Quad Style: Lynn Chong
Lynn is a first year at the College hailing from Seoul, South Korea with plans of studying Political Science and Theater. Currently, she's involved in prop design at University Theater for Peter and the Starcatcher!
Lynn is wearing a baker boy hat from a small Irish store in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a blue sweater from Zara, a cardigan from Madewell that she thrifted, and Aldo boots. Her coat was a present from her mom while her skirt comes from her mom's closet.
Where do you find style inspiration?
My style inspiration usually comes from movie or TV shows. I understand this sounds quite shallow but I think costume design is design for a reason. The clothes the characters wear are very representative of their persona, and once I fall in love with these characters I often imitate their style to embody who they are. It's like a game, and a pretty addictive one too, being able to implement aspects of someone you admire into yourself through a simple pairing of earrings or mustard socks instead of sunshine yellow.
Who are some people you look up to/admire in the fashion industry?
I deeply admire the Korean indie band Hyukoh's lead singer, Oh Hyuk for his alternative stylistic choices. Being surrounded by the relatively conformist culture of k-pop, Oh Hyuk is very conspicuous with his skinhead hairstyle, and androgynous clothes. However, I refuse to label his fashion as courageous because he treats it as an obvious, simple act of self-expression. He wears what he wants without any hesitation nor pride, and this inspires me to do the same. With this mindset, there's a lot less pressure in expressing yourself through fashion.
Where do you like to shop?
I'm a huge fan of over-sized, 90s cuts, which is very abundant in thrift stores and my parent's closets.
What was your relationship to fashion like when you were younger and how is it now?
Bags are my favorite accessories to buy and wear, and this was evident since my childhood. I remember always stealing my mom's purses and trying to smuggle them into school (and of course failing every time). As I grew older and started to receive allowance, I often saved up to buy bags that I would only dream of until then, and to this day, my bags are some of my most prized possessions.
I refuse to label his fashion as courageous because he treats it as an obvious, simple act of self-expression. He wears what he wants without any hesitation nor pride, and this inspires me to do the same. With this mindset, there's a lot less pressure in expressing yourself through fashion.
All images courtesy of Amy Tian.
