Joana Victor first graced our pages at the beginning of the year in our spring fashion feature, Fashion By Jo for LMN. Now we bring you face to face and closer to this damsel in disheveled locks. Read along and get to know Jo as she answers our questions and shares a few words of wisdom that gets her going.
LMN: What is your personal fashion philosophy?
JV: Fashion to me is my biggest form of self expression. It’s an obsession pouring out of me, running through my blood. An addiction, I can’t turn it off even if I wanted to. Each day I have the constant need to create. People are always going to have an opinion about your style and choice of clothing-whether it’s negative or positive, but as long you stay true to yourself and love it… F what they think! They say dance like no one’s watching… I say wear whatever the hell you want! Wear what you want, whenever you want, however you want-wear it with confidence!
“I think the best thing to do is just know that there’s a big difference between style and fashion, and that one doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with the other. I think people should stop and get off the train. I think they should look at things, and they should sit like a king on a throne and let everything pass by them. They should practice the art of discernment, and they should do that with their dollar, and they should do it with their eye, and they should do it with their ear, and do it with their mouth, and they should do it with every one of their senses. And they should really sit there, and they should make up their own fucking minds. They should do it about government, and they should do it about their art, and they should it about their clothes, and about their music, about their foods. You decide. If you dig it, dig it. If it’s fashionable to you, then love it and celebrate it.” -Kelly Cutrone
LMN: Who are you top 5 icons (fashion or not) right now?
JV: My mother- PAST and PRESENT
Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen- I’ve admired them ever since I was little ( I have them to thank for my cornrow twisties/ butterfly clips craze!) They are innovators and constantly revamping themselves it amazes me!
Abby Lee Kershaw- I am digging her Model Off Duty looks. She throws things together in such an effortless way.
Lykke Li- Her music is honest and pure madness! She has a dark soul. She performs with strong emotion and dances so weird I love it! ( gahhh I want to see her live!)
Christine Centenera- Fashion Editor of Harper’s Bazaar Australia. She’s lady like but still has that funkiness edge.
“These are the girls who don’t really follow things. To be honest, we like freaks. They make their own rules, and as a result they become some sort of icon because they become leaders- as opposed to outsiders. I think that’s so interesting. People who make their own rules usually feel kind of alone, left out, but in reality they become leaders. They become what everyone else follows.” -Lazaro Hernandez designer of Proenza Schouler
LMN: What/Who/Where gives you the most inspiration and motivation?
JV: What: The fact that I know what I love to do which is hard to discover gives me motivation to not settle for anything less of what I am capable of achieving.
WHO: My mother, she lets me be whoever I want, she is my rock, she gives me strength and supports me on the path I have chosen. I am soooo very fortunate and grateful that I have her behind me cheering me on. My best friend Trixie played a huge role in my journey of self discovery. She helped me to not be afraid and take the plunge.
Even you inspire me Melissa! I’m lucky to have met you and honored to be shot by you. You’re drive and hungriness to produce beautiful work is inspiring! You are so freaking bold and honest! I really admire that! I am just so blessed to be surrounded by awesome family and friends who encourage me to reach for the stars and shine like the moon!
Where: Walking around the city- any city whether it’s the streets of L.A., San Francisco, NEW YORK especially. I love people watching, people fascinate me! I can only hope to visit other countries to influence me in ways I cannot even imagine.
LMN: What is your goal for the future, say 5 years from now?
JV: To be independent, living in New York working for a company I absolutely love. I want to be happy and in pure bliss creating, looking back at this interview and say to myself “DAMN I actually did IT!”
LMN: Any current projects, plans and ideas for Fashion By Jo?
JV: My BFF, Trixie and I are setting up an online vintage shop that is still in the works. I’m researching companies and planning to intern this summer so I’m crossing my fingers and toes to get hired!
This young wild beauty may just be starting out but we can all expect more amazing outfits, revelations and endeavors from Joana. With feathers in her hair, wedges on her feet and passion in her heart, there’s no denying Fashion By Jo will not only last but exceed the trend of emerging fashion blogging. Keep doing your thing girl, LMN is rooting for you.
