I can recall during my first week of uni. I was walking up a hill to class and in front of me was this random blonde girl. She was wearing a massive Vetements hoodie with a mini Gucci backpack slung on her shoulder as she slyly made her way to the same school. I remember thinking to myself: “Okay… who is this girl?!”

Unfortunately, the hooded mystery girl wasn’t in any of my classes, nor did I really see her on campus after that day, I chalked her up to be some random (but really cool) tourist. Fast forward two years, I’m scrolling through Instagram, and low and behold, there she was.

 

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A post shared by  tora northman (@toranorth) on
Feb 8, 2018 at 5:24am PST

Her name is Tora Northman, and if you haven’t already seen her Instagram, you should, because she’s popping off. As one of the loudest voices amongst the Hong Kong youth, Tora is your one stop shop for inspiration on all things streetwear. Whether she’s pulling up in an oversized men’s blazer, having an indulgent fluorescent pink co-ord moment, or just straight up stunning in a Burberry bodysuit – she exhibits what it means to have a sense of style that doesn’t rely on a hype culture formula, but more so wearing what you love and being simply unapologetic about it. 

Both of us left our respective university to pursue further industry experience, and the more I’ve gotten to know her, it’s become very easy to say she is one of the most tenacious, driven and naturally talented people I’ve had the chance of calling a friend – there’s nothing I respect more than a true hustler. Soon she’ll be making power moves by relocating to London, so I took Tora to my backyard for a little Q&A sesh, as we discuss the influencer game and finding your personal style.

Firstly, could you introduce yourself and what you do

My name is Tora Northman, I’m 20 years old and I’m currently working at HYPEBEAST as an associate editor for the female division, HYPEBAE. I do everything from writing, to styling and photography – a good mix of everything to sum it all up. 

Where did you grow up and how has it influenced your style?

I’m from Sweden, but I’ve grown up abroad. I spent two years in Jakarta, Indonesia, and six years in Hong Kong, and will be packing up and relocating to London in a few weeks. I think meeting new people, experiencing new cultures and appreciating them is one thing that really fuelled my fashion interest. It’s cliché, but I’ve always known fashion is what I love and what I wanted to do. My mum, who also works in the industry, has also been a huge influence. I tend to take bits and pieces from everywhere I go and everyone I meet, and all of that has turned into a melting pot that is me, I guess. 

When did streetwear start to takeover your personal style?

Back in school, my friends didn’t really share my fashion interest (obsession, I’d say) and I ended up turning to Instagram and the internet where I found a huge streetwear and street style community. What I loved about it is that it’s for anyone, no matter age, gender, where you’re from or whatever – it’s all about finding your own style. Once I discovered this sub-culture, I think I started to research more and become a lot more invested in what went on in the industry, and really spending time learning about brands, trends and influential people in the industry.

At what point do you think your Instagram started to take on a more “influencer” type position? Any defining moments? 

Honestly, I don’t really know. I’d been blogging and doing YouTube videos for a long, long time, and truthfully never cared too much about my following. One day I decided that I wanted to document what I was wearing every single day, and that’s what kicked it all off. When I started posting more, more people ended up seeing my content and enjoying it – which is so cool, and really motivated me to keep going. 

Fashion has hit the mainstream and has become an industry that so many kids wanna get into now. Due to streetwear culture and fashion blogging, people are calling themselves “stylists” and “creative directors” from the clout they receive from posting decent fit pics. What do you think of this? 

Oh my god. I think it’s really exciting that young kids and teens are becoming so invested in the culture, but I also think a lot of people forget the years, history and hard work behind brands and don’t pay attention to “the hustle” that most established designers, stylists etc. have had to go through. We’re living in a time where education doesn’t really matter, and you don’t always have to have a degree to get a job, but just because you’re big on Instagram and you’ve got great style, it doesn’t mean you’re a stylist or a creative director. You’re just a creative, and that’s not a bad thing. 

Social media has opened up visibility but has now been oversaturated with influencers for every sub genre of style – how do you personally find quality influencers nowadays?

I find it really difficult to find genuine influencers these days, because it feels like everything I’m exposed to is either paid for, sponsored or planned out in some backdoor deal. So many products and brands are constantly being pushed, so I honestly just try to look for people with their own individual style that stay true to themselves. I think that’s the most important thing to do in the age of social media. 

How do you differentiate someone with good taste and someone with good coin? 

What’s that saying? “Money can’t buy taste” or something like that? I think a lot of the time, people on social media just spend money on things that are “hype” and “rare” and will get lots of likes, when in reality it has nothing to do with their own personal style. There’s nothing wrong with following the “mainstream” as long as you’re wearing what you like, but I think style comes down to being able to create a good outfit where bold brands, logos and money don’t come into play as much. But on the other hand, if I had all the money in the world I’d probably buy all the hype shit, too, so I guess at the end of the day I’m a hypocrite. 

Finally, what’s a piece of advice you could give to other fashion conscious youth who are trying to figure out their own sense of style?

Find what you like, find people that inspire you, and dare to be yourself. Authenticity is what matters the most in the long run. Experiment with garments, and take risks every now and then – that’s how you’ll really be able to find your own sense of style.

Credits
Photography and Styling / Keefe Tiu 
Model / Tora Northman (@toranorth)

Wardrobe / Joyce HK and I.T HK 

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