Beyond the hype // Violet Ell

Violet Ell is a photographer / porn director from Hell, San Marino. Visit her blog at violet-ell.com.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am Violet, 20ish, I take photographs.

What are your biggest passions?

Right now in my life the most important thing is taking photographs. That's what I love the most. But when I have some free time I like to watch (usually re-watch) some old films.

How did you first get interested in fashion and why is it important?

I don't remember when—it happened a long long long time ago—but I remember why. I always loved photography and thrift clothing, and I never wanted have something like a real job and work for someone for money. And I desired to create my own thing; I needed a place where I can do whatever I want. Creating a blog seemed like a pretty good idea, and it still is.

How do you describe the fashion scene in the city you live in compared to other major cities/fashion capitals?

I don't wan't to describe it.

What do you love about living in your city?

Everything outside looks so old and dirty and for me it's just a perfect background for photos.

Top 3 places to visit in the country you live in:

I have no idea, I've never traveled around the country.

Describe your personal style and its influences/inspiration.

I don't think that I can disrobe it. But I think it's something like garage goth. This is the best description I can give you. My inspiration comes from films and music videos between the 80's and 90's. And when I say 80's I mean the evil 80's, and when I say 90's I mean 90's grunge. Also I have an older sister, she was a teenager at 90's so I remember a little how she and some of her friends dressed.

Favorite designers and places to shop?

I don’t have a favorite designer, even more, I know nothing about designers. But I love UNIF clothing so much. They make the clothing exactly the way I like: destroyed. It looks old and cool. The perfect place to shop for me is thrift stores.

The first thing you look at in another person's outfit is:

Shoes.

What do you skimp on?

I don't spend a lot of money on clothing at all. Everything I've got comes for free, or was bought in thrift stores and almost for free.

What do you splurge on?

Coffee, cigarettes.

A fashion rule you always break:

I don't know any fucking fashion rules.

A fashion rule you never break:

It's definitely not a fashion rule, it's just a rule, and for me it's the rule: be yourself, wherever what that means, do what you wanna do and never give a fuck about what other people think or say.

What do you think is the most recent notable trend to appear/reappear,and what are your thoughts on it?

I don't really like trends.

What is the most underrated item in menswear and womenswear?

White t-shirt without a print. It's classic.

Your favorite color(s) of the moment are:

Black, burgundy.

What is your next "must have" purchase?

I have to get a fur or wolf coat, because it's necessary! It's not about fashion it's about survival. I do not want to freeze to death!

What is the ultimate showpiece in your closet?

My favorite pair is my vintage black Doc Martens boots. They're from a thrift store, and they were only like $10. And they're fucking perfect.

Are there any fashion icons or famous people whose style you admire?

[I don't know], Courtney Love, Kurt Cobain, Drew Barrymore in the 90's.

What's on your playlist, bookshelf, & DVD player at the moment?

In my iPod the same stuff like usual: Nirvana, Joy Division, The Cure, The Smiths, The Misfits, Sex Pistols…and Grimes (I don't usually listen music like this, but I really like it, so.) A few days ago I rewatched the film 200 Cigarettes; it's always great.

What can't you live without?

Coffee (I have an addiction), cigarettes (I have an addiction), my camera (I have an addiction), Doc Martens (I have an addiction), internet connection (I have an addiction), sunglasses, music, my clothes.

Next place you want to travel to (and why):

I'm not really a travel person; I'm very lazy.

What is your personal favorite outfit on LOOKBOOK by you, and by another member?

My personal favourite is this one (pictured bottom).

[By another member,] this one by Olivia Harrison.

In the year 2017 you will be:

I haven't desided yet whom I wanna be when I grow up, but I'll definitely keep doing what I'm doing now.

What would you say to someone seeking general fashion advice?

Wear what you like, only because you like it. That's it.

Ben G. wants to know: If you could be a character from any video game, who would you be?

[I don't know], I know nothing about video games.

What should we ask the next interviewee?

If you had a time machine, and it will only work once and take you to one place in time, and you will never come back, what year and specific date would you choose to travel to (to stay there forever)? And why?