Meet
Djuna Bel-Rowe, a sought-after commercial and editorial stylist based in Los Angeles who first started her career modelling in NYC. Her impressive roster of clients include Rashida Jones, MIA, Ryan Gosling, and Zoe Kravitz (just to name a few) and after perusing her Instagram account for a while, it comes to no surprise that her client list continues to grow. She has an air of, dare we say, magic and charm that is incredibly hard to sift through and find on Instagram. Also, since living in Los Angeles, Djuna has accumulated an impressive vintage collection which we can't help but admire from afar. So as long time admirers, we were so excited to chat with Djuna about her personal fashion dogma, what song would be the soundtrack to her life, and what visual references influence both her work and style.
What is your personal fashion dogma when adding to your wardrobe?
I try to incorporate ethical fashion choices into my day to day wardrobe - especially with vintage. Sometimes I find I have more of a minimalistic style but often I like fun, crazy pieces that I might not be able to wear everyday. Vintage is perfect for that. I'm also a fan of wearing something and then passing it along for the next person to enjoy.
If you had to choose between a wardrobe piece that was designed especially for you or your dream vintage find, what would you choose?
Oh god, that's so hard. Maybe something designed specifically for me.
What song would be the soundtrack to your life right now?
Slave to Love by Bryan ferry
What is the textile that you are consistently drawn to time and time again?
I'm such a sucker for a good cashmere, but I also love vintage 70's crepe.
If you could come into possession of one piece of art, what would it be, who is it by and why?
I would love a giant Niki de Saint Phalle sculpture. They're just so gorgeous.
We find that women are often encouraged to copy other women in mainstream media (especially fashion magazines) and that this is exacerbated by Instagram culture in which people are always looking for inspiration. Do you think that this exposure is positive or negative on creative people today?
I think it's a little bit of both. It's lovely to share ideas but I think that instagram and similar platforms create an unrealistic competition and that feels really unhealthy.
What does a normal day look like for you?
Oh wow, every day is different. I try to spend every day that I am not working with my 2 year old, but I'm often on set or prepping or shopping. Regardless, I'm up at 6am and ready to go. Ha!
How do you keep yourself grounded and prevent yourself from burning out?
I honestly don't know. I get pretty exhausted because I give 100% of myself to my family, my friends, my work and try to save a little time for myself. I think that being exhausted but full of love and gratitude helps remind myself that it's all worth it.
How did you first get interested in sustainable and ethical fashion, and how has it affected your relationship with your clothing?
I'm not wasteful and didn't grow up with a lot of money, but I was creative and searched thrift stores for fun finds.
What are some visual references that influence both your work and style?
I guess that's a positive part of instagram – it can be a great sharing platform and people share their inspiration and it can be a portal to other worlds and cultures and points of view. That's really where I find inspiration.
What’s your advice for someone who wants to be more avant-garde or creative with the way they dress, but don’t know where to start?
Follow your heart. Wear what makes you feel good and don't overthink it.
What do you think about the idea of “trends”? Do you pay attention to them or just dress in whichever way you feel?
I never feel like I pay attention to trends, but I also need to keep my finger on the pulse as far as fashion shows and trends, etc., for work and clients and I'm sure subconsciously that rubs off on me.
@djunabel