Maryland Art Place’s Out of Order

Elena Cheney Jochum’s first awareness of fashion came when she was 3 years old, growing up in Moscow.

“I was in the newspaper in Moscow for my first fashion show — for Gitano — in 1989, when I was 3 years old. I met Gorbachev. He picked me up and kissed me on the cheek and gave me a stuffed animal,” said Jochum, 32.

Although she and her mother emigrated to the United States in 2000, settling in Towson, it was a return to Europe that really influenced her personal style.

“I backpacked across Europe in 2007, while I was studying abroad in London. I absorbed all the flavors of all the European countries, mixing and matching Paris and Barcelona and London. I would pick favorite pieces of clothing from the market or a little boutique, and then go home and mix them together,” she explained.

Now, a freelance graphic designer — and Out of Order contributing artist — Jochum just finished a project as the senior designer for the experiential branding of the National Geographic headquarters in Washington, D.C. She said she approaches fashion the same way she does her art, layering various pieces to create an overall look.

“I look at the composition, the flow. I look at the color balance. And most important, what is my purpose? Is it to make an impression, is it to stay out of the spotlight, or is it just to be comfortable?” she said.

HER ENSEMBLE: Black skater dress with mesh bodice from American Apparel store. Dark navy duster purchased on a recent trip to Paris. Black stretch belt with brass and crystal studding from BCBG store. Brown work boots she’s had for years. Striped alpaca socks and beaded cuff depicting artist Frida Kahlo — both from the National Geographic store. Crocheted earrings from a festival vendor. Turquoise pendant and bracelet were gifts from her grandmother. Movado rose gold watch from T.J.Maxx. Silver moon necklace engraved with “I love you to the moon & back” was a gift from her husband, who’s currently stationed in Okinawa, Japan, in the Navy. Burberry satchel bought at London’s Heathrow Airport in 2012.