Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Interview with Tommie X

 Tommie X is a stylist and fashion blogger in Sweden. He works with stars like Rebecca & Fiona and Little Jinder. Tommie has also directed music videos for Rebecca & Fiona alongside Josefin Hinders and Laerke Herthoni. In addition to his styling and directing, Tommie also has a line of clothes called Faggot Apparel. 
You can check out his blog here: http://bon.se/blogs/tommie-x/
When you style for people, how do you keep their style present, and how do you mix it with yours? 
I think it’s something that happens naturally. I work mostly with artists, that’s like a long term relationship. I almost never do editorials or ad work. So it’s always like a conversation or an ongoing quest. Most people contact me because they like my style. 
What is your favorite project that you’ve worked on?
The ad campaign for Rebecca & Fiona’s new album. We spent all the money towards the album to put up posters of crossed out swastikas instead of information or pictures of the new album. It’s nice to use your visibility as a popstar to promote a political message.
What are you most proud of contributing to?
I’m of course really proud of every video I’ve done for Rebecca & Fiona. 
You’ve also directed some videos, and in videos like Holler, the clothing is really connected to the story, do you think that your stylistic eye gives you an advantage when it comes to directing? 
I think so. I had no desire to be a video director. But working so close with Rebecca & Fiona we felt so unhappy with how the videos turned out. Because we would always try to have a say in the style and things like that. But that never happened because those directors had their own vision. But when we work now in our internal group, we make sure that everything we spend a lot of time on is visible in the video. But the most important thing is how they look in it because it’s meant to be a visual for the song. The nail technician used to sit by the coffee table, and not be allowed to have a say, but we listen to all opinions. 
What are similarities and differences between directing and styling?
Directing something is a lot more responsibly, because you have to keep so much in mind and have all these checklists. If you style something that’s the only thing you have to focus on. Direction is like, you have to work with the producer, you have to work with someone who edits. 
You wear many hats and you also design clothes, what was the inspiration behind your Faggot Apparel line?
I don't have any designer dreams either, but I felt I had to do something with those [civil rights] laws in Russia. We thought we should print one sweater and sell it, but it became something bigger. We are designing something for the summer, but we don’t want to do seasons. We want to do things when we want to do them. 
We always joke about hating fashion, but we both have fashion blogs. Do you think your job is more centered around style than fashion? What does style mean to you and what does fashion mean to you? 
I don’t know any trends. I look at things that I’m interested in, like guys wearing skirts and crop tops. I don’t care about like, “Oh this color for spring.” In a way fashion is really inspiring, if you focus on the things in fashion that you are interested in.
Do you think that styling should be organic? Do you feel external pressure when you’re styling, and do you ever feel forced? 
Sometimes with Rebecca & Fiona it can feel forced, like when we do photo shoots with Adidas because sometimes we can only use that brand. Buffalos have become so much of their style that it’s hard to work without them. But I know that they would personally never wear an outfit that is the same brand from head to toe. 
Does your personal relationship with people effect how you style them?
For me it feels really important that the way they look, they’re happy with. If people don’t like what I suggest, I rethink. I always give up the minute I realize someone is uncomfortable. I think everything is pretty if you have the right mood and vibe. 
What is your favorite thing about your job? 
I don’t know. I don’t like it a lot when I have a camera in my face, but I know that I feel happy when something that I do has a lot of success. It’s fun to be a part of something that you can stand behind 100%. Sometimes I work with artists who are way more commercial and that’s not as fun. 

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

R&F's Jewelry Extravaganza






Working with Tommie X designing these necklaces for Rebecca & Fiona was a really fun experience for me. It was stressful, and Tommie and I had been working for three months before we finally got the designs finalized and everything else. It was a bit stressful at times. But these necklaces are so cool!

Necklaces from imyourpresent.etsy.com

Monday, April 21, 2014

Interview Story

Conducting my interview was really fun. I got a great insight to how people felt about style and fashion. The difference of opinions was really interesting to me. I called up some of my friends that I thought were stylish, because I wanted to hear their opinions on things that I had curiosities about. I wanted to take the interviews in people's rooms and work with their time of day, because I feel like it gave an accurate representation of each person. It was interesting to get this insight.

