Guest Editor: Katya Laroche of Street Fashion Worldwide

Fashion and style are adaptations and reflections of individuals’ imagination, creativity, and inspirations. The public contributes to the culture of fashion, whether inspiration is seen walking down the block, sitting on a train, or driving through the street. Lively had the opportunity to interview Katya Laroche who is the founder of Street Fashion Worldwide, an online archive of every day style brought to the public from all around the world. Collecting images and gathering the styles of the unrestricted, SFW is a place where you can draw your inspiration and personal style from.

What is your favorite go-to outfit for the average summer day?
I like a low cut, deep armpit, thin tank top with a semi-sheer body suit or camisole underneath, open-toed black flat sandals, bermuda shorts, and my heart shaped sunglasses.

What are five things you keep in your purse that you can’t live without?
Black Eyeliner, vintage or custom art wallet, extra SD cards, batteries, and lenses for my cameras.

Can you name a few of your favorite brands and tell us what attracts you to them most?
Right now I like Wildfox because of its dark themes, Sinstar Clothing from the UK for an edgy vintage rocker look with a British twist, and Chaser, a company with simple essentials, as well as worn looking vintage band tees. This list will change by mid-summer and again in the fall. I’m constantly drawn to different styles seasonally.

How do you personally connect art and fashion?
I think how something sits on your body can be art or disastrous. It’s hugely different when a piece has been made in small stock for designers versus mass-produced for cheapness. The piece will look like art and well made without labels or designs just based on the cut and fabric because it shows how it lays and how it looks when you walk. If it is mass-produced, that doesn’t mean it looks bad, it just might not draw anyone’s eyes to notice what you’re wearing compared to the person next to you.

Which artist/designer inspires your fashion sense the most?
I have never been one for long term fandom, I think I get more inspired by ideas or things I like. My interests in motorcycles and pirates inspire my rocker look or nautical obsession, and my love of animals inspires my love of animal print or animal graphic tops.

Take a look at Katye’s 6 essential items: