New York Style
design schools, boutiques, style mavens & the prestigious Fashion Week — New york City is still where “cool” resides.
It permeates to any of the distinct neighborhoods, where nyc’s inherent diversity, elements, and cultures collide and transform one another: From the Latin flavors of Harlem or the hipster revolution of Williamsburg, to the bohemian chic in Soho and the luxury class in Park Avenue. Richer or poorer, New Yorkers have, each of them, a unique sense of style and personality, like the city itself.
Options to dress and combine clothes and accessories are abundant: They go from 5 dollar t-shirts to hundreds of thousands for a dress or a pair of shoes.
However, some say style is not in the
“Some Say Style
money you have to spend, but in your own spirit — in the “vibe” you show off to the
Is Not in the
world when you stride down the streets.
Money You Have
Designers may construct the clothing that’s shown in fashion shows specifically for models of impossibly great bodies,
To Spend, but in Your Own Spirit, in the ‘Vibe’ You
made even better with the help of
Show Off to the
professional stylists, hair and make up artists, who will kill it on the runway under
World When
the beauty lights. But it’s the average
You Stride Down
customer, the every day New Yorker, who
The Streets.”
will ultimately pick some of those ideas, some of those clothes, make their own statements, and determine what’s “in” for their own fashion season.
With that in mind, I took to the streets to find regular New Yorkers who enjoy taking care of what they wear in their every day life, and I asked them to pose for me, wearing something that embodies who they are and that makes them feel good. I asked them what the idea of fashion means to them, and how they define their own style. —Sion Fullana
“I often feel that I have an old soul with old-world sensibilities to match. I am influenced by styles from a bygone era ranging from Johnny Cash to Mid-Century Modern designs.”
Tony Mendoza Art Director
Fashion, to me, is an extension of one’s personality. It’s a statement of who you are at that given moment. It’s how people will gauge and approach you. If your attire does not match nor complement your personality, you will never feel comfortable wearing it.
“I’m Between Glamor and Elegance. Sexy, Not Slutty.
Something You Can Transition from Day to Evening. Always Classy, Tasteful.”
Erica Lopez Fine dining / Fashion Illustration
To me, fashion is a form of self-expression. Without a word, I’m able to make personal statements with colors, prints, and fabric on a daily basis. Everything from the texture of my clothing to the shade of my lipstick to the tips of my nails will change depending on my mood. Every morning presents an opportunity to reinvent myself while making a fashion statement. I’m a clean canvas and style is a new painting I create, how can you not love fashion!
“I go for an eccentric look, ahead of my time. I stick with the classics and then my style becomes a classic, it never goes out of style.”
Natalie Cora Designer/Makeup artist
Fashion is a lifestyle for me, my lifestyle. It’s feeling it, living in it. I’m a fashion student.
“My fashion is mood-based. I dress how I feel in that moment, not a certain defined style. I’m inspired by high fashion, a more avant-garde look, less plain Joe, never want to be boring.
Inspirations are European and Japanese designers. I think they take higher risks with menswear fashion. I like the clothes to have a story.”
Mazen Zayn Stylist
I’ve been modeling since I was 17, that’s why I came to NY. I’ve modeled in Europe. It got me into fashion. I work for GQ and style for Top Man. That’s how I got into the industry.
“I’m from uptown and I work downtown, it’s kind of “home boy meets downtown.” I call it, “Uptown Chic.” Sneakers and baseball caps are my favorite elements.”
John Alfred Make up artist
It’s a personal style. You don’t have to wear designers. Whatever you wear has to make you feel good. If it does, and it’s your personality, then it’s good.
“My Style Is Feminine, with a Bit of an Edge. I Like Color...
Neutral Is My Black in a City That Overuses It!”
Nicola Blount Public Relations expert
It’s a form of self-expression. I used to work in fashion years ago, so I still follow it and try to do my own thing within what’s “cool.” I like to dress up and look pretty. It’s fun!
“My style is a bit rock and roll inspired, with a bit of my own personal artistic spin. As a painter, I like to put my own touch in my accessorizing, painting elements like shoes, bracelets or beads.”
Franck de las Mercedes Visual artist and activist of sorts
It’s a celebration of life and personality. People wear something because they like it, and want to feel good in it.
“One word to describe my style...versatile. I feel comfortable in a pair of rugged jeans and sneakers, and dolled up in a cocktail dress. An absolute must in my wardrobe are accessories. A statement necklace, colorful shoes, or funky glasses are what makes the simplest outfit pop.”
Noilyn Mendoza Health Policy Advocate
To me fashion is about “fit,” in every sense of the word. Does the look embody this individual’s personality? Is the cut flattering? No matter how exquisite a garment, if it doesn’t bring out the best in a person they will never feel confident. Confidence is something that will always be fashionable and timeless!
