Big Interview: The Fashion Turd has a natter with Self Constructed Freak...

When I was 17 I thought i was such a stylish little hipster, but in fact i probably looked like a right dick head.
This 17 year old on the other hand is probably the most deliciously dressed blogger on the interweb. Her customized constructions and home-sewn delights always have me oozing jealousy from every pore. So let me formally invite you  to come eavesdrop on a recent chat i had with the pint size punk pixie that is Marlena A.K.A Self Constructed Freak

                                               

1. So who on earth are you? Sum yourself up in a nutshell.
Well, my name is Marlena, I'm 17-years-old and I'm a bit of a  clothes horse.

2. How would you describe your style and why do you dress like

you do?

One of my very best friends has described me as being a 'pastel-colored punk rocker', which I think is hilarious so I'll stick with that. As for why I dress this way, my outfits just sort of happen. I guess you could say they're a reflection of what's going on in my head at that particular moment

 

   

 3. So you make your own patterns and clothes?How long have

you been doing this for and why?

I started making my own clothes about four or five years ago. I had always been fascinated with the process of making a garment., how it was cut out,put together,etc. My older brother took notice of this new obsession of mine and bought me my first machine. I've been sewing ever since!

4. How important is the way you dress to you?
It's important to me to an extent. It's a big part of who I am, no doubt, but it's not everything thing to me.

5. Your favorite designer and why?

I actually have three favorites! Rudi Gernreich, Mary Quant, and Tabuchi Sayuri. Mary pioneered the whole sixties look while Rudi took it to new heights with daring designs like the topless bathing suit. Tabuchi is one of my main inspirations right now. I love her to death! You may know her as the owner of the Spank! shops in Tokyo. She designs all of these amazing collage-like dresses, tops & skirts. They're like wearable pieces of art!

6.You come from quite a small town. what kind of reaction do you get from other people or other students at school?

Yes I do! Small town Wisconsin = worst place to live, seriously.

Surprisingly, I get the most positive reactions from little old ladies. Everyone else--especially people my age-- cannot stand the way I dress. I've even been threatened by some of my peers because of what I was wearing at the time. It really bothered me for a while but I eventually just decided that I'll wear what I wanna wear and I'm not going to stop looking the way I do just to please them.

                            

7. Why is Japanese street fashion such a big influence for you?

Well, I was 12 when I first discovered Japanese street fashion via the FRUiTS books. I was literally gasping in awe every time I turned the page. It was like I got a wake-up call and finally found how I wanted to present myself to the world: in the form of 1000 colorful layers. I feel like being exposed to that at such a young age really helped form the way my

personal style is today. And I'm positive it will continue to be my maininfluence for years to come!

8. Music also seems to be a big influence on your style, is it? Why is music important to you? Who are you listening to at the moment?

Oh it definitely is! I tend to make subtle references to my favorite groups or songs all the time through my outfits or blog posts. For me, music goes hand in hand with personal style. I think without it I wouldn't be as creative as I am. It also motivates me to get things done! Are those weird reasons?

I dunno. Right now I'm really into Hole, Shonen Knife, and Fugazi. I'm also secretly a k-pop fan (not a secret anymore I guess).

10. Why do you blog? What do you love and hate about blogging/blogs? Other blogs you follow?

I see blogging as a way to put myself out there to people that I feel can appreciate the wacky outfits that I come up with. Seeing as I don't get much support in real life for that sort of thing, it's nice to have an online community where different people can share ideas and be supportive of each other. The

bulk of my idea's & inspiration for stuff comes from people I meet or places I see online. I really don't know where I'd be without it!

My daily reads are: Nice & Shiny, Hipster Musings, A Fluffy Blog, and Wardrobe Stories

    

11. Do you come from a creative family?

I suppose. My older sister takes art courses at college. My brother is obsessed with web design. And I'm the one that makes dresses!
12. the outfit on your blog that you are most proud of?

 The one I wore for New Years!
13. What’s your favourite breakfast cereal?

Cupcake flavored Fruity Pebbles! But my mom is a strict health food nut so I usually just eat oatmeal (yuck!)

14. Favourite way to spend a free afternoon?
With my sewing machine & Siouxsie records. I must sound like a total loner, but I really just like to be by myself most of the time.

15. what books do you read?
Mostly books on fashion through the decades & feminism. Old Simplicitysewing books which are hilarious to look through but helpful all at the same time. Oh, and I LOVE manga!

16. Any pets?!

Nope. I live in a really tiny apartment complex that doesn't allow them. I do hope to get a pug once we move. I think I'll name him/her Hachiko. (If anyone gets that reference I will love you forever!)

17. what do you want to be when you grow up?!
Oh gosh, I don't know! Probably something fashion industry related (I hope!). I've still got a bit of time to think before I grow up so we'll just have to wait and see what happens.

  

              

  So, you likey?...thought you would...which is your favourite outfit?... leave some love comments  and then go fuck off and visit her  http://self-constructed-freak.blogspot.com/

P.S If you think i would l-o-v-e your blog and might want to ask you some probing questions for my next interview, leave me your link below and i'll come give you the once over!