Introducing Kristian

We’re sitting on a low settee, as the sunlight floods through the floor to ceiling windows of the Los Angeles home that Kristian recently moved into, catching on the white walls and high ceilings, and lighting the whole place up. When Kristian describes it as having the feel of “a minimal Italian art gallery with the warmth of a country home that you might also have a disco at”, he gets it spot on. His living space in Koreatown was heavily inspired by the home styles of the Italian countryside, old English detailing and furniture mixed with a classic Mexican focus on texture, shape, color and material and a splattering of gold accents reminiscent of an '80s modern approach; the windows left purposely curtainless to show off the moldings.

Charismatic and charming, the 25-year-old stands in the center of it all in his trademark high waisted pants, a grin on his face, and a cold brew in hand, as he talks us through his photography, the vintage clothing and houseware collection he curates and re-sells, his passion for Holistic healing and ways of living, and the books he’s currently reading: The Power of Now by Eckart Tole and The 48 Laws Of Power by Robert Greene. “I’m in the process of reshaping the way I see the world”, he tells us, smiling. “ It’s helping me use my head a lot more while still leading by my heart”.

Let’s start with having you explain your style to us, Kristian...

My personal style is made up of a lot of things. I take a lot of inspiration from different eras and I don't necessarily mean clothing although that is included of course. I love the class, grace and elegance in all aspects of the '20s, the chic and creative approach of the '60s and the boldness of the '80s. I focus on detail in everything I wear/do. The shape and color of the glass bottle I use for water, the shape and material I use for even a tote bag, the linen I choose for my bed set, the antique wood table and woven antique chair I use as my office desk setup.

Would your friends describe your style any differently do you think?

They would say unique, clean, well put-together and curated. I’d agree, but it’s deeper than that for sure, it’s down to the way I carry myself even in conversation. 

Thinking of your friends, what’s your ‘style/fashion role’ in the group?

I wouldn’t say I lead but I would say I inspire. I’ve been told I inspire people to pull together their outfits, that sometimes I make my friends feel underdressed which is the last thing I want but hey if it inspires them to pay attention to the care they put into their style than I guess in a sense that’s a positive thing. 

Who inspires you style-wise?

I reference her a lot, but Lisa Bonnet, she does a lot of things and her style has always been very inspiring. 

In the public eye, whose style do you admire and are influenced by?

1. Noted above

2. Jeff Goldblum. He is quite the character, loves a dandy look, loves a classic look but with a bit of pizzazz. 

3. The Migos.

If you could ‘steal’ one person [in the public eye’s] closet, whose closet would you steal and why?

Again Jeff Goldblum, there are bound to be endless extravagant shirts in that closet, and I want them all. 

Where are the other places you’re getting style/fashion influence from?

Mexican culture, architecture and use of material.

Anything to do with the '60s (art, movies, clothing, musicians, photographs).

Where are your three favourite stores to shop in for clothing/apparel?

I hope this is OK but I don't shop from many clothing brands! All my clothing aside from what is listed above is all vintage head to toe. 

Does the experience of vintage stores matter to you too?

To be honest, for them it’s more about the clothing itself.

What are your top priorities when it comes to buying new items of clothing?

1. Shape

2. Color palette

3. Detail

4. Quality

5. Material

And why do those things matter to you in the order they do?

1. Shape: I like to base my outfit structure on vintage silhouettes i.e high waist, cropped tops.

2. Color Palette: I want to be unique and sometimes loud.

3. Detail: I like a curated look.

4. Quality: I want it to be worth it! I buy knowing I will keep these items for the long haul if I can help it. As I shop a lot of vintage, if I’m buying new I want to know it won't fall apart in the first few washes but only get stronger. 

5. Material: I care that it’s breathable.

How many pairs of shoes, any shoes, do you own?

25 or so!

If you had to split them up into categories and write a percentage next to them [what, math!] what would that look like?

75% dress/loafers

18.75% boots

6.25% leisurely wear (workout shoes, around the house slips)

What type of shoe would we typically find you in, if you there is a ‘typical shoe’ for you?

A vintage black loafer, or a heeled skinny boot.

And what are the most important things for you when it comes to buying your favorite kind of shoe?

That it can pair well with and elevate any outfit.

What about your favorite brands for shoes? Who do you always end up going to?

Ferragamo

That’s about it. I thrift them all so whatever I find. Style matters more than brand for me.

What about your favorite shoe stores, again - on or offline? What makes them your favorite stores?

Again, so sorry to do this to you but I shop all vintage, I thrift all my shoes, Goodwill would be the only definite answer I can give you.