Quad Style: Keira Li
Meet Keira, a 4th year Art History major from China. She plans to study architecture after college, and her dream is to design a palace complex for dogs!
How would you describe your personal style?
Mostly streetwear/vintage. I wear a lot of black, and I don’t like clothes that are too colorful or extremely feminine. Usually when I run out of ideas for outfits I put on my favorite combination— black turtleneck sweater and jeans (aka the Steve Jobs look).
I'm wearing a white t-shirt from JNBY, Leather jacket from Genuine People, velvet pants from Genuine People, boots from Unif.
Where do you find style inspiration?
’90s Hong Kong movies, my mom’s closet and Instagram!
Where do you like to shop?
I’m a fan of Vetements and Acne Studios. However, they are way too expensive for me to actually afford anything from them. In reality, most of my favorite pieces are from Unif, Opening Ceremony and Genuine People (those are still not cheap, but occasionally affordable). For bags and accessories, Building Block has a great collection of minimalist designs.
Do you have any fashion regrets?
Yes. I once bought a black hoodie from Anti Social Social Club. The first time I wore it I came across two random people wearing the exact same hoodie. Absolutely didn’t like that!
I'm wearing a sweatshirt from Sandro, skirt from Aritzia, boots from Unif.
What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?
I think that ultimately, our relationship to what we wear boils down to our relationship to our body. There was a time when I believed that the only way I could look fashionable was by wearing size 00/XXS clothes. I’ve always been naturally skinny, but during that time I somehow got super obsessed with getting the body shape of a runway model. Now when I look back it seemed ridiculous and I honestly didn’t look great because I lacked confidence in myself. Instead of changing ourselves to conform to a certain type of beauty standard or fashion style, it is more important to appreciate our individuality and choose clothing that best suits that. To look nice and confident we have to first accept and become comfortable in our own bodies.
Why is fashion important to you?
Because I care about how I look and I have to wear clothes!
“I think that ultimately, our relationship to what we wear boils down to our relationship to our body... To look nice and confident we have to first accept and become comfortable in our own bodies.”
All images courtesy of Julia Attie. To view more of her photography, click here.
