Jenny AluningArticle by: Dasein
The amalgamation of comfort and style is the heart of Diane Hoang’s (StarCentral Magazine’s Fashionista of the Month for March 2014) fashion statement. The certified-fashionista shared that in her whole fashion career she learned that the best way to dress is how you dress. Diane explained that you do not have to sacrifice comfort in order to be fashionable. Your lifestyle should be the basis of your fashion.
This self-proclaimed bookworm, who reads the likes of Jo Nesbo and George R. R.Martin, began her career by posting her chic and quirky outfits on Instagram, which was at first mocked and laughed at because some people thought it was ridiculous. However, Diane’s creativity inspired other fashionistas, and encouraged her to continue posting more of her distinctively-posh ensembles.
She began posting on her Instagram account @dianeehoang when she was still in her senior year. Her comfortable yet stylish selections gained many followers, which led her to blogging under the name Modernistic Phoenix in her first year in college. Her popularity in the social media site increased which caught the attention of the American-based specialty retail store Charlotte Russe.
Diane admitted that she was shocked and very much excited when the company had emailed her in October. She was completely astonished when she found out that the clothing store wanted to do a collaboration with her, and recalls screaming and running to her mom to tell her about the news.
In addition, Diane tells us that her family (and her relatives) has played a big role in her love in fashion. The people around her have always been very supportive in all her efforts, and would often give her their honest opinion on how she looked. Her official photographer is her brother who was always ready to take her pictures so she can post them on Instagram.
I think that surrounding yourself with the right kind of people, those that motivate you to become what you want to be, rather than put you down and remind you of your limitations, can make a huge difference on one’s life. Diane is lucky to have a reassuring, and an understanding family.
Moreover, she does not know exactly how she got into styling and fashion, but she remembers finding a few pictures of girls who looked effortlessly cute and fashionable in a simple skirt and a sequined top. I thought how incredible it was that you could make so many different looks using the color, pattern, and texture of just one piece of clothing, Diane describes what got her interested in fashion.
Trusting her artistic instinct, she established her own style which was gradually recognized by her fellow fashionistas, and even those who are a name in the fashion and clothing business. I guess what makes her fashion sense lovable is that it is sensible. She understands the importance of comfort and self-expression when wearing clothes, and draws a one-off style out of it. It is ingenious!
Diane declares that she thought of fashion and blogging as just a hobby, and never really expected to get to where is she is now. It only goes to show that when you pour fire onto something you love, you can achieve many great things.
And, apart from her hobbies, she has her mind focused on realizing her dream on becoming a Character Modeler for the renowned Pixar Animation Studios. And I think with her passion, and exceptional imagination, she can be where she wants to be.
‘LIGHTNING FAST’ Round:
1. What is the one beauty product you can’t live without? Mascara!
2. What is the most dramatic thing you’ve ever done to change your looks? I went from a long fiery colored hair style to a brown asymmetrical bob.
3. What is in your makeup bag when you travel? Mascara, eyelash curlers, eye primer, and my Naked2 palette!
4. What is the one “flaw” you wouldn’t change about yourself? My laugh! It sounds so manly and loud, but I would never change it.
5. Your best guilty pleasure… Going to get milk tea every week!
Official blog: http://www.modernisticphoenix.blogspot.com/#sthash.EJjnasSC.dpuf
Jenny Aluning
hollie
Jason Harris
