I never liked the term “capsule wardrobe”. I grew up poor, so I was like, “I had a capsule wardrobe.”
My introduction to the fashion industry began when my partner Kyle (a photographer) had the amazing opportunity to work at the Melbourne Fashion Festival. I had never heard of it, and I had never seen a runway in my life. All I knew was Gucci. I volunteered because I love doing scary things. It was very thrilling.
I was so happy when I went backstage after the runway. This woman standing in the doorway said, “I saw you outside. Have you ever thought about becoming a model?”
Click here for other shoots, articles, and features. fashion section.
It’s so strange that even though the fashion industry is such an important part of my life, there’s such a contrast that I’m building. I want to become a doctor and work in the field of science. This is in contrast to the fashion industry.
I’m thinking about the most important piece of clothing for me, and to be honest, it might just be my lab coat. I know this has little to do with fashion, but it’s very important to me. It inspires me to know more about myself and want to know more about the world. It reminds me to keep challenging myself. I used to be interested in my clothes. Right now, I need clothes that are comfortable and that I know look good on me.
Some people are really comfortable in casual clothes. Some people are comfortable wearing high heels or gorgeous, colorful clothes every day. What’s comfortable for me is a t-shirt or button-up blazer, jeans or pleated pants, and loafers.
It’s strange, because even though I’m very young and spend most of my time at university surrounded by other young people, I can say that I dress much more “older” than most. is. I don’t see many other people wearing blazers and loafers to college. But I don’t really consider myself to be fashionable. What I’m wearing isn’t that bold. I’m not trying to “do” anything or be selective about my outfits. I like my clothes and they make me feel at home.
I had to take a lot of fashion risks to get here. As a teenager, I experimented a lot with clothes. When I considered myself a punk, I used to cut off the sleeves of my clothes to wear as singlets (I wasn’t a punk at all). I went through a bit of a 70’s phase, wearing lots of flares and colorful florals.
Then I had a moment where I felt comfortable wearing more feminine clothes, high heels, and sometimes skirts. And, you know, I don’t wear clothes like that anymore, but I’ve never regretted the fashion decisions I made. Because I’m not who I am now.
I never liked the term “capsule wardrobe”. I grew up poor, so I was like, “I had a capsule wardrobe.” As an adult, this isn’t revolutionary. Then, as I explored fashion, I naturally accumulated a lot of clothes. I was just exploring a lot and trying all these new things and then never really wearing them again. Then, did you know? I went back to my capsule wardrobe.
I’m Aboriginal, but I don’t really look Aboriginal. I’m Pakistani, but I don’t look very Pakistani. I’m a queer person, but I don’t really look that queer. And even though I’m a man, I may look a little too feminine, but not feminine enough and not masculine enough. You can’t put it in a box. I look like myself and I’m very happy with myself. I don’t feel the need to change myself.
Read more about Fashion Journal issue 195 here.
