mattchupicchu /

Pictured: J.W.Anderson Blue Satin Blouse, Finery London Pink Wide Leg Trousers and Patent Boots

I find it incredible that it’s only been two years since I started this blog. In this time span, I’ve met so many wonderful new people, worked with brands I’ve never imagined to work with and developed a bolder, more genderless approach to fashion. It’s been a lot of transformations to say the least. And while I have my days when I question why I’m doing this, it’s hard to imagine what else I would do other times. Despite not making much money by being ultra selective with brands and still trying to “break in” the fashion industry, the creative fulfillment I get is boundless and so, so satisfying. Never would I have imagined to express the way I do today and the confidence to do so is priceless for my personal development. So as I share my thoughts on my two year ride, I hope that sharing my passion (even just as a side-gig) prompts you to pursue what you really want to do. It’s certainly not an overnight thing, but I promise the return is worth it.

-Matt Chu

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Another season has wrapped up and there’s no better time to highlight the best runway looks. From London’s experimental designs to Paris’ authoritative creativity, here are the 6 trends that will rule 2018 in style:

I. The Conservative Sheer

from left to right: Off-white, Stella McCartney and Simon Rocha. images via Vogue Runway

This season, it’s all about layering sheer pieces. #freethenipple has had it’s time (for now) and designers are using see-through materials like tulle, organza and lace conservatively. Layer it over a bodysuit, jumpsuit, dress, or just about anything to achieve this look.

II. Age of Silver

from left to right: Paco Robanne, Erdem and MM6 Maison Margiela 

Plastic is having a moment, but not for much longer. Silver reigned the shows to shimmer past the unstable social and political scene, providing us with much-needed fun. There’s never enough silver, so start sequining your whole look from collar to boots. View Post

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tulle rose shirt by Y/Project, faux fur coat by McQ, faux leather pants by 7 of all Mankind, patent derby by Acne Studios, photography by Jordan Ji

It’s been a year since my Valentines Day note on buying yourself a flower. While many circumstances in my life has changed, I’ve never been more committed to the notion of self-love. A big part of that is learning to respect your mind and body above distractions that neither contribute to your growth nor well-being. For me, that was forgoing the traditional notions of masculinity that was limiting how I expressed myself and moving past the ego trip I got from what others were saying about me. The former has been a constant evolution since I started this blog, while the latter is ironically derived from self-love.

I’ve somewhat mistaken loving yourself as building an ego that is capable of protecting and defeating judgment, when reality it only makes you weaker. In the digital age where comparing against others is too easy, I’ve learned that narcissism is not self-love and instead means you’re taking yourself too seriously. That was when I decided that this blog and the follower count is not me, but is instead a good representation of the work I produce. Starting the Behind-the-Scenes series on my Stories (every Wednesday), where I show funny bloopers of myself, has been a shift from being too serious to being more lighthearted and fun. In that sense, I feel that self-mockery is almost a good way of loving yourself if it means acknowledging your flaws and owning up to it. So on this occasion of love, whether you’re single or not, I hope you take some time love yourself, laugh at yourself and experience what it really feels like to embrace yourself.

-Matt Chu

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special thanks to Adriana Stan of W Magazine for ideation and Jordan Ji for the photography.

I’m super excited to share with you the first ever 360° fashion editorial shoot (go ahead, click and scroll around). While fashion editorials are traditionally print spreads, I wanted to elevate the visual experience into something more immersive and interactive. Thanks to the newest technologies, I was able to produce this editorial panorama that showcases my outfit in various angles and poses, all shot in one-go. Look wise, I’m wearing a wool peacoat, sequined turtleneck and my favorite pair of slouch boots for a sleek, yet edgier look. Shooting this was quite a challenge (talk about the cold weather), but the results are breathtaking and I couldn’t be more excited to share and produce more experiences like this. Enjoy!

-Matt Chu

 

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Pictured: H&M faux-fur coat (sold out, similar here and here), MSGM crushed velvet trousers (similar here and here) and pink V-neck and turtleneck (similar here and here)

If there’s anything we can learn from this past FW’ season, it’s that faux-fur is more fabulous than real fur. From cruelty-free brands such as Stella McCartney and Shrimps to traditional fashion houses like Miu Miu and Gucci (which recently banned the use of real fur), designers show that there’s nothing modern about torturing animals raised specifically for their skin. This includes any item tagged with fur OR shearling. Technologies are advanced enough to make faux-fur coats just as warm and most importantly cuter than ever (think bright colors like the one pictured). Consumers who adore and advocate for fur do not see past their prestige-driven mentalities and realize that animals do not need to be killed to establish their “superiority”. So next time you’re looking for a fuzzy coat, opt for that faux-fur one, because your morals and the piece’s cuteness will only make you a better (looking) person.

-Matt Chu

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