FASHION-FORWARD: INDY’S MOST STYLISH

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

JAY GOLDZ & LEO SOYFER

CREATIVE DIRECTION BY

POLINA OSHEROV

FASHION FOR WARD

WORDS BY

JULIAN J. JONES

Jjanga

Willie

WILLIE VIVARETTE

What do you do for a living?

I am an investor and fashion designer.

How would you describe your style?

My style is out of the box. I love putting different patterns, colors and textures together. Fashion is about breaking the rules. I grew up not having much but I always admired people that dressed nice.

Tell us about your outfit.

Hat: Keith and James Bow tie: Viverette Ties Blazer: I.N.C. Belt: MCM Shoes: Giuseppe

Do you believe in following trends?

I do not follow trends. If everyone is doing it, I want to be different. I would consider myself a trend setter. Be different. I wasn’t born to fit in. I was born to stand out.

Who is your favorite fashion designer?

Gucci. This brands really stand out to me.

What does the word “FASHION” mean to you?

Fashion means life. When I look good, I feel good. Fashion is like the universe. Infinite.

Who is your favorite stylist?

Dapper Dan is my favorite because he has put in a lot of work. His grind has been consistent and he never gave up. I feel that he paved the way for me and others like me.

Where do you shop?

I shop at Saks, Macy’s and H&M. Also I find a lot of great things online. I love shopping when I go to Paris and London because I can find great pieces.

If you had your own fashion brand, what celebrity model would open for your fashion show?

I would want Floyd Mayweather and Diddy rocking the Viverette Tie. I feel they would help me get the message across to the masses.

How was your style affected by the pandemic?

It wasn’t. My swag is unaffected no matter the weather. I quit school because of recess. If you see me in the forest fighting a bear, don’t help me.

People tend to connect music with fashion, why do you think this is? What is your connection?

Music drives the fashion in most places. If the right hip hop artist wears your brand, they can accelerate it. Music is always changing also so that causes fashion to change.

JJANGA HORNE

What do you do for a living?

I’m a mother of two kids and three pups, I was a dancer, hair stylist, and I currently model and do lash extensions part time!

How would you describe your style?

I love to incorporate yin and yang with my style. Dressy with casual, leisure with gowns, bold with muted!

Tell us about your outfit.

I actually borrowed my boyfriend's COOGI sweater and wore it over the Jay Godfrey gown and my Thousand Fells sneakers.

Do you believe in following trends?

I like to take from trends but I suck at following all of them because it becomes so repetitive and I like to not be like everyone else when I leave my house.

Who is your favorite fashion designer and why?

Vivianne Westwood for her unique boldness and fun designs.

How was your style affected by the pandemic?

It actually emboldened my style. I used to take for granted each day I had the chance to wear something fun and different. Once quarantine began and we weren’t allowed to really go out it made me realize how often I neglected my own personal style. What is your perspective of the fashion style here in the midwest? I wish more people would branch out from wearing what one influencer in Carmel wears and stop shopping at sporting goods for their “fashion.” A wide brimmed hat is overused and tan knee high boots with a North Face vest Jjanga can only be worn so much!

Do you have any favorite fashion campaigns?

I love seeing body inclusiveness, it’s so important! The fashion industry has been toxic for mental and physical health for too long. Its supremest behavior towards one specific body type is coming to an end and I love it. I’m honestly obsessed with Aerie lingerie campaigns. The inclusiveness is amazing to see.

DEBBIE RUIZ

What do you do for a living?

Associate Buyer + E-commerce Entrepreneur

How would you describe your style?

I would describe my style as street style mixed with chic, grunge and vintage, depending on the day. I love to experiment with different styles of clothing, so sometimes it can be hard to really pinpoint what my exact style is. I do love oversized and flowy clothing, especially with being tall, I think it suits my long legs the best.

Tell us about your outfit.

