Julie Interview

DW__What's your name? How old are you and where do you live?

Julie Khuu, 31 years old, currently residing in Orange County, Southern California

DW__Where would you love to live?

I dream of living in Paris one day...love the culture, sights, smells, people…if not, a summer house there would be grand.

DW__When did you start blogging?

April 2010.

DW__How did you come up with the idea?

As an interior designer, I’m constantly seeking inspiration from all over the globe…I mainly follow up-to-the-minute runway looks to inspire my next designs.

Fashion is fickle and ever-evolving, I’d like my designs to carry that same impetus for constant change…I started the blog as a way to curate all my ideas.

DW__What is fashion for you?

Fashion for me is a lifestyle. The decisions I make when dressing myself and the interiors I design are rooted in the expressive nature of fabrics, textures, rhythm, proportion and their relationship to one another.

It’s a way of life, not merely the clothes I choose to wear.

DW__According to you, what is the most significant period for women's fashion?

Every period had its heyday but currently it’s all about the 80’s to me. Being born in early 80’s I saw how women used the maximalist approach to express themselves then start paring down silhouettes, styles, even mannerisms. Totally in your face and unapologetic….love that freedom of overindulgence. Although not the most pleasing aesthetics, it’s all about the attitude of the 80’s for me.

DW__What do you think about the influence of fashion bloggers in the fashion world?

Fashion bloggers are here to stay. Each individual has such a unique, expressive voice to contribute to where fashion’s going today and tomorrow. No longer relegated to the rich, style can be sought on every level, on every budget. There’s some fabulous bloggers out there who have built an entire wardrobe on thrifted staples. You can’t buy that kind of style anywhere.

DW__Do you believe that one day they'll replace the fashion magazine or do you think it's just ephemeral ?

Oh never. Nor do I wish them to. Just as the internet and television coexist to contribute to a media savvy society, so do editorials and fashion blogs alike. It’s just a matter of opinion and every single individual is entitled to one. It’s really just a preference of format. I can't live without my Vogue and Instyle, and I also can’t live without following my fave fashion and street style bloggers.

DW__Your favourite item in your wardrobe ?

My vintage leopard coat that I scored in Portland, OR while living there for a year. It cost me $35USD and seriously still looks like the richest article of clothing in my entire wardrobe. It makes the dowdiest frocks look downright fabulous and my most worn in sweatpants look chic and stylish. The best pieces have the ability to transform. It does just that.

DW__3 Indispensable items ?

Iphone, EOS chapstick, and a tape measure.

DW__Is your style personal or is it inspired by what is already out there?

A bit of both I think. Some days I can’t help but be inspired by other bloggers, models down the runway, or stylish editorials. Other days it’s all about my mood and what the weather permits. Constantly in flux, constantly evolving.

DW__Where do you get your ideas from?

Art. History. Runways. Interior Design. Nature. Pop culture. Everywhere. As long as my eyes are open, I’m game for anything.

DW__What is your greatest inspiration?

I love the free-spiritedness of the 70’s and the maximalist approach to the early 80’s. I’m all about decadence and femininity and use both those areas of art and design to influence my aesthetic. I’m apparently a hippie child with a completely over-excessive personality. It’s all about more is more for me.

DW__How important is it for you to look your best and why?

It is critical for me to look my best every day. I’m a walking advertisement for my interior design business. As an artist, every facet should tell a story about your personal aesthetic. Clients buy the overall package, just not bits and pieces. Every look needs to make a statement about my designs and what I can accomplish for my client’s with an artist’s vision.

DW__Who would qualify to be an icon?

I love everything Kelly Wearstler’s doing to marry interior design and fashion. Her over-the-top, colorful, whimsical aesthetic is so fun and ostentatious…no explanations, no apologies. I strive for that ballsy approach every day in my life. Young and hip: Kate Moss, Alexa Chung, Nicole Richie…the usual suspects. Old school: Iris Apfel for ageless exuberance, Diane Von Furstenberg for really understanding the power of a woman’s sexuality.

DW__Your ideal female or male would have what style? what would he/she be wearing?

Individual style is all about who is able to express themselves with confidence. It could be the wild child in all rock n’roll garb or the quiet ingénue in flowy fabrics and light gauzy cloth…The ideal figure is one who is most comfortable in his/her skin. We have to tell you that WE LOVE your style ! you have an unique style !

DW__What is your favourite colour?

Depends on what mood I’m in. Right now I’m really feeling Pantone’s color of the year tangerine tango paired with pastels and anchored with black for spring…makes a modern and definitive statement, but the pale hues add a touch of whimsy and magic to the mix.

DW__Websites? blogs? other links?

Fashion: WhoWhatWear.com for trends and celebrity style. Jak and Jil for model looks…love Lookbook.nu to see what the kids are wearing these days. Design : I’m addicted to all the flash sales at One Kings Lane, Joss & Main, The Foundary, Gilt Home, etc…like an edited version of all things haute and luxe in the world of design delivered to your inbox every day. Even novices could navigate these sales with ease and rest assured that purchases are curated by the most stylish and discerning eye. Win-win for everyone!

DW__One last/final word?

My favorite quote: “Clothes aren’t going to change the world, but the women who wear them will.” – Anne Klein, American designer. Confidence starts from the inside and grows outward…Clothing is what you say to the world without saying anything at all. True artists transcend this medium and move mountains just by getting dressed. Love that quote.

Julie's blog