Who and What Follows What and Who? Part ll

           As a continuation to the previous post, anyone’s fashion style may be similar to another person’s style, but that doesn’t mean you are the same person.  Just like my cousin Ria that I interviewed, her style of dress reminds me much like Coco Chanel’s designs and her look.  My cousin does not wear much of fashion designer apparel nor does she even follow what is the latest piece they design, but the way she dresses looks like she is up to date with what’s in or new to the fashion industry.  

Chanel in her early years often borrowed clothes of her lovers: white shirts, ties, coats.  Later she made it one of the fundamental principles of her art: adapting the elements of male attire for feminine use.  This reminds me of Ria because growing up with her she would somewhat dress up like a boy when we were young and now as we got older, she sort of incorporates her wardrobe with what Chanel did with the whole male attire.  Ria can pull off wearing a loose collar button up from a males attire and still dress it up as a woman with clothing that fits and looks well with what she has.  She doesn’t wear hats or pearl accessories like Channel, but only throws on accessories when needed or if that certain accessory had a meaning behind it. 

           Ria’s style reminds me of Chanel’s looks because they both have that vintage display, even though the way Ria dresses falls more towards the urban vintage look as a young adult.  In my opinion I wouldn’t say she’s much of a follower.  But as far as her dress appearance looks, her interests or influences are through being surrounded by her friends, shopping with her sister, and working in the city of San Francisco where you see many people dressed all differently.  Ria is the type of person who you rarely see shop for jeans or jackets/coats.  She’ll always wear what she has in her closet and just mix and match her clothing with something different every time.  Ria has her own original trend that creates her own identification.  Wearing her black oxfords, sandals, suede laced up booties, or lace up boots with a pair of sheer stockings, shorts or a fitted skirt, a nice blouse, and a blazer is something she would wear to finish up an outfit.  Or sometimes for a casual look she’ll probably throw on some leggings, a shirt, and a jean jacket.  Ria wears clothes that make her feel comfortable and bring out her personality as a chill, friendly person.