Hey, I Like Your Style! Inside the wardrobe of Melbourne actor and photographer, Gemma Chua-Tran
IMAGE VIA @GEMMACHUATRAN/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
“I’ve never really worried about external judgement, which I think is a key factor in having the confidence to wear anything.”
We know personal style is a journey (I’m looking at you, Tumblr years), so we’ve introduced a new series Hey, I Like Your Style!, diving 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.
For more fashion news, shoots, articles and features, head to our Fashion section.
These are the stories behind the wardrobes, exploring how we develop our own personal style. 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 step inside the wardrobe of Melbourne-based actor and photographer, Gemma Chua-Tran. After shining as Sasha in the reboot of the ’90s series Heartbreak High, Gemma garnered attention for her acting prowess, ever-changing hair colours (but most notably, the baby-pink mullet) and eclectic wardrobe. A mix of neutral hand-me-downs and more “girlish, whimsical” statement pieces, Gemma’s style is about uninhibited self-expression. Read on for her style journey.
Who are you and what do you like to wear?
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My name is Gemma, I’m a 21-year-old actor and photographer based in Naarm (Melbourne). I not-so-secretly love wearing neutral-coloured clothing, usually something comfortable. On the occasion, I’ll don a little frock!
What has your style evolution looked like? Do you feel like you’ve gained confidence in the way you dress?
I only really discovered dressing for style around fifteen, immediately jumping into a queer space of loud patterns and overalls and bright colours. It took a while to gaslight myself into thinking I looked good but after that, I’ve never really worried about external judgement; which I think is a key factor in having the confidence to wear anything.
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All throughout my life, I’ve been lucky enough to receive a plentiful amount of hand-me-down clothes. It was such a thrill receiving clothing items I never would’ve purchased on my own accord, and then trying to style them with my current wardrobe. Even now, I think most of my wardrobe consists of things that have been passed down or thrifted.
I had a relatively long phase of trying to look super androgynous (I even got a pixie cut) and wore a lot of neutrals (definitely influenced by the copious amount of ‘capsule wardrobe’ YouTube videos I consumed). But now I’ve embraced a sort of girlish, whimsical style that I very much enjoy. If I had the money to buy out ShuShu/Tong, I absolutely would.
Personal style is a journey. Have you ever felt like you needed to fit into a particular fashion box?
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Absolutely! When I was younger I definitely had the desire to ‘look queer’… the cuffed pants, the bright button-downs (you know the drill). But as I’ve settled into understanding my own identity, I don’t feel the need to express it in that sense because everyone who needs to know already knows. If you know what I mean?
But with micro trends coming and going every other week, I really can’t be bothered committing to anything. I pick and choose little aspects that stand out to me without having to dedicate myself to a ‘core’.
Take us back to those awkward teenage years. Do you have any fashion regrets?
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The array of multicoloured overalls… like you don’t understand, I owned SO many overalls. And the light-wash ripped skinny jeans I bought from Bardot Junior. I shiver at the thought. I also adamantly wore pyjama shirts outside for comfort reasons. I respect it but I wouldn’t do it again.
What are the most expensive and least expensive items in your wardrobe?
Well the hand-me-down clothing would probably be the least expensive… and the most expensive item would definitely be the Margiela Tabi ankle boots I bought in the 2020 lockdown. I do tend to invest more in shoes just because I cannot take care of my clothes to save my life. My short stint at art school stained almost every single item in my wardrobe with some form of paint or ink. And shoes are meant to be a little dirty, so I can forgive myself a little more when they inevitably get bashed around.
What is the most meaningful fashion piece you own?
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I have a couple of cardigans knitted by my por por! I love her so dearly! She also hand-beaded this gorgeous little purse. She is so talented.
What’s in your cart at the moment?
Nothing in my cart at the moment! But I do have a wistful Pinterest page, I’ve been pining over the Comme Des Garcons Spring 2020 lace socks for too long. And it pains me… I know in my heart of hearts that I will never have them.
What fashion piece are you saving for right now?
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The Vivienne Westwood Paw Pumps! They are so silly and I want them on my feet!
What are the wardrobe items you wear on repeat?
This one grey elasticised skirt I found at an op shop, I’m wearing it right now. My waistline fluctuates very frequently and instead of being met with disappointment when something is either too big or too small, I keep myself pleasantly in the dark. And even though I so desperately want to be a heels girlie, I wear my housemate’s sneakers pretty much every day.
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Her collection of Nike Shox will astound you. To be honest, even though I have a generous amount of clothes, I am a serial outfit repeater. Not a lot of my clothes are very comfortable (I love lace and fun trims but I freak out if I wear them for too long). I save the fun fits for special occasions, so it’ll usually be the same three shirts, skirts and jumper!
Who are your favourite local designers?
Even though I’ve never worn them, I am obsessed with Catholic Guilt, they do these incredible chain mail garments that I so desperately want. I also did a shoot where I was styled in Maroske Peech and I am one inconvenience away from buying one of their leotards.
You can follow Gemma for more outfits here.
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