Hey, I Like Your Style! Inside the wardrobe of Australian model, writer and activist, Jennifer Atilémile
IMAGE VIA @jenniferatilemile/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY FASHION JOURNAL
“I think as I became more confident in myself and my body, I truly accepted who I was. My fashion has just been a reflection of that.”
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 Australian-born, LA-based model, writer and activist, Jennifer Atilémile.
With her outfits documented since the birth of Facebook night-out photo dumps, Jennifer’s style has gone through a series of ups and downs – from an “emo phase” to a brief fling with twee. These days, she gravitates towards one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, trans-seasonal separates and anything with a puff sleeve. Read on for Jennifer’s style journey.
Who are you and what do you like to wear?
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My name is Jennifer Atilémile, I’m a model, writer and activist, I’m originally from Melbourne but now call Los Angeles home. I love wearing one-of-a-kind pieces, lots of vintage and I’m trying to wear more colour.
What has your style evolution looked like? Do you feel like you’ve gained confidence in the way you dress?
Oh my god. My style used to be terrible, but I think it was reflective of the time. When my fashion began to be documented at the advent of MySpace/Facebook and our crazy whole photo album night-out dumps, I was desperately trying to be a ‘cool girl’. I know I really wanted a pair of Bettina Liano jeans and (fluro!) Trigger tracksuit pants.
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Then I fell into the ‘indie’ crowd and loved thrifting tea dresses that I wore with my mum’s old belts. I always read fashion magazines… they were my bible, but I could never afford anything. So I just went to local Salvos, Vinnies and Savers and really rocked oversized knitwear and jeans for a while (as well as a fringe). Anyone remember Streetparty pics?
It wasn’t until I started modelling that I started to really hone in on my personal style. One of my managers once said, “If you want to be noticed in the fashion world, you have to look like you actually care about fashion”.
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What I’ve realised over the years are all the ‘cool girl’ trends I’ll [only] participate in for a minute, then go back to what I usually love wearing – which are classic cuts. I think my style is both feminine and a little grunge. I live for a puff sleeve – especially in a dress.
Personal style is a journey. Have you ever felt like you needed to fit into a particular fashion box?
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Yes, I always felt like I didn’t fit in growing up, [I] wanted to have the latest trends so at least my clothing was ‘cool’. I’ve participated in all the trends – including an emo phase, where I still have scars from facial piercings. I think as I became more confident in myself and my body, I truly accepted who I was. My fashion has just been a reflection of that.
Take us back to those awkward teenage years. Do you have any fashion regrets?
Yes, my facial piercings. I remember having to hide my tongue piercing from my family after I got it pierced with my friend during one of my free periods at school. Also, fisherman pants from Ishka. I can go on.
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What are the most expensive and least expensive items in your wardrobe?
The least expensive is probably a pair of overalls I picked up at a flea market in LA and the most expensive is my Bottega Veneta Jodie Bag.
What is the most meaningful fashion piece you own?
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Probably a cropped brown leather jacket that belonged to my mum, she bought it in Florence in the ’70s.
What’s in your cart at the moment?
Too much. I have put myself on a buying ban – even vintage – until I purge my closet and actually donate/sell everything I haven’t worn in years. I keep using the excuse ‘Oh, but I work in fashion’ to hold on to things. But I realised, when I was at Paris Fashion Week, that I actually wear a very minimal selection of clothing. I need my actual home closet to reflect that.
What fashion piece are you saving for right now?
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In an ideal world, the Chanel Caviar limited-edition Surf Bag. All of my designer bags have a memory of when they were purchased. I know the goal I have in mind that would warrant a purchase like that… so at the moment, it’s just a pipe dream.
What are the wardrobe items you wear on repeat?
My long leather trench coat I was gifted from Reformation, and a pair of vintage Chanel millennial pink ballet flats.
Who are your favourite local designers?
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Wynn Hamlyn, Paris Georgia and Sir the Label. I would love a dress from Lotte Mae Collective (and have an event to wear it to!).
For more of Jennifer’s style and writing work, head here.
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