So introduce yourself.
My name is Stephanie Zhou, age 15. I will be a sophomore next year at Lynbrook High.
Where do you live? In a totally non-creepy, unstalkerish way.
San Jose. Really, the rumors are true; the place is packed with asians.
How would you say the area influences you?
Well, since I don’t live in the ghetto of San Jose (saying this in a completely unoffensive way), there’s not a lot of crime, bullying, and such going on so I feel it’s safe to just wear whatever I want to. I don’t feel threatened that there’s something wrong with just being me and that reflects in what I do and what I wear.
SHINee, the band known for their cute faces, hot threads, and rocking vocals.
What are your style influences in general? I’m influenced from overseas media, such as Korean or Japanese idols. For example, I really like the SHINee trend, but don’t wear it as often because the bright colors tend to make me look darker than I actually am. So I shop at international stores.
Any influences from TV, other cultures, your friends or family?
Like I said, I wear a typical asian trend. Frankly, I don’t care about brands; if I like it, I’ll buy it. Even if it’s from a thrift store, that’s fine by me. I try not to be influenced too much by other people; they can wear what they want to wear, and I’ll wear what I want to wear.
Who would be your personal style icons?
I don’t particularly like to dress extremely girly-girl, so a lot of guy groups, actually, are my style icons, such as SHINee and SS501. Hmmm but my one style icon would probably be Bae Seul Ki from Break for casual stuff, and Tiffany from So Nyuh Shi Dae (SNSD) for when I’m feeling girlier.
Ba Seul Ki modelling outfits from BomRiche and more.
How would you describe your own style?
Asian? (laughs) Very asian. I like to think I dress in a way that’s unique from everyone else. If I wear a sweatshirt, it’ll probably be either really big, or cut in some unique way. I don’t really like the fitted sweatshirts. I like to dress in a way so it’s obvious I’m a girl, but only with a tougher air.
Sailor girl cosplay from the girls of SNSD.
How would you describe your own style?
Asian? (laughs) Very asian. I like to think I dress in a way that’s unique from everyone else. If I wear a sweatshirt, it’ll probably be either really big, or cut in some unique way. I don’t really like the fitted sweatshirts. I like to dress in a way so it’s obvious I’m a girl, but only with a tougher air.
Where do you usually find yourself shopping? Why?
H&M, Charlotte Russe, or Wet Seal. They have some pretty unique stuff that I really go for.
The boys of SHINee being their usual mature selves in a promotional photo shoot.
How do you think fashion relates to other aspects of society?
Fashion, if you’re good enough at it, can start to set up a character for you. Like, people might know you FOR the way you dress. I believe what you wear builds character; even if people don’t know your name, they’ll still recognize you.
Tiffany from SNSD in a sweets-themed photoshoot.
Why do you think fashion matters?
It’s a way to become an individual. I’m not a conformist. Really, I don’t care about the current trends. If I like it, I’ll wear it; if it’s popular, great. But that’s not the main reason why I buy clothes. I think fashion is part of what makes [someone] an individual.
[photo cred: soompi, popseoul, yeinjee.]
- CG
