Nowadays, it’s overwhelmingly impossible to keep up with the throngs of “cool” NYC street style blogs. But Katya Moorman’s StyleDefined is an innovative stand out (and my lil obsession). Instead of shooting the street style blogger norm, you know, of ubiquitous models in their overpriced designer duds awkwardly posing in towering heels on cobblestone streets, Moorman and her eye for quirky, exciting style invites readers to witness the zany, bravely loud looks (in other words, you’ve gotta have balls) frequently found in the underground New York nightlife world. Club kids, celebs, drag queens, rejoice! This is our kind of New York City and our kind of blog.
WGACA chit-chatted with the talented, and (of course), super stylish Katya Moorman.
Why and when did you start StyleDefined NYC? How does it stand out amongst the many other street style fashion blogs?
I started my blog about 2 years ago after a friend and I had a discussion about NY street style vs. London. The discussion made me realize that if I wanted people to see my idea of NY street style I had to show it. It’s hard to set yourself apart as it seems like everyday there is another street style blog started. I try to set myself apart by injecting nightlife looks into it and avoid the whole “models off duty” phenomenon. While I do snap on the streets I also love to get people out partying in the city.
Where is your favorite spots in the city to people watch for major head-turning, picture-friendly looks?
During the day you can’t beat Nolita. You get the cross traffic between Soho and the Lower East Side. For nightlife I still love Susanne Bartsch and Kenny Kenny’s party Vandam and parties at the Tribeca Grand — especially anything that Seven is throwing. Of course both Pat Field’s and Paper Magazine throw legendary parties where people really dress up.
Favorite blogs & mags?
Sites: Dossier Journal, Advanced Style, A Shaded View of Fashion.
Magazines: Another Magazine, Pop, Purple Magazine, Italian Vogue (I’m a major Meisel fan).
Where do you shop?
I live in Brooklyn so I love Eva Gentry’s consignment store on Atlantic Avenue for designers like Ann Demeulemeester and Comme des Garcons. Also like EVA on the Bowery and Seven for emerging designers. And Top Shop and Forever 21 for items I don’t plan on having for more than a season. I used to love H&M but I have a rule that I won’t buy something that is wrinkled in the store or it will always be wrinkled and I swear everything in H&M is a wrinkled mess this spring.
Greatest vintage find ever:
My friend Niko Liakaris works at the Dressing Room and he put aside a black sheer Chanel blouse with the double C logo embroidered into the pattern. How could I say no?
How long have you lived in NYC and what do you love about this crazy city?
I’ve lived in NYC for 15 years minus a few years away in the middle. I love the ability for reinvention. There are so many little communities and social scenes here that it’s easy to jump from one to the next – if you dress the part! :) I also love that I have a car and easily drive out to Coney Island/Brighton Beach and be gone for just a few hours but feel totally refreshed.
What’s a perfect day in NYC like for you?
I’m a bit of a workaholic so it’s getting up early and doing photo editing, then having brunch somewhere with unlimited Mimosas with friends followed by a walk with my girlfriend and our dog in Prospect Park. Then back to my loft for a nap before going to a fashion related event (store opening, show etc) in the early evening followed by photographing at Vandam at night.
What constitutes awesome personal style? What’s the deciding I-must-take-this-individual’s-photo factor for you?
hmmm…style is like that famous porn adage – you know it when you see it. I like “complete looks” where you feel like everything has been considered head-to-toe, BUT that don’t look too expensive. Because let’s face it: if you have a lot of money you can look put together because your style is store bought. Show me something original or surprising and please, girls, if you like edgier styles than style your hair to reflect it. Often I see a girl in a great outfit with totally blah, long, stringy or frizzy “college girl” hair which just kills it. KILLS IT! Only models can get away with that and most of us aren’t models.
And here’s a little style advice: Invest in outerwear and shoes. A great coat and great shoes will go a long way towards looking good. You can wear a crap tee if your shoes and coat are amazing, but it doesn’t work in reverse – meaning wearing your Chanel blouse won’t get you photographed if the shoes are boring!
Who would join you on your ultimate fantasy shopping spree in NYC? Daphne Guiness!
What’s up next for you?
I’m working on a photo series of nightlife icons and I’m also expanding the blog – it’s going to move to WordPress and have room on it to focus a bit more on nightlife as well as emerging designers.
For more on Katya Moorman:
http://www.twitter.com/katya_nyc
http://www.styledefinednyc.com