Hey, I Like Your Style! Inside the wardrobe of Melbourne-based model, stylist and visual artist, Honey Juju
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN CHEUNG
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
“I like to wear anything good that’s in bad taste.”
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 talking Raf Simons-era Dior, hideously-coloured Birkins and Aussie Disposals with Melbourne-based multi-disciplinary creative, Juju K. Her über-campy style is comprised of a curated selection of local designers, thrift finds and incredible 2000s-era luxury. A favourite on the Melbourne fashion scene, Juju’s wardrobe is very ‘if you know, you know’ – and if you don’t, you’re this guy (the shoes are Balenciaga, sweetie!). Read on for her style journey.
Who are you and what do you like to wear?
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I’m Juju. I’m a stylist, model and visual artist from Melbourne. I like to wear anything good that’s in bad taste.
What has your style evolution looked like? Do you feel like you’ve gained confidence in the way you dress?
It’s been a rollercoaster over the years; I feel like my wardrobe has lived a thousand lives over. I love hoarding items from different periods of my life that I can reinvent and integrate into my current style. I’ve definitely become more confident and comfortable in myself and my body in the past few years.
Growing up, I was super self-conscious of my body. I’ve grown to realise that life is too short to worry about how others might perceive me. I don’t want to look back at photos of myself when I’m 80 and regret not wearing something I incorrectly thought would have made me look a certain way.
Personal style is a journey. Have you ever felt like you needed to fit into a particular fashion box?
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Both yes and no. For a long time, I thought I had to only have one distinct way of dressing, like a singular identity. Now I have realised that being versatile with the way I dress – playing and borrowing from different characters and eras – is so much more fun and exciting.
Another important thing for me is not subscribing to trends and making an effort to trust my stylistic instincts. I’m not someone who purchases an item just because some trendy TikToker said it’s cool – not unless I genuinely believe it too. At the end of the day, no matter what I wear I will be criticised in one way or another (especially as a woman). I may as well do what I want and have fun!
Take us back to those awkward teenage years. Do you have any fashion regrets?
Surprisingly not. Every outfit I wore through my teenage years reflected my interests and self-development at the time. In all honesty, I think a fashion blunder every now and again is good for personal growth.
What are the most expensive and least expensive items in your wardrobe?
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My most expensive item is probably a Dries van Noten fur coat or a Prada Inside bag. The cheapest is most likely something from Aussie Disposals, I love that place.
What is the most meaningful fashion piece you own?
There’s a few and for different reasons. Strangely enough, my early Vetements hoodies are super sentimental to me. I splurged on a bunch of pieces between 2015 and 2017 and I’m going to keep them forever. I have a pair of Dior Fusions from Raf Simons era that I bought on holiday in London that are also very special to me. I bought them at the onset of my ugly sneaker obsession and in my opinion, they’re one of the most iconic women’s sneakers ever made.
What’s in your cart at the moment?
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I’m a Gemini with ADHD, so this changes daily! At the moment I have my eye on this silver Givenchy water bottle, it’s so excessive but I’m obsessed. I love the Y/Project split bomber and the D’Heygere pearl drop earrings at Slow Waves as well!
What fashion piece are you saving for right now?
I’m currently saving for (and sourcing) some old Versace pieces and a full Mugler outfit. Long-term, I’m saving for a Birkin in a hideous colourway (naturally).
What are the wardrobe items you wear on repeat?
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I’ve worn my Balenciaga thong heels to death! I bought them in Singapore in January last year just before lockdown and I’ve thrashed them. They’re such a perfect shoe that go with everything. My khaki Y/Project bomber is my go-to jacket, I know for a fact my friends are sick of seeing it. I snagged a Balenciaga bazaar bag with the New York graphic earlier this year and it’s been my favourite carry-all bag. It’s so rare to find a cute bag that can fit a laptop and all your other junk in it too.
Who are your favourite local designers?
I’m obsessed with Maroske Peech! Their pieces fit curvy bodies so well, which is rare when there’s a sea of designers that only cater to people that fit the sample size. Chantelle Lucyl is someone to keep an eye on, she’s definitely pioneering a new wave right now. I’m also in love with Caroline Reznik, her designs are so intricate and unique. I can’t wait to get my hands on some of her pieces when she releases a ready-to-wear collection.
See more of Juju’s killer looks here.
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