FASHIONING THEIR FUTURE
MEET THE FASHIONEERS. CAPTURED WITH THE GOOGLE PIXEL 2, THESE WOMEN ARE CARVING THEIR PATHS AND USING TECH TO GET AHEAD
Whether you want to step up your selfies or elevate your social feeds, switching to a smartphone with professional-level camera capabilities is an essential upgrade for the fashion focused. Just ask the Fashioneers. With creativity that can’t be held back, this multi-tasking, trailblazing group of creative women are making their mark on the fast-paced world of fashion. Renowned photographer Rene Vaile captures their vibe with Google Pixel 2’s camera.
YAN YAN CHAN, CURATOR
Free-spirited fashion content curator Yan Yan Chan’s inspiration pool is as eclectic as her Instagram feed, but that’s just the way she likes it. “I love that fashion coexists with art and music, and represents issues that are current in the world. It has an ability to capture time or an idea in its present form, appropriate it and turn it into something wearable and influential that leaves a mark,” she says. Constantly creating and collaborating, Chan relies on the right technology to translate her ideas to the page and screen. The proof? A portable phone charger and her smartphone come before ‘comfortable shoes’ on her list of fashion show essentials. Still, Chan appreciates a digital detox. “I wouldn’t have a job without the internet, but I think that being offline and displacing yourself is the best way to gain inspiration,” she reflects. “I’m lucky to travel often. I think being in a new environment, experiencing new people and different landscapes is stimulating. It’s all about evolving.” That’s not to say the creative mind can’t find inspiration at home base, too. “My ritual is to disconnect for a few hours, head to Kinokuniya bookstore and bury myself in coffee table books and old photographer archives, just whatever makes my brain tick.”
“THE PERFECT PHOTO IS ONE THAT SHOWS IMPERFECTIONS. SOMETHING CAUGHT IN THE MOMENT.”
ANNA HOANG, DESIGNER
They say a picture speaks a thousand words, but in fashion designer Anna Hoang’s case, an online video sparked a celebrity following for her label, Anna Quan. “My clothes were spotted on a Youtube clip for Mercedes-benz Fashion Week [Australia], which was an amazing endorsement and shined a spotlight on the label,” Hoang says. With her designs from her label being spotted on Kendall Jenner and Karlie Kloss shortly after, the power of digital’s reach was undeniable. “Randomly being spotted online then having your garments worn by It girls is mad and incredible,” she says. Tapping into technology to grow her label, Hoang sees tech as a driver for the industry as a whole. “How you harness technology and, in turn, your influence can impact future fashion trends, colours and style,” she says. Hoang sees tech as a saving grace for her label, too, with her smartphone moonlighting as a bookkeeper, secretary, mood board and means of communication. “Tech has allowed for more clarity in communication, increasing the ability to articulate thoughts and feelings.”
“I LIKE MINIMALISM FOR TECH. WHEN IT’S SLEEK, INTUITIVE AND USER-FRIENDLY.”
LUCY BLAY, MODEL
Her Instagram profile might read “We should take more photos”, but model Lucy Blay’s career relies on being behind the camera as much as it does being in front of it. “Social media has blurred the line between personal and professional. It’s given me a platform to show people the real me, as well as present projects I’m involved with for work,” she says. “Fashion editorials tell a story, and fashion designers aim to share their vision in their campaigns and shows. Sharing my own photos and experiences is my own thing, so it functions as a way to tell brands who I am and what I’m about before we work together.” Forever finding ways to fill her feed, Blay finds inspiration in everyday things. “I love fashion because it’s expression,” she says. “We’ve all got to wear clothes. In that way, we express ourselves every day.”
AMELIA ZADRO, MODEL
When it comes to social media, model Amelia Zadro takes things personally and professionally. “It’s given me the opportunity to bring my personality into the image I have as a model,” she says, making sure to stay true to her social message with every upload. “I choose to post in a way that is aligned with my values and my aesthetic.” Aware that she’s a role model to many young girls, Zadro considers her audience carefully, always conscious of what she’s putting out there. “Social media will never be able to portray the fullness of who we are as humans. Instead, see it for what it is for you, whether that’s a business, a way to share art, or a way to keep up to date with your friends’ and family’s experiences.” This focus on authenticity has helped Zadro navigate the head-spinning world of fashion. “It’s a common misconception that models are always confident in their image and love how they look — most models start when they are young and they are still developing their identity,” she says. Thankfully, Zadro’s personal ‘keep it real’ philosophy is trending worldwide. “I think people are responding to authenticity and personality on social media, and brands are having to follow suit to please their customers,” she says of the shift. “I love the changing bodyimage norms and I think it is so important that we honour the beauty in all shapes and sizes.”
PHOTO OP
Born into the digital generation, today’s fashion industry trailblazers can straddle multiple roles, from model and stylist to photographer and creative director. Each with a distinct point of view and signature aesthetic, the Fashioneers know that authenticity and diversity are the ticket to a follow-worthy feed in 2018. Just as technology is always evolving, so is the world of fashion. Just let your ideas run free.
“FASHION CAN ADD DEPTH TO THE PHYSICAL EXPRESSION OF WHO WE ARE AS PEOPLE.”