Neutral Maximalism: An interview with Nora Gallagher
Tell me about yourself, your age, where you're from, and how you got into fashion? My name is Nora, I am 19 and from the suburbs of Chicago. I intially got an apartment in Chicago and then moved to New York in May. I go to FIT, which was one of the only schools I applied to. I have a strong love for fashion. I am majoring in advertising, marketing, and communications right now but I am not totally sure what I want to do in the future.
What drove you to be in the City, where you intimated?
I was not planning on going to school until I got accepted to FIT. I was very intimidated to be living in the city, but after a while you get used to it, everything becomes normal after a while.
How would you describe your personal style, inspirations, etc?
My style is very me and different, it’s definitely not something you see everyday. When I first moved here my style was not like how it is today. Before there was more of a pop in colour, compared to now, I don't wear any colour. I used to shop at Paloma Wool and Urban Outfitters, going for more of a cute girl kind of vibe. Towards the end of July, I started wanting to change my wardrobe because it just started to feel uncomfortable. I randomly started hating colour, and once I saw the work of Rick Owens and Julia Silver in August and I fell in love. I started getting into archive fashion and subversive clothing. I usually thrift, I have two pieces from Rick Owens. I typically can picture in my head what I’m looking for. My colour palette consists of dark green, black, cream, and grey. Runway fashion is also where I get a majority of my inspiration.
What’s the first thing you think about when picking out your outfit?
I think about the waist down first. I will sometimes draw my outfits. Sometimes I will be talking to people and will pause to map out my outfit in my mind. When I think about an outfit coming together, I will not be on my phone. I will be styling. I do get stressed when I can't pull things together. I have also realised that dressing down makes my day worse, and I love wearing things the wrong way. A sweater for a skirt, a skirt as a top.
Would you say your palette of your personal style describes your personality?
I definitely think sometimes people connect their style to their sexuality. For me I am bisexual, and felt too girly in my old style. Now I wear baggier, more neutral, and masciline colours. I believe I connected the palette to my sexuality, which was my choice. Emphasising that I DO NOT dress for the male gaze. Before my style changed, I would wear more clubby clothes, little tight crop tops, showing my body. But now, I do not care if my fit is baggy. Style is a personal choice for me.
Who are your favourite designers, stylists, and photography?
My favourite designers and brands are Mason Margiela, Charlotte Knowles, Rick Owens, Ottolinger, Heelia Omel, Hyein Seo, Vivienne Westwood, and Helmet Lang. I don't really know many photographers and stylists, I am still learning and trying to find new inspirations
What are your fashion pet peeves?
When I rip clothing up it looks really terrible. I have a couple leg warmers that always go down and wont fit my legs. Sometimes the back of my outfits look a little wack. I’ll plan my outfits the day before so I don't get stressed out that morning.
What would your high school self think of your wardrobe today?
My high school wouldn't even imagine me being in the city. I had no idea that this type of fashion existed. I think my high school self would have not gotten it. Freshman, sophomore year, I would probably be like what is that?
What is your definition of a fashion risk?
Nothing. I feel a lot more comfortable in my own skin and style, and if I didn't like the outfit I am not going to wear it at all. I wouldn't say anything is too risky anymore, risky to me is more of a mindset.
What is your favourite item in your closet and why?
My Moon boots for sure, but if I could one piece I would choose my Rick Owens vest. It matches well with a lot of outfits I wear. I love the stringy look. It’s a very versatile piece that I can play around with in different ways and be creative.
For anyone struggling with self expression, what would you say to them?
I have gotten many DMs saying my style has inspired them. I totally understand the feeling of being uncomfortable in expressing myself. I would say it’s hard to find out what you like but you just have to try. Try to everyday, we all need to start somewhere. Just remember your wardrobe is not gonna hurt anyone. Always dress for yourself. You are doing it for you. Despite all the hate I get, at the end of the day, I am dressing for myself. I have finally found my personal style and have realised it doesn't matter what other people have to say about it. At the end of the day, do what you want to do.