23 NYC Creatives Break Down Their Style for PAPER
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23 NYC Creatives Break Down Their Style for PAPER

Story by Jael Goldfine / Photography by Nicholas Needham

Fashion week is as good a time as any to ask: how do we create and define personal style? Is there even such thing, when every image is prismatically shared across the internet, subcultures are gobbled up by the mainstream at a carnivorous pace, we rely on whistleblowers like @dietprada to call out constant copycatting, and it feels like everything's been done before?

We'll be honest: we're fashion optimists. This year's NYFW has already seen a number of powerful and original statements. But beyond the fashion industry, everyday folks architect magnificent styles of their own, using their simply imagination and resourcefulness.

Related | Pyer Moss Put On the Biggest, Most Powerful Show at NYFW

To celebrate this fashion week, we asked 23 creatives who live here in New York City to explain their style to us, all of whom Nicholas Needham captured at Pier 59 Studios. To avoid the typical, long hyphenated chains that follow "how would you define your style," participants had the choice of using a Lana Del Rey lyric, a Zodiac sign, a period of Lady Gaga's career, a movie and a drink to decipher their looks.

Richie Moo (@richiemoo) and Efram Amaral (@___effyvulgar)

  

Richie Moo (Left)

Cocktail: Chocolate Martini

Movie: Anything Hayao Miyazaki creates

Lady Gaga Era: The Fame Monster

I would describe my style as a progressive story, where I learned to love and accept my fears without losing the child inside of me. Effortlessly gender-fluid, but I put a lot of work to look great for myself. I always seek for balance between my reference and mentors as they've projected a keen ease through their wardrobe and to me that's the chicest thing ever.

@richiemoo

Efram Amaral

Song title: "My Own Summer (Shove It)" by Deftones

Movie: Point Break

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

What does being a Pisces have to do with my personal style? It's that I dress and move towards the current of my own song. For me, movement is key. I want to feel like I can glide with the same effortlessness I can stomp through a crowded street in whatever I'm wearing.

@___effyvulgar

Photography: Nicholas Needham

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