My dress is actually from Shein.com. I'm currently trying to experiment with different dress styles and that website is perfect for those on a budget. I'm not much of a dress gal (which my mom hates! Haha!), but this one is very up my lane! My sneakers are the Nike Shox TL that I got from my job for thirty bucks! When I saw that Shox were becoming a thing again, especially in the TL version, I had to immediately get on that! I remember wanting a pair as a kid and my parents didn't have the funds to buy them, so wearing these gives me a bit of nostalgia. Gold jewelry is something I cannot go a day without, even while working from home! My pieces are either from Mejuri/Etsy shops and one of my chains my parents gifted to me as a kid. I think it's very important to invest in fine jewelry, because one day I will pass it on to my kids/ grandkids and the value always increases with these items.

Do you believe in following trends?

I find that following fashion trends can be fun and can push the envelope with your personal style. I do believe that you need to individualize the more trendy items in your wardrobe. When it comes to sneaker trends, I used to buy anything that was a good price and trendy. Now, I only buy sneakers I genuinely love that happen to be trendy and right now I have no intentions of selling or donating them.

Where do you shop?

I pretty much shop at all the main stores you see on social media: ASOS, Zara, Shein, Missguided, Pretty Little Thing, Bershka and the list goes on. I do love thrifting and going to vintage stores to finish off my outfits with a special little touch. I either go on Depop, or to Poshmark, Zodiac Vintage, Vintage Kulture, Salvation Army and any Goodwill around the city.

What is your definition of “ART”? And how do you see art in connection with fashion?

To me art is anything you find beauty in, everyone’s definition should be something different. I do find myself being attracted to art that relates to my sense of style. I absolutely love a minimalist art moment, but I also love eclectic art with more subtle hues, which also coincides with my style.

Debbie

Erica

ERICA SCOTT

What do you do for a living?

Owner of vintage boutique, Fly’s Nest.

How would you describe your style?

Eccentric, bold, colorful, one of a kind!

Tell us about your outfit.

I'm wearing a vintage Ann Taylor Blazer, vintage Chaus Blouse and vintage Eters & Ashley skirt. Shoes are newest Jordan x Aleali May Califia Zoom Comfort.

Who is your favorite fashion designer and why?

I love most vintage Chaus pieces. They fit my style and are usually a bold print or have some other statement. And they fit my body well.

Who is your favorite stylist?

My favorite stylist right now is Shionat Turini. She has styled a lot of my favorite black celebrities like Tracee Ellis Ross, Issa Rae and Solange. She's not afraid of color and drama!

Where do you shop?

I'm a die hard thrifter and Goodwill is by far my favorite. Mostly because they are conveniently located and have many discount days and constantly stock the racks.

If you had your own fashion brand, what celebrity model would open for your fashion show?

Probably Issa Rae! I love her style and the platform she has created for black women. I feel most represented by her and her brand. A close second would be Carrie Bradshaw!

How was your style affected by the pandemic?

I leaned into comfort more and became a “sneakerhead.” I now own more sneakers than heels which was unfathomable before. Love dressing up sneakers and I feel they’ve elevated my style. I also became OBSESSED with luxe loungewear like vintage silk, satin and nylons. Which I also like to layer as outerwear.

What is your perspective of the fashion style here in the Midwest?

Trendy. Which is why I encourage people to create and build their own unique style. Don’t let trends overshadow your personal style.

What is your definition of “ART”? And how do you see art in connection with fashion?

ART is creating. Anything creative I view as art. Outfits are something we create daily.

Kiarra

KIARRA LOGAN

What do you do for a living?

I’m a fashion stylist.

How would you describe your style?

Street meets chic. A cool Mom!

Tell us about your outfit.

I am wearing a vintage, leather blazer from one of my favorite vintage shops on Washington street. The owner is an amazing person and always finds/reworks the best pieces. My belt is one of my DREAM pieces. A vintage Chanel chain belt from the '90s. I had searched for it for years and waited until the time was right to add it to my closet. My shoes are Bottega Veneta. They are one of the "it" brands for shoes this season.

