Today Ali launches a new monthly post THIS IS NOT STREET STYLE
For this regular post I wanted to interview and draw people who wear Age of Reason. Most are people I’ve met in the process of creating the label, some customers, some friends, some collaborators. The idea is to try to capture something of their personality in the drawings, whilst gaining a bit of an insight into what makes them tick in their lives and style. The two things can rarely be separated.
My first subject is Sera McDaid aka The Agoraphobic Fashionista
ALI Where are you from?
SERA A little corner of Northern Ireland.
ALI Do you have a profession or Vocation in life?
SERA Writer, in any capacity.
ALI Excuse me while I quote The Smiths “This Charming Man” – “I would go out tonight but I haven’t got a stitch to wear.” You’re Agoraphobic, tell us a bit more about dressing up and NOT going out. Are you all dressed up with nowhere to go? Or is there more to it than that?
SERA There’s a lot more to it than just all dressed up and nowhere to go though it does pose an issue that we have, by my doing, moved somewhere relatively isolated. I have had a few bouts of Agoraphobia in my life though this last one has certainly been the most sustained and serious. The front door (or back door) terrifies me. Dressing up has become a therapy of sorts. Alongside the blog for an outlet it gives me a great reason to get dressed, to care, to be mindful of myself and my mind. My alter ego would describe dressing as armour.
ALI What appeals to you about Age of Reason, and which is your favourite piece?
SERA Age of Reason first came on my radar through Brix Smith and their ever fabulous Punk Pug Scarf was one of the first I ever saw. It still to this day remains my favourite though I’m thoroughly enjoying their Pirate Queen scarves.
ALI What do you appreciate in life?
SERA I appreciate life in general. I am lucky to have a wonderful husband and son, for someone who dated girls and never wanted to marry that’s a serious 180 and I couldn’t have kids so Riley really does cement the fact you don’t know what may be around the corner.
ALI What do you want to be known for?”
SERA For being honest. Frank. Open. For speaking out on mental health issues. For raising awareness and for doing SOMETHING.
http://www.theagoraphobicfashionista.com/
ALI’S NOTES
The idea of drawing and collaging rather than just photographing my interviewees was born of my frustrated over exposure to Street Style photography. It’s everywhere, standing clutch bag in hand, cross legged, head cocked to the side on the pages of most magazines and fashion blogs I can think of. Don’t get me wrong, there are bloggers and photographers alike who do it extremely well: Manrepeller, Susie Bubble, The Sartorialist, and Facehunter are all famous for their flair and dedication to the genre. There are also newer more left-field bloggers and photographers doing great things on the street. Marian Kihogo’s varied and eclectic blog showcases her own flamboyant street style to great effect. And she doesn’t stop at simply showcasing selfies- her recent piece on Sara Shamsavari’s photographic work is fantastic and proves that we aren’t all seduced by an “it bag” or a pair of ankle boots you need to remortgage for.