“Man, the living creature, the creating individual, is always more important than any established style or system.” – Bruce Lee
Who would have thought Bruce Lee, late martial arts master, would understand perseonal style so much? This takes us to the ultimate question in Chictopia, "What makes a Chictopian fellow Style Icon?
In today’s interview, we have MichelleYue, a fabulous Texan native known for her minimalistic yet rambunctious looks, landing her as one of our earlier Chictopia Style Icons. Let’s see what this gal has on her plate right now and have her dish out some juicy details about her style!
_________________________________________
MichelleYue is known as Michelle, 21 years old, Student.
Blog: missnonhuman.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/missnonhuman/
Tumblr: http://missnonhuman.tumblr.com/*
Location: Houston, TX (USA)
Favorite quotes:
1. “‘Who are you?’ And she, without a moment’s hesitation: ‘I am the soul in limbo.’” – “Nada” by Andre Breton
2. “Of all passions, that which is least known to ourselves is indolence: it is the most ardent and malignant of them all, although its violence may be insensible, and the injuries it causes may be hidden; if we will consider its power attentively, we will see that it makes itself, upon all customs, mistress of our sentiments, of our interests, and of our pleasures; it is the anchor, which has the power to arrest the largest vessels; it is a calm more dangerous to the most important affairs than rocks and the worst tempest. The repose of indolence is a secret charm of the soul which suddenly stops the most ardent pursuits and the firmest resolutions; finally to give the true idea of this passion, one must say that indolence is like a beatitude of the soul which consoles it for all its losses and takes the place of all its possessions.” – “Psychology of the Unconscious” by Carl Jung
3. “You came into this world as a radiant bundle of exuberant riddles. You slipped into this dimension as a shimmering burst of spiral hallelujahs. You blasted into this realm as a lush explosion of ecstatic gratitude. And it is your birthright to fulfill those promises.” – Freewillastrology.com
How did you find out about Chictopia? And why did you choose this as one of your “fashion outlets”?
I discovered Chictopia when Lulu first started blogging for EverybodyIsUgly. I didn’t feel confident enough in starting my own blog so I felt that joining a community, getting some feedback, and learning from other people would be beneficial.
How would you describe your style?
I’d say it’s eclectic: I’ll put on all black with leather accessories, wear it for a few hours, then switch into a bright, floral dress. I will say that I do prefer dark, chunky, punk-looking footwear more than 90% of the time.
I noticed you mainly wear dark colours with a subtle pop of colour occasionally. What exactly has influenced your current style?
I think that being in art classes my entire life has influenced my style more than magazines. We are taught to place emphasis on contrast to bring out a focal point, and this is what I usually do when I have an item I really like. Also, considering I live in Houston, which is wretchedly hot and humid, I tend to wear less jewelry and less layers in general.
What current fashion faux-pas have just made you cringed?
There’s really no such thing as a fashion faux-pas in my mind, but I do think that girls should be more open to exploring different elements of fashion. Of course, exploration can go awry, but that’s the beauty in finding new inspiration. I dislike seeing the same item, over and over again, on countless blogs. That bores me.
What three to four staple items that every Chictopian should have in their closet?
A good, no, GREAT-fitting pair of black skinny jeans, flat black lace-up boots, an interesting, versatile jacket that adheres to your personal style, and one ridiculous accessory that is yours and yours only (meaning it’s rare and not just a trendy, disposable item).
Being one of the earlier “Chictopia’s Style Icons” must have its perks! Has anything changed since being a “Style Icon”?
It definitely has! It gave me the courage to start my own blog and I feel like I’ve met a lot of great girls online since I joined Chictopia. I am sure that some of the people I’ve talked to online found me through Chictopia first.
Can you give us a low down of what your fashion blog is about?
My fashion blog is the same as most other personal fashion blogs – photos of what I wear. I like to throw in artwork occasionally because that is a huge part of my life as well.
Are you currently working in the fashion field? If not, what are you doing now – and would you like to work in the fashion-related field?
I do not work in the fashion field, I am an undergrad art history student who has random jobs here and there. My dream is to open an art gallery. I do not have any interest in joining the fashion field, except for maybe designing a few pieces of my own eventually.
In the fashion world, you can easily be ousted, like John Galliano being fired from acclaimed brand, Dior. How do you feel about his rants? Do you think Dior could have looked past his comments?
This is precisely why I would never want to be in a position like John Galliano in the first place. I think that his comments are inappropriate and vulgar, but even Karl Lagerfeld said “No one wants to see curvy women.” This is just as rude and vulgar but with less curse words. People need to stop putting designers, or any celebrity, on pedestals. I agree with Dior firing him simply for publicity, because it would make people uncomfortable if he remained, and no one would shop there anymore. But if Galliano were nameless and faceless, he could probably join a Neo-Nazi group, slur out racist remarks every night at bars all over Europe, and still be designing for Dior - it’s all just media feeding society delicious drama. The truth is: every dark thought that is uttered by a man has been secretly thought by millions of others.
YSL once said, “Fashion fades; style is eternal.” What kinds of tips would you recommend to other Chictopians who want to stay true to their style yet become a “ChictopiaStyle Icon” at the same time?
Know what other people like, add to it, and more importantly: know what you like. Don’t be swayed by designer brands but quality. And explore! Colors, textures, shapes, everything. Fashion makes the body a canvas and the things placed on it the paint.
Lastly, if you were stranded on a desert island, what five items would you take with you?
A swiss army knife, a lighter, some sort of island survival book, a copy of Lirael by Garth Nix, and a super comfy romper.
_________________________________________
Remember to check out EverybodyIsUgly on Twitter for updates!
- Crystal
Blog: http://watermoolen.xanga.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/watermoolen/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/watermoolen/
