Jess Xu is True to Her Taste | OOTD.com

Jess Xu is True to Her Taste | OOTD.com

Kayla Curtis-Evans: What are some of your earliest fashion memories, and was it something you always gravitated towards when you were younger?

Jess Xu: I was born in China and lived there until I was 7. Growing up, I’d always take off everything my mom put on me and put on my own outfit. She says I was very feminine, but also very edgy at the same time, with my hairstyles and accessories.

KCE: You originally were trained to be a pianist from a young age. Now, you are still so immersed in a creative world, but it's probably a little bit different than what you pictured.  When did you realize that you wanted to get into styling and fashion professionally?

JX: When I was 16, that's when I told my mom, ‘I'm not doing piano anymore.’ And we had a whole argument about it. And then I ended up getting nails, so it was impossible for me to play. I would get these super long acrylics, so every time I would play, it just wouldn't sound good anymore. Eventually she accepted that I was quitting. I really pivoted when I was in high school because that was during the Tumblr era, and I went deep into Tumblr style.

KCE: Did you feel like it was a little hard at first to get your parents to see your vision?

JX: Not really, because they were so supportive. And I knew, ‘This is gonna work.’ I was just so delusional about it. I think when you're 16, you don't really think too much about the future. I was like, ‘This is what I want right now.’

KCE: It’s kind of this boldness that comes from a sense of naivety, that ends up benefiting you. Because, as you said, you’re not thinking too far ahead. Sometimes we think about things too much.

JX: Exactly. So I thank my 16 year old self for not overthinking.

KCE: You mentioned growing up for a good chunk of the early portion of your life in China. And then you made your way here. How do you feel like your different areas of upbringing have impacted your personal style?

JX: It definitely impacted how I view the world. I realized at a very young age that people will judge you based on your outer appearance. So when I moved from China to America, I couldn't put that concept into words, but I knew deep down. I knew I had to present myself better than the average person because I couldn’t speak English. So I think learning that at such a young age really helped me view the world through the lens of, ‘Okay, we live in an unfair world. But fashion gives me the upper hand.’ It allows me to connect to other people.

KCE: Fashion is a universal connector for sure. It takes a lot to realize the things that you did at such a young age. And then to also build the confidence to put on these outfits and show up in those spaces anyway. Now, you're always traveling and on the go. What's your favorite city to pull fashion inspiration from?

JX: Oh, my gosh, Tokyo. I love that in Japanese culture, they don't really say much. They're more of a show and tell vibe. You go, and everyone's dressed to the 10s, but they're so polite. They don't really speak loudly there; it's silent even though everyone's walking and the city's insanely busy. But I would say Japan’s fashion is just so interesting because everyone has their very own distinct style, and it's ingrained in their culture. Versus in America, where I feel like people are very much herd-mentality driven. It's like, ‘Oh, Hailey Bieber got these nails, so I’ve gotta get these nails!’ In Japan, they don't have the same kind of celebrity culture that we have here.

KCE: You've worked with amazing clients including celebrities from Lil Uzi to Teyana Taylor. And that's just a couple of them! Do you have a dream styling client?

JX: Oh, my gosh. I haven’t thought about this. I think I have two. Lauryn Hill. I don't think she needs a stylist ever [laughs], but never say never. And number two would be Billie Eilish. She puts her own spin on every fashion house that she works with and I love that because I feel like with her, she wears the clothes. She doesn't let the clothes wear her.  And that's really important when it comes to styling.

KCE: I mean, you're the same way. Content creation is such an audience-facing lane to occupy. You share so much of yourself with others online, so what’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned about yourself and your identity through what you do?

JX: I think this is something that I learned recently, actually — that it's okay to be yourself online. I don't know why for so long, I felt like I had to present myself as this perfect being. But lately, I'm thinking, ‘No, people like when I talk in that weird British accent or my redundant rambles.’ Life is so short. Who gives a crap?

KCE: You usually pull off a chic fashion moment, but your nails are always equally runway ready. Where do you get your inspiration from for your nail art ideas?

JX: I would say my life. It really depends on what era I'm in, mentally. Where I'm at in the world, too. I remember this one set that went so, so viral. It had these little men trapped in translucent pockets on the actual nails. So my previous nail tech, her and I connected because we both had crazy ex-boyfriend stories. The first time we did our nails together, we shared our stories and they were so parallel that we immediately clicked. So when we were making that set, it was just so natural. When I went to see her that day, I originally wanted to do a furniture-inspired set. So I had all this space-age, 80s-inspired furniture on my mood board. After we finished, we thought, ‘Something's missing.’ And she had these little miniature men figures, so I said ‘Let’s add them!’ My inspiration really comes from everywhere.

KCE: That feels similar to your style as well — absorbing things around you. You've said before in a previous interview that you use fashion as an armor. I think for a lot of people, that rings true. It's kind of like a protective shield. Or it could be a means for us to get to wear different personalities or play different characters. Sometimes, I see some of your outfits, and I think, ‘This is another one of Jess’ avatars.’ So if you could be any animated character, who would you be and why?  

JX: Growing up, I wasn't really allowed to watch cartoons, so I got introduced to animated characters at an older age. But I would say Spider-Man, because I love his character. I love what he stands for. And I think that's something that's become my main focus as of late. I haven't really been focusing on how I can evolve when it comes to my style. To be honest, I don't even spend much time researching trends anymore. I've realized that when I'm the best version of myself, it just comes naturally. At the end of the day, all I care about is being a good person to my boyfriend. Well, my fiancée now. And t o my friends and family.

KCE: I've seen you wear a lot of crazy things. What do you feel is the craziest piece in your wardrobe currently?

JX: Oh, my gosh, so it's actually en route to my house right now and it will be debuted at Paris Fashion Week. It’s the most insane Comme des Garçon runway look.