I caught Canadian It-Girl, Rebecca-Jo, aka @youthin.asia, while she was visiting New York, and we had so much fun. Rebecca-Jo is a fashion creator, stylist, and actual angel of a human. And if you haven't been tuned into her unhinged fashion girls' guides yet - well, now you know.
What has been inspiring you lately?
I’m always inspired by ideas—old runway shows, art, and film. Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about how nature has become the ultimate luxury, and how for so many people, interaction with nature is mediated through screens. I’m really interested in what that disconnect is doing to us, and how it’s shaping the way we experience reality. That idea has been influencing a lot of my recent work, along with revisiting Alexander McQueen’s earlier runway shows.
What makes an outfit feel right to you?
It’s a feeling. When I’m getting dressed, there’s always a moment where I can tell if the look is done or if it’s missing something. Sometimes that final piece isn’t even clothing—it’s the hair or makeup. For me, a look isn’t complete without them.
Who would be your dream styling client?
Princess Diana.
I love your hair and am really loving this new cherry cola look. What are your thoughts on hair as a fashion accessory?
Thank you! Hair has always been one of my main forms of self-expression. In high school, I had half-blonde, half-black hair that I absolutely destroyed from teasing and straightening. When I started modelling, I lost a lot of agency over how I looked, including my hair, so reclaiming that after retiring was really important to me. I don’t feel like myself without hair that feels interesting or vibrant. For me, it’s less of an accessory and more of an extension of my personality.
I'm so happy to catch you while you're visiting NYC. What’s one thing you need to do every time you visit?
See my friends, eat at Thai Diner, go shopping, and try to catch at least one exhibition at a gallery or museum.
How would you describe your personal style?
I always joke that I’m a goth alien who loves fashion, but that’s probably more my personality than my style. My style is hard to pin down because it’s constantly evolving. It really reflects how I’m feeling and what’s happening in my life at the time. Right now, I’d describe it as high fashion with an underground edge—dark femme, a little undone, a little otherworldly.
What is your morning beverage of choice?
A matcha latte with almond milk and maple syrup. I quit coffee a couple of years ago and got really into matcha after a trip to Japan—very on brand.
Can you name a movie that has had a big impact on you?
That’s such a hard question—I watch a lot of films. Some that have really stayed with me are Velvet Goldmine, The Dreamers, Chungking Express, Perfect Blue, Girl, Interrupted, Little Women (the Gillian Armstrong version), You Won’t Be Alone, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and Burning. I also watched The Girl Who Cried Pearls last night and can’t stop thinking about how beautiful it is.
What are 5 things you always have in your bag, practical or not?
Blistex Lip Medex (or I will spiral), Byredo Bal d’Afrique hand sanitizer, Pillow Talk lipstick, sunglasses, and period supplies. I guess I’m more practical than I thought.
Where are you finding pockets of joy these days?
Long, podcast-length voice notes from my best friends, my dogs getting excited over something simple, FaceTime calls with my niece Henny, and eating my husband’s cooking.
What are you working on right now that is exciting you?
There are a few things I can’t talk about yet, but I’ve been styling Juliette Gariepy for the Mile End Kicks press tour, which has been so fun. She has incredible taste—total baddie—and she’s hilarious.
