic dresses.

What is your favorite era of style?
The late 1950's to the early 1960's. The dresses that the women wore back then were so figure flattering, colorful, and beautifully made! Also, there is something so sexy to me about a boy with combed hair, wearing a 3 piece suit, and skinny tie!

What’s on your playlist?

Right now, the three bands I am listening to the most are The Black Lips, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, and the soundtrack to Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog! If you haven't seen the movie, I suggest renting it!

Who's style do you admire?
Zooey Deschanel. I (along with half the world) have a large crush on her for a number of reasons, the main one being her style. I love the cute and quirky way she dresses, and how she understands the fine line between sexy and looking like a stripper, and never crosses it.

What is your most cherished item?
A pair of vintage pair of suede boots, that belong to my mom, but I steal them often!

What would question should I ask the next interviewer?
If you were forced to wear one pattern (floral, stripes, polka dots, etc.) for the rest of your life, which would you choose, and why?

Julio Cesar wants to know: Would you ever pursue a career in fashion? And if so, what career would you choose? I actually am planning to pursue a career in fashion! I am going to school in September for fashion merchandising, but after than I am going to get a degree in fashion design!

To see more of Chelsea Whipps go to
http://lookbook.nu/user/82035-Chelsea-W?category=fashion