Oliva Halle
"Church is the most unexpected place where I found fashion inspiration"
What first drew you to fashion and how did your interest evolve over time?
I have always been interested in dressing for fun, but the internet culture when I first got social media as a 12 year old was one of the first real influences. I followed both kawaii blogs and youtube DIY-channels in like 2013. Same went for my later teens, I was around people where it felt like the person who dressed the most uniquely won (which resulted in some bold choices…). And finally the biggest shift was my discovery of the 2nd-hand market at like 17.
How do you define your personal style?
I wish I had a good name for my style, or an aesthetic to pin point it to, but I feel like my style is deeply personal in the way that it changes every day and relies heavily on my mood. It’s important to not limit yourself by thinking you should dress like you did yesterday.
The biggest influence is of course early 2000s to 2010s, with a majority of my closet being vintage or thrifted. I love second hand pieces because they feel more genuine, they look like someone have actually worn them.
I love mixning preppy and messy between distressed jeans and 1940s skirt-suits.
What’s your favourite vintage or second hand find?
My most special find must be a pair of red Chanel riding boots that I found for a steal on Vestiaire. I have yet only worn them during a weekend in London, I want them to last forever. However, my most used find is definitely my balenciaga city bags. I know they are very trendy right now (as they were in 2016), but I have never found a more perfect bag. It’s the perfect balance of subtle and detailed.
How do you keep your style fresh and exciting without constantly shopping?
Accessorize. Sounds simple, but mix and match, sometimes you just get stuck in the same combinations. Also do closet-swaps with friends! Works like magic.
What’s your go-to accessory that you never leave the house without?
Big cute keychain!! (for both aesthetic and practical purposes). I love collecting keychains when I’m travelling and adding them to my collection. Right now the main piece is a name tag with my name in korean that I got in Seoul this winter.
How do you decide what to wear for a special occasion?
If it’s a holiday I love going for a color-theme. I wore bold yellow, green and blue for the most recent easter, it’s so fun!! But otherwise I usually always wear heels as a base for special occasions, then I adapt the outfit to the occasion.
If you could swap closets with any historical figure, who would it be?
Coco Chanel, Lady Gaga (she’s a historical figure to me) or Marie Antoinette.
What’s a piece of clothing that you are sure will make a comeback?
Still waiting for the peplum top… But I might have to be the one to do it.
What’s one fashion mistake you’ve learned from in the past?
Never debut second-hand heels on a night out. This might be obvious to many, but I have had too many limping nights where one heel have in after a few hours.
How do you approach shopping for new clothes—are you a planner or a spontaneous buyer?
During the months, weeks or even years leading up to a purchase, I always have a few pieces in the back of my mind on my ”wishlist”. This could be a specific piece or just a vibe I’ve caught. When I find something matching in a second-hand store or online, I know it’s something I’ve truly wanted. This can sometimes be tricky with thrifting because you have to make a decision on the spot, or the piece will be gone forever. With that said I make some spontaneous purchases, but they’re still aligned with what I like.
If you could have one piece of fashion without budget what piece would you add to your wardrobe?
With an unlimited budget I would chase down one of the pairs of Alexander McQueens Armadillo shoes from SS2010. If I can’t find the shoes, I would get a timeless Chanel tweed suit.
Tell us about an outfit you won't forget
I will never forget going to a Lady Gaga club and making my top by wrapping myself in black and yellow caution tape. Paired with my black waxed Balmain jeans.
What’s the most unexpected place you’ve found fashion inspiration?
Church.
What’s a fashion item or trend you secretly love but haven’t dared to try yet?
Fashion-wise I’m never afraid to try new things, but I love the trend of being really good at doing your hair. I’ve had extensions and everything but never out the effort into a blowout or something fun.
What’s a piece in your wardrobe that holds sentimental value?
I’m a very nostalgic person, so I have many. I have a rule that I keep my 1-2 of my favorite pieces from every ”era” and style of my life. This have created an archive of old memories in the shape of pieces. In 2015, 10 years ago, I saved up for my first designer bag which was the Marc by Marc Jacobs hobo bag, I still use it to this day.
What’s your biggest fashion splurge vs. your best budget find?
My biggest splurge was the tabi ballerinas my Maison Margiela, to be fair they are my most worn and comfortable shoes. Best budget find is just all the rest of my wardrobe that I’ve found second-hand.
What’s the most unusual or unique piece in your closet?
I have a Junya Watanabe wool coat in an incredible blue and green tartan. The edges are distressed. I found out that I have ancestrial roots in a scottish clan, so when I found this coat that matched the clan’s own tartan I just had to get it.
