In Conversation with Danielle Combs
By Lucy Ivey, photo by Ashley Thompson
Hailing all the way from Los Angeles, Danielle Combs always knew she wanted to be in fashion. Growing up a competitive swimmer, she always made time to pursue her passions. Working at publications like Vogue, Refinery29, V Magazine, and now Hypebae, Danielle is a great example of someone who works hard and looks fabulous in her colorful and playful outfits while doing it.
You have such a distinct and unconventional approach to style. At what age, did you realize you had an appreciation for dressing and the art of fashion itself?
Since the time I was around four years old, I’ve always had an innate appreciation and undying love for fashion and dressing in all forms. Each day for school, I would regularly dress myself, pairing juxtaposing pieces like a floral-printed skirt with a striped shirt as an example. The older I got, the more I got into thrifting and collecting unique fashion finds to creatively express my identity. Being born and raised in Los Angeles, the sparkling mecca of true thrifting and vintage shopping, I had so many options and ways of being able to experiment with my sense of style, and being resourceful at the same time by investing in having pieces tailored and using keepsakes that belonged to my grandmother as a way to assert my individuality.
When did you start taking writing and journalism seriously?
Writing and being able to create impactful, meaningful narratives is something I’ve always been passionate about as a kid. By the time I was eleven, I was already a subscriber to Vogue. With each passing year, my magazine collection grew as I lovingly preserving iconic issues of: Vogue, Teen Vogue, Lucky Magazine, STYLE.com, CR Fashion Book, ELLE Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, Allure, Nylon, InStyle, W Magazine, Dazed & Confused Magazine, i-D Magazine and An0ther Magazine. I knew I wanted to work as a fashion editor and writer, and in high school I had my own column in our weekly school newspaper. That zeal I had for writing, inspired me to seriously pursue my goal and dream.
Do you have a favorite outfit you’ve ever worn?
Each outfit I’ve ever worn has a different flavor that reveals a facet or an expression of my personality and how I present myself as an individual. Personal style is an emotive process for me and I only get dressed based on how I feel that day and in that actual moment. I use fashion as a non-verbal greeter and don’t feel pressured to subscribe to current trends just by finding new ways to experiment with existing pieces I have and supporting small, independent designers.
What has been a memorable or favorite part of your career thus far?
This is a tough question because there’s so many aspects of my career that have positively impacted me and the way I approach writing and storytelling as a whole. One memory that stands out in my mind (and is an experience I will forever cherish) was being able to attend Christopher John Rogers’ first runway show for his Spring/Summer 2020 collection — which was when the New York-based designer had been selected as a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist. As soon as the show started, I audibly gasped as each model sashayed down the runway in deliciously-decadent iterations of magnificent eveningwear, each dripping in bold, joyous bursts of color and clad in dramatic silhouettes. Throughout the duration of the runway show, I had chills and goosebumps running down my spine and arms, and by the end of the show I began to tear up and was overcome with emotion.
Another aspect of my career that I’m eternally grateful for has been the opportunity to connect and amplify the unique stories of so many revolutionary design talents like: James Flemons of PHLEMUNS, Sade Mims of EDAS, Cheyenne Kimora, Olivia Cheng of Dauphinette, Isabella Lalonde of Beepy Bella, Anna Slevin and Nok Salirathavibhaga of Pattaraphan to name a few.
Why is Women’s History Month important to you and what brings you hope for the future of women?
There’s something to be said about never underestimating the will, strength, devotion and perseverance of a woman. This is why it’s vitally important to remember what Women’s History Month stands for and to use this time as a period of reflection by honoring women (both past and present) who have boldly stared down the patriarchy and continue to do so to this day. To continue to move the dial forward for future generations of females, we as women need to not only reflect on the strides, accomplishments and painstaking work women have been able to achieve throughout the course of American history, but also learn from the sacrifices and risks revolutionary women have taken in order to create meaningful change.
On a global scale within culture and society, we have a tremendous amount of work that still needs to be done in order to ensure the futures of females around the world. There is strength in unity and when women join forces and uplift as well as support one another, it gives me hope and a sense of optimism that in due time, we can overcome anything that comes our way — regardless of how domineering and relentless the patriarchy or the odds may be.
Danielle will undoubtedly be someone our generation continues to look to for inspiration when it comes to fashion, writing and grit. We are absolutely blown away by her amazing work and positive attitude. Follow Danielle over at @daniellefcombs