Outfit of the Day

I'm a black person. Well...of course I'm not a black person. But I'm a black PERSON. Does that make sense? No? It doesn't really to me either. I wear a lot of black, okay? I was trying to say that in the least direct way. Wearing black isn't a bad habit, but it's nice to break it up. I decided to change my color scheme completely and wear a bright yellow, highlighter type blazer and a denim tank top. A nice way to start off the warm spring weather. 

Blazer: Gap
Tank: Free People
Leggings: Walmart
Boots: Secondhand

Monday, April 14, 2014

Details



Sometimes the most important part of an outfit is in the small, or not so small details. I'm not usually one for jewelry, because I think it's really plain. This necklace was made for me by my friend Eric, and I think it's amazing. I love it so much. It's something really fresh and different, and it's recycled. See, who says sustainability is hard?  It's nice to be different, and have something really unique. Think outside the box when it comes to your style. Sometimes the most weird ideas can make some of the coolest pieces! 

Tie-DyeCereal Fashion Interview



I interviewed a few of my friends to get their opinions on fashion and style, and get an insight to their fashion inspirations.

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Style Icon of the Week


Of course I have to mention Robyn when I'm talking about style. Style and fashion are two different things, so while Robyn may not be wearing designer gowns on the red carpet, this girl definitely has style. The thing I love most about Robyn is that she's real, and she makes everything her own. That's the type of role model that people want and need. Someone who is careless, and does what they want. Most people that are in the spotlight care a lot about labels and looking a certain way, being conformists. Robyn really is carefree and has a definite style. That's something really special, and it should be an example for everyone. Don't worry about how other people want you to look, find what works for you and what you like. 

Outfit of the Day


One thing I've noticed about style is that everyone feels like they need to have a certain style that they can never break away from. It's almost like people think they get married to a certain style and can't cheat on it. That shouldn't be the case. Today I'm wearing Vans that I bought on Friday, and before I bought them I said to myself, "Wow, I can't believe I, the Buffalo wearer, am buying Vans." But I really like them, so why should it matter? Style doesn't have to remain constant day to day, and if you see something that you like, that makes it your style. It's not your style because someone else says it is, it's not your style because it looks like a million other things you own, it's your style because you like what you're wearing and you feel good in it. Fashion should reflect how you feel every day, and no one feels the same every day. So take a challenge and pick something that you like off a rack that may not fit with your style. What's the worst thing that can happen, you'll feel bad about yourself for wearing something you like? Doesn't sound that bad to me. 

Top: Daydreamer LA
Jeans: BDG
Necklace: Old Navy
Shoes: Vans
Glasses: Prada

Monday, April 7, 2014

Outfit of the Day


Today is the day. I decided that I'm going to start dressing up. But dressing up doesn't always mean sacrificing comfort. I used to think that dressing up meant wearing high heels and uncomfortable pants. But that isn't what it takes to look nice. The main thing is to have a look and stick to it. Own it. The shoes I am wearing are called Buffalos, the pair that I'm wearing is vintage, and they're honestly the most comfortable shoes that I own. But the thing about bold shoes like these is that your main accessory has to be confidence. If you don't wear your look with confidence, no one is going to think you look fierce.

Shoes: Buffalos
Leggings: Walmart
Vest: H&M
Top: Minx Cube Top

Haircut


Haircuts suck most of the time. Hair can really make or break a look, and most people are scared of going into the chair. I always get nervous to get a haircut. And this time was no exception. I sat in the chair for a total of four hours, and when I left my hair was grey, and I was in tears. Nothing could make me feel better. I sat and looked in the mirror, trying to convince myself that it was high fashion. It wasn't until I finally did my hair myself that I realized that it was kind of high fashion and Anna Wintour-esque. Bobs and bangs are super in. So while it might be scary, if you're willing to chop off your locks, do it. Be a fashion risk taker.