Do you believe in following trends?

I think trying trends can be fun! If I am trying a trend or exploring something new with my style, I try not to spend a ton on it. I would definitely look for a vintage option first. I always believe in exploring with styles.

Who is your favorite fashion designer and why?

Saint Laurent. I love the brand. Always have. Always will.

What does the word “FASHION” mean to you?

Fashion = Life ! Enough said!

Who is your favorite stylist?

Ohhh this is hard. Right now Wayman + Michah. They have been KILLING it with Regina King. Law Roach. Zerina Akers. I have too many.

Where do you shop?

I don’t shop in Indy, unless it’s vintage. I love Naptown Thrift. In Indy, that is where I shop for sure. I shop in Europe, mainly Italy. I go to Chicago quite a bit and online of course.

If you had your own fashion brand, what celebrity model would open for your fashion show? Why?

Tracee Ellis Ross although she isn’t a “model.” She is my spirit animal.

What is your perspective of the fashion style here in the Midwest?

I think it has a ways to go, but there are a lot of great designers, stylist, artists, and creatives making big waves for us!

Aaron

AARON DELGADO

What do you do for a living?

I’m a DJ.

How would you describe your style?

COZY. Although I try to mix things up, I can admit that workwear and earth tones have a grip on me right now. The older I get, the more I value pieces that are comfortable, long lasting and look better with age. A lot of these pieces fit that description perfectly. Aside from that, this aesthetic really reminds me of my late grandfather, who is a very important person in my life.

Tell us about your outfit.

I’m wearing some Notre Dunks, a pair of fatigues from 3Sixteen, a shirt from Infinite Archives, and a quilted jacket from 18 East. This Infinite Archives shirt is actually one of my favorite pieces because of the history behind it. It was originally released in 1991 by Hiroshi Fujiwara to help bring attention to what happened to Rodney King in LA. Hiroshi worked with Easy Otabor to revamp the design last summer to help support the Black Lives Matter movement and the proceeds from the shirt were donated to a community revitalization program located in Chicago. The fact that a design highlighting police brutality and racism is just as prevalent today as it was when it was originally issued almost 30 years ago speaks volumes.

If you had your own fashion brand, what celebrity model would open for your fashion show?

Young Thug. He's the GOAT. Just search for that video of him at the VFILES Season 7 fashion show and you'll understand.

How was your style affected by the pandemic?

Comfort has always been important to me, but all that time at home caused by the pandemic pushed it to the forefront. After taking some time to recalibrate and sort through things, I ended up donating a lot of stuff and revamping my wardrobe. It was interesting to see which brands stepped up during the pandemic and which brands didn’t. That’s definitely something I consider when I shop now.

People tend to connect music with fashion, why do you think this is? What is your connection?

Music inspires fashion, and vice versa. They go hand in hand in my opinion. I’ve always looked at both of them as forms of self-expression. Music videos are the perfect example of the marriage between music and fashion. There are so many iconic looks from the videos I’ve seen growing up. To be honest, I’m still hunting for that Running Dog bucket hat Pharrell wore in the “Mr. Me Too” music video. I cannot get dressed without playing music, and I feel 100% more confident spinning when I feel like my outfit looks as good as the music I’m playing.

AARON MARSHALL

What do you do for a living? Co-Owner of Naptown Thrift

How would you describe your style?

I would describe my style as vintage, worn, comfortable and earth-toned.

Tell us about your outfit.

I am wearing a '90s Cross Colours shirt which is one of my all time favorite brands for their messages on clothing about inclusion and peace. The floral shirt is a vintage Ralph Lauren piece. My jeans are '90s, Levis Red Tabs with some paint splatter. My shoes are '80s Chuck Taylors that walked into my shop and just happened to be my size! Lastly, my shades are an old pair that my dad purchased back in the '80s and I remember him wearing them when I was younger until he gifted them to me. Almost everything I'm wearing was thrifted locally!

