NATASHA ALIA, 22, FASHION DESIGNER + FASHION/PHYSICS STUDENT, UNITED STATES
NATASHA’S STYLE: The easiest way to describe my style is feminine, but not in the cutesy, girlish sense, although I have (too often) been compared to a doll. I love dresses that have full skirts with provocative details like cut-outs, plunging backs, gold metal zippers and (perfectly on trend) studs and embellishments. I don’t have a signature piece, but my trademark would definitely be florals.
INSPIRATION: Creating stories - in terms of fashion, the idea of what setting or mood I create with a particular outfit, or what that outfit reveals about me to the outside world and how I can control that impression by choosing particular garments. If one day I want to appear dark and moody, the next day as an artsy student or an elegant businesswoman - the possibilities are inspiring.
WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE? Well, I know I don’t consider myself a person who has one of the - as Vladimir Nabokov called it - “ready-made souls in plastic bags.” I suppose people are always surprised when they discover I study physics, or that I take part in conservation work for cheetahs, or that I routinely do my best to rescue stray animals in India whenever I travel there. I would say these things make me “unique”, or at the very least separate me from the majority of fashion designers.
FEAR FACTOR: I fear that I won’t be able to fulfill my expectations, that I won’t be able to do something truly remarkable for animals or humanity, or all of those people who undergo unnecessary and inhumane suffering. And I am terrified of fire - I can barely light a matchstick.
STYLE EVOLVING OVER THE YEARS: I would suspect that in the coming years my style may become more refined, though I’m not sure if I can pull away from mini lengths. The biggest influence in style is age, in my opinion, even though that is and is not a good thing. I don’t want to feel pressured to dress more conservatively, but I understand that strutting around in hot pants at the age of 30 might not be the most suitable.
WHAT ROLE DOES SOCIAL MEDIA PLAY IN YOUR LIFE? Blogs are always a source of influence - to see how other women pair certain items, and how they appear as a result. Sometimes, I discover great treasures through a blogger’s tips about brands or boutiques. I don’t use Tumblr, Instagram, Twitter or Facebook that often, though.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT WEARING THIS SPRING? I know what I’m looking forward to not wearing - tights and coats. But I’m most excited to wear hot shorts and floral mini dresses with ankle-strap pumps.
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