We know personal style is a journey (I’m looking at you, Tumblr years) and our series Hey, I Like Your Style! dives into the fashion psyche of our favourite creatives. We’re talking the good, the bad and the 2007.
While the internet has made our fashion icons feel closer than ever before, even the most effortless of outfits came from a closet with some (well-dressed) skeletons. Clickable product tags, photo archives and lives chronicled in 30-second clips just don’t tell the full story.
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There’s a brilliance behind the way we choose to express ourselves, and at FJ, we know every outfit has a story. This week, we’re taking a look inside the wardrobe of model, actor and podcaster Cynthia Taylu.
When taking stock of her wardrobe, Cynthia doesn’t quite measure her clothes in terms of financial value. Instead, it’s all about the story behind the garment. “I could get a top from an op-shop that’s $10 and that could be the most expensive thing to me due to the memories I’ve made in it or the way it sits on me,” she says. “I don’t think you need expensive things in your wardrobe to dress well.”
Her day-to-day style is largely centred around her mood: “One minute I want to look like a fairy and the next day, like I’m going to a rock concert,” she says. From a T-shirt and jeans to micro shorts and boots, her style is effortlessly cool; the epitome of a model off-duty.
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Fashion Journal: Hey Cynthia! Tell me about yourself and what you like to wear.
Cynthia: I’m a model, actor and creative. I like to wear pieces that feel fun but also comfort always plays a role in my everyday dressing.
What has your style evolution looked like?
Personal style has always been a part of my life. I grew up watching my aunt dress up and play with her looks. When I was younger, I leaned more towards a very feminine aesthetic and certain trends while I figured out my personal style. I would say I took fewer risks when I was in high school and was heavily influenced by what I saw in magazines and my peers.
But I did find moments to have fun, like when I wore this purple mini dress my aunt picked out for my grade seven graduation or my sparkly black dress for my semi-formal. I’ve always been influenced by my aunt who did a great job of guarding me.
Now I would say I’m less about trends and more about silhouettes. I love the duality of fashion – one minute I want to look like a fairy and the next day, like I’m going to a rock concert. I dress for my mood and its really about who I want to be that day. So it keeps it fresh and always evolving.
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Have you ever felt like you needed to fit into a particular fashion box?
I think it’s natural when you’re younger to want to fit in with your peers. This played a huge part in my adolescent years as I migrated to Australia at the age of six. I wanted to have the sneakers with the wheels because everyone had that. I would also sometimes coordinate my outfits to my Bratza dolls which was a big thing back in the day.
I’ve gone through my awkward period of wanting to fit in and be seen a certain way but as I got into university and really had to stand on my own two feet, I realised personal style is so intimate. I also surrounded myself with friends who encouraged me to find my voice through clothes.
Take us back to those awkward teenage years. Do you have any fashion regrets?
To regret is to not see that little girl who was just having fun. So, no I have no fashion regrets. I think you need to go through the awkward moments to come out the other way. Just because I may not wear something now, I can still respect that in that moment I felt like a baddie and that’s all that matters.
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What are the most expensive and least expensive items in your wardrobe?
I could get a top from an op-shop that’s $10 and that could be the most expensive thing to me due to the memories I’ve made in it or the way it sits on me. I don’t think you need expensive things in your wardrobe to dress well.
What is the most meaningful fashion piece you own?
I have this green beaded dress my aunt wore in the 2000s. I remember as kid seeing pictures of her in this dress and I’ve always thought she looked so iconic. I love that it sits there in my wardrobe and no matter when I go in the world, I’ll keep it with me.
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What fashion piece are you saving for right now?
I don’t really save for fashion pieces. I vaguely have things at the back of my mind that I want but I don’t overextend myself if I can’t afford something. If it comes into my world then so be it and if it doesn’t, it wasn’t meant to be.
Who are your favourite local designers?
A dear friend of mine Joash has a brand named Jotéo. It’s been amazing to see his evolution. His craftsmanship is unmatched and I’m so happy to see him get the recognition he deserves. We have a running joke that if I was to ever go to the Met Gala he would make my outfit!
Keep up with Cynthia here.
This article HILYS! Model Cynthia Talu doesn’t keep a fashion wishlist appeared first on Fashion Journal.
2025-03-21 10:05:00
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