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.

Kandy Muse (@thekandymuse)

Song: "Into You" by Ariana Grande

I think this song fully represents me 100%! "Into You" is such an iconic song and sometimes you might forget the song even ever existed, but the second it comes on you're reminded why it's the song of our generation. In a sense, just like me, I'm an icon and sometimes you'll forget that but then you see me in the flesh and you're reminded of how much of an icon I truly am.

Zodiac: Double Scorpio

I'm a HUGE believer in zodiac signs, and I am the truest example of a double Scorpio you'll ever meet and it really shows in my looks, if that makes sense. I just don't give a shit, if I like it I'll wear it, but there's always going to be a sexy and mysterious side to it.

Era of Lady Gaga: A Star Is Born

Right before the year of A Star Is Born, Gaga wasn't really making any noise. But when the movie and soundtrack came out she STORMED the award season, and just like me sometimes I go missing in the drag scene, but when I pop up out of nowhere the girls are gagging for dear life!

@thekandymuse

Photography: Nicholas Needham

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