Do you believe in following trends?

I believe people set their own trends with their personal taste and style. You can take cues from any popular trend from any time period or culture and put your own spin on it to create a completely new fashion trend that is unique to you. If you aren't adding your own flavor and uniqueness to something, you may as well not do it at all.

Who is your favorite fashion designer and why?

My favorite fashion designer would have to be Ralph Lauren. His pieces are the definition of classic quality and the brand has commanded the respect and the attention of popular culture for decades. I am especially a fan of his earlier collections that often showed a range of options from casual streetwear to dress attire. He made functional gear and sub lines such as Polo Sport for athletics, Polo Sportsman for hunting and outdoors, Polo Ski for winter outerwear, and even dabbled in early streetwear trends such as his Polo Skate line. All of these options provided a timeless aesthetic while being able to make a statement and stay relevant.

What does the word “FASHION” mean to you?

Fashion is a personal word to me. Someone's sense of fashion is an extension of their own personality and what they love. You can look at what someone is wearing and gain an understanding about who they are. Fashion is influenced by people and their surroundings. Climate, culture, occupation, socioeconomic status and other factors all influence what people decide to wear and bring into the world whether it be for functionality or to make a statement.

Where do you shop?

Almost 100% of my wardrobe is vintage or secondhand. Whatever isn't vintage is almost always a locally owned streetwear brand often from one of my friends in the city. Hopefully I can be a billboard for sustainability and supporting local creatives with what I wear on a daily basis.

Aaron

Tiffany

TIFFANY BENEDICT BROWNE

What do you do for a living?

I’m a local historian/researcher/ writer and Founder of HistoricIndianapolis.com.

How would you describe your style?

Feminine. Fun. And colorful AF.

Tell us about your outfit.

This is an everyday sort of look for me — comfortable and colorful fabrics, a maxi Ankara skirt with deep pockets, and a hat for shade. Wearing pieces by a few of my favorite designers. Skirt: @Yemi.San.Designs; Shoes: @Fluevog; Hat: @ChaChasHouse; Statement necklace: @JewelryValentina; Earrings: @HelloLittleFriday.

Who is your favorite fashion designer and why?

I've never been much for following contemporary designers and only stopped wearing almost exclusively vintage a few years ago. My real favorites are (the original) Christian Dior, Edith Head, Charles Worth, Charles James, Adrian, et al. Current designers: Ulla Johnson for the feminine details and fabric; La Double J for the prints.

Who is your favorite stylist? And why?

Me! Seriously, I love pulling looks together for myself, sure, but I have just as much fun dressing up friends. I don't know why but I find it a deeply satisfying exercise. I loved styling an early PATTERN feature years ago with looks from three eras, photographed by Esther Boston. I look forward to having time to do such things again.

Where do you shop?

Everywhere. My husband and I travel a lot, so I always try to find boutiques, flea markets and vintage stores wherever we go. Otherwise, mostly Etsy, eBay, or Poshmark. These days I'm usually looking for something specific, like a killer belt or another accessory in a certain color. Locally, I've gotten quite a few fun accessories at Artisans on Mass Ave.

What is your definition of “ART”? And how do you see art in connection with fashion?

My definition of art is blurred around the edges and a little esoteric. I feel like pretty much everything is art: how you do what you do, how you live, and of course, how you dress. I see art and fashion as an incessant feedback loop. I believe everyday dressing is an underrated form of art, using a palette of clothes, colors, and accessories; a mixture of new and old; part of stories past and stories of the future. When strangers say that what I'm wearing makes them smile—and I'm surprised how often that happens—it makes my day!

Rachael

RACHAEL DONALDSON

What do you do for a living?

Forensic Latent Print Examiner

How would you describe your style?

My style is definitely a mix. It’s bold and colorful, but feminine and frilly. A little retro & whimsical with a touch of rock ’n’ roll.

