Jun 04
Noelle Smythe was hanging out in Wicker Park.
Can you tell me a bit about your hair?
My hair. Honestly it does this on its own. Right now, to prevent it from getting any bigger, I use this argan oil stuff that prevents it from frizz. But I use something different every time I run out of product, so it’s hard to keep track.
What are you looking forward to wearing this summer?
I’m looking forward to showing off the legs. Joining roller derby means show off them stems, girl! But then cover the bottom half up with an old pair of Doc Martens. Read the rest of this entry »
May 14
Accessory design instructor William Walton was arriving at The Walk, a SAIC student fashion show held at the Millennium Park.
What’s the first thing you teach your students?
To make bold design decisions. You must also be brave enough to take risks in fashion. Almost like jumping off a building and constructing your wings on the way down.
What’s the most important style lesson you have learned?
Vivienne Westwood said to me once at a party: “When in doubt… wear it all. It’s always better to be the life of the party, instead of a wallflower.”
What’s your approach to accessorizing?
“Wear what you mean!” is my motto. Fashion is a language. Accessories are the exclamation points in your conversation with style. Read the rest of this entry »
May 07
Artist Isabelle McGuire was photographed during Tavi Gevinson and Jonah Ansell’s “Cadaver” talk and film screening at the MCA.
Do you always opt for black and white?
I normally do wear black and white with red lipstick. I really enjoy the pop of color.
What look are you going for?
A spy/villain inspired look.
Where do you shop for clothes?
Normally thrift stores. Read the rest of this entry »
Apr 30
Ting Tifa Zhou (tifazhou.com) was showing her work, “My Voice Is Not Being Heard,” at the SAIC MFA 2013 show.
Your video installation translates voice into visual symbols. Inversely, if your clothes could talk, what would they say about you?
I think clothes are the reflection of who I am on that particular day as well as how I feel. I think they could function as a mirror to show the inside out. I tried to honestly match my emotions and mood with these clothes. Be appropriate and comfortable at the same time.
You’re interested in communication. How effectively do you think fashion can communicate an idea?
I think fashion is one of the most effective ways to communicate ideas. There are tons of possibilities in fashion, from color to style, even the scale of the clothes. And all the aspects could create different perspectives of taste and people. But somehow, fashion is also personal and intimate—different people might have different understandings. But the feeling of clothes is intuitively spread out at first glance. Read the rest of this entry »
Apr 16
Yarmani Hamilton was hanging out in Wicker Park.
What made you wear a turban?
I usually wear some kind of head accessory whether it is a hat, scarf, or turban. I wanted to wear my turban because the weather was not too cold, but not too hot, so I picked something that covered my ears. Fun fact: I made the turban by using a scarf and a stretchy rubber-band ring—one of my prized possessions.
Why fur in the spring?
Because I’m the kind of person that is… at times, late! And I tend to follow trends after the season’s over. And I’m in love with this vest.
Read the rest of this entry »
Apr 09
Gallerist Paul Melvin Hopkin (paul-is-slow.info) was at John Fluevog Shoes attending the Newcity Design 50 reception.
How does your art relate to what you wear?
I am interested in personal histories. I gather things that help me think about my past, my family background. The scarf I was wearing in the photo is a scarf I crocheted myself, and it is made from fabric I had used previously in an art installation. In its first life it was a shower curtain—the image was my translation of that moment in the “Wizard of Oz” where Toto pulls back the curtain and reveals the wizard to be a humbug. My version was a cinder-block shower stall. I crochet sometimes to keep me engaged in making processes when I am between other work. I have told many of my friends that the shoes are my version of a bridesmaid dress. I attended a friend’s wedding. Everybody in the wedding party was asked to wear something champagne gold. Read the rest of this entry »
Apr 02
Fashion student Megan Schuirmann was waiting in line for the Kim Gordon and White/Light concert at the MCA.
How do you like to compose your looks?
I have this template that consists of dresses with tights or leggings, long socks and some sort of boot. I don’t like many prints and prefer solids. I only wear flat shoes, since I am so tall and also have to walk a lot. Doc Martens have the lifetime warranty, so I consider them my favorite. I wear black and gray in an attempt to remain anonymous in Chicago. I rarely accessorize.
What are you looking forward to wearing this spring?
This spring I’ll be wearing a lot of sundresses with long-sleeve shirts underneath, or just oversized long men’s button-down dress shirts with more leggings and these chunky hand-me-down mary jane shoes. I like to be comfortable. Read the rest of this entry »
Mar 19
Coyote DeGroot from Labrabbit Optics (labrabbit.org) shares his view on eyewear. Read the rest of this entry »
