Passion for Fashion by Kristina Manente
Passion for Fashion by Kristina Manente
Alston Stephanus is an accessories and fashion designer from Jakarta , Indonesia that lives the style he is so passionate about . He dresses almost exclusively in 1930s and 40s fashion , running his fashion empire and walking the streets of New York to Singapore unironically in a vintage style .
From the very beginning , Stephanus has always taken risks . Whether it be to start designing accessories when he was just seventeen or launching a burlesque company in the United States or creating and designing new and inventive cosplays . He is the embodiment of what it is to take charge of one ’ s own life and creativity . A lot of this stems from his pledge to do what makes him happy .
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His interest in fashion came by accident . After randomly creating a necklace for himself , “ I have no idea why I did it .” Stephanus remarks on the piece that was a mixed media project of metal , suede , and tassels . He was asked by a designer friend to make accessories for his next line , having been impressed by his creation . “ I ’ d never done anything [ like that ], this was just for me !” He fell into the industry then head first . They were a success and after an invitation to join another show and spread his wings to creating masks , gloves , and other types of accessories , Stephanus started his own company , Alston Stephanus Accessories , and began designing full time . His interests started influencing his day-to-day life and that included dressing like he ’ d just walked off Sunset Boulevard circa 1933 .
Alston Stephanus decided to start dressing in vintage fashion for a number of reasons . He admired the neatness of the outfits , for one . “ Neat is good .” He explains . However , what actually sparked his love affair for pocket watches , pocket squares , and a good loafer was actually the cartoon Astro Boy . He wanted to part his hair like the character , and it was only when he did it with a comb instead of with his fingers that he got that ‘ neat ’ look . Afterwards it was a slippery slope ; he went to Saville Row and got custom fit for a threepiece suit , he started getting hats made , he made more friends in the fashion and burlesque world and they encouraged him to truly find and represent himself through old school clothing . The Great Gatsby film with Leonardo DiCaprio and Burlesque , with Christina Aguilera were interesting inspirations as well . Stephanus cites the images and costumes from the films rather