Tell us about your outfit.

I wanted to really show some bold color with my outfit; hence this twirly rainbow tulle skirt from J. Crew. I LOVE music, especially rock, so I repped my favorite band of all time with this Chaserbrand tee. I always like a completer piece and my signature jean jacket was the perfect topper. I own probably 20 jean jackets in different styles, but Pilcro and the Letterpress (sold at Anthropologie) is my go-to brand. The shoes are by the AMAZING John Fluevog. I thought they added just a little more uniqueness to the ensemble. The bag sums up my love for rock 'n' roll! I believe accessories make an outfit so I wore some statement pieces for some additional eye candy.

Do you believe in following trends?

No I don't. I realize the band tee is super trendy right now but in the early '80's, I was going to concerts and amassing authentic tees by the dozens. They were too big for me back then, but I would wear them as pjs! I certainly wish I had my collection today! But, no, I do not follow trends. I wear what I want, when I want. After the hype of the band tee dies down, I’ll still be wearing my favorite bands. I like to be unique and dress in what makes me happy. My choices of clothing are not always on trend, especially here in the Midwest.

Who is your favorite fashion designer?

My very favorite designer is Eva Franco because it’s almost like she designs clothes just for me. Her pieces are feminine but whimsical and the quality is unmatched. She's amazing!

Where do you shop?

The main place I shop is Anthropologie. I adore the bright colors and eclectic pieces. From graphic tees to embellished cardigans to beautiful, fancy dresses, they really have it all. To be completely honest though, I am way more enamored by their pieces from 10+ years ago. So I buy a lot from eBay and Poshmark. Nineve (on Poshmark) has an unbelievable collection of "vintage" Anthro, so I am obsessed with her Poshmark closet! Bold patterned vintage pieces have my heart! Thrifting for those special items from older eras is so fun! Modern Millie Boutique is also a really cute shop that has retro dresses and novelty bags. LOVE!

People tend to connect music with fashion, why do you think this is? What is your connection?

Well, I can't speak for others but music and fashion are HUGE parts of my life. I have grown up loving both. Certain songs and bands really speak to my soul and the way I connect the two is by wearing band tees of the artists I adore. I would never wear a tee of a band I didn't like — I wouldn't want to be associated with them! In other ways, I wear more edgy items like black leather jackets or biker boots to show I'm a rock music type of chick. Someday I hope to get a tattoo of song lyrics. I don't usually wear cowboy boots or hats because I don't care for the type of music those items represent. So, I guess people tend to dress the way music makes them feel.

Valerie

VALERIE FOSTER

What do you do for a living?

Social Worker and e-commerce entrepreneur

How would you describe your style?

I would describe my personal style as versatile. I like switching up my looks based on the weather and my mood, so one day my look may be bold, feminine, and full of color and other days it may be more of a streetwear look with sneakers and an oversized top. It really just depends on how I feel when I wake up.

Tell us about your outfit?

Today was really gloomy and wet outside, so I went with a neutral look that would take me from the office to happy hour. I try to stay stylish in the office without going overboard. My top is by Staud, my pants are from Express, and my sandals are by Marc Fisher.

Who is your favorite fashion designer?

One of my favorite fashion designers is Autumn Adeigbo. Her designs are one of a kind; she's not afraid of mixing patterns and having fun with color. I also love that her designs are size-inclusive!

Where do you shop?

I shop mostly at Nordstrom, Express, and my online boutique ZURRI Boutique. When I want unique accessories, I will shop with a local handmade art and jewelry shop called Earth and Fire. They have some of the most beautiful crystal jewelry that always catches my eye.

How was your style affected by the pandemic?

Since the pandemic, I feel as though my style has become bolder. As businesses open back up and the weather warms up, I find myself wanting to try styles that I never would have before. I also no longer care if I'm overdressed. Being alive is a special occasion, and I'm dressing for it every day!