As sneakers and streetwear continue to permeate the runways and showrooms from New York to Paris, stylists find themselves spoiled with options in how to create looks that grab your attention, make a statement, and leave a lasting impression. That’s not to say it’s an easy task to blend these worlds together. No one can just walk off the street and throw a pair of Off-Whites into a photoshoot and make it seem legit. For proof of that, look no further than the first three subjects of ‘Behind the Style.’
Sashà Elina de Oliveira, Gia Seo, and Alexis Quintero, all have made names for themselves in the fashion world with their impeccable work, largely thanks to their trend-forward eye, and their willingness to step outside the box. The StockX team travelled to New York City this past April to spend a day with these three inspiring creatives, working with photographer Lucka Ngo and creative director Juliana Salazar to talk about their journey in fashion and New York, what they’re excited about to come, and their favorite StockX handbag picks. If you’re looking to stay ahead of the trends, read up.
Editor’s Note: For Alexis Quintero, the Los Angeles based creative consultant and model, it felt like a risk to go full-time freelance. But the results are best case scenario for any aspiring entrepreneur. Not only does she have a Nike collaboration under her belt, but additionally has started her own vintage clothing business. We blasted Solange and chatted with Alexis about how she makes sneakers feminine, the importance of being genuine in your work, and why you should wear what’s comfortable.
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Alexis Quintero and I was born and raised in East Los Angeles. I’m a model, creative consultant, and I also have my own website where I sell vintage items.
If you are at a dinner party, how do you explain what you do in your career?
I love to do creative things. I dabble in a lot of different things creatively. With my shop, I curate the looks and feels that go with the garments I have. When I explain my consulting, I say that I just kind of work with brands on their vision and help them achieve that or what I feel is best. I also recently did a collaboration with Nike where I designed a couple of apparel pieces so that’s usually a topic of conversation.
Where did you start and how did you get to the point where you can work independently now?
It started four years ago. I was going to school for fashion merchandising and I had a hotel job where I would work overnight and then go to school. I started to get internships with fashion brands and I think that’s how it all started out. Then I decided to quit my job and do freelance full-time. I started to think about what I loved, and I loved collecting vintage items so I wanted to share that with people. I collect Comme, Issey, Japanese designers, and then made my shop.
Do you there was a defining moment in your work?
Yeah, I think last year was when I felt that way. I decided I was going to create for me and not anyone else and just put what I love out there. That’s really when I started to get asked to do consulting because people saw the things that I did. Once I was okay with what I loved and doing that, that’s when a lot of doors open for me. Then I got approached by Nike to do a collection.
Was it hard for you to decide to only make and create for you?
It was. It’s hard to create for yourself sometimes because when you feel like you want to do it a hundred percent, it’s really scary. What if you fail? What if the things that I love aren’t good enough? I think once I tried to set aside what people would think, that’s when I started to do more. I just put the fear behind me and move forward.
What personality traits do you think have really helped you along this path? What sets your work apart from other creatives when a million people do the same thing?
I think you just have to find what makes you different. For me, I love sneakers and I feel like I make them really feminine. I love Issey and Pleats, and just really feminine things combined with that. As for character traits, I feel that I’m kind and passionate. I think when you approach things genuinely that sets you apart. Some people have the wrong intention, and I think it’s pretty obvious when people are around that just want to use you. If you’re just a real person and you’re there for people then that sets you apart and people think of you for things because it’s more organic than forceful.
How would you describe your personal style and who or what would you say inspires your style?
That’s hard, but I’m really inspired by Comme Des Garcons. I love Issey Miyake.
You’ve mentioned Issey Miyake a few times now, what about his work do you love?
I love how bold they are. The bright colors and the femininity I resonate with. I would say I love Jacquemus. I think that’s also very my style. It’s feminine with a street feel.
What do you think is the most underrated part of building an outfit or look for something that most people might not think about?
Being comfortable. I think that’s a huge thing. I will not wear something if I feel I can’t be comfortable and move because you can read that off people. Being comfortable gives you confidence. You’re confident in what you’re wearing and it feels good so it makes you look better.
What do you think is next for fashion?
That’s a hard question because fashion is all over the place and everyone has a different style. I think there are trends, but what’s next for fashion is that people won’t really want to follow trends so much and want to build their own style.
Can you talk about how you incorporate sneakers into your personal style?
I’ve loved sneakers since I was young, so I think for me it’s more in my culture. Growing up in LA, sneakers were normal. It was normal for girls to wear sneakers and I’ve always loved that. I think now that I’m older I love fashion, I love the design of sneakers, and I collaborate the two. I love high end fashion, but then I’ll throw on a sneaker or even collabs like Undercover Nike or Sacai Nike. I like to blend the two.
What’s next for you?
I definitely want to collaborate more with brands. I want to dive more into design and making things.
