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/stīl/ /kyo͞o/ noun 1. a sequence of people with a distinctive appearance 2. A style column for The Sound whereby sustainable style blogger Jennifer Moore (a.k.a. recovergirl) interviews locals with unique style
This week, we talk with Elias Matso, a 13-year-old resident of Kittery, Maine, about fashion, uncomfortable shoes, and shopping in Paris. This interview has been condensed and edited.
What’s your occupation?
I am a student in eighth grade.
What is your dream job?
My dream job is to be an international clothing designer. For the last couple of years, I’ve gone to summer camp at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. My plan is to keep doing that. When I graduate from high school I’m going to try to get into Parsons. I’ll get a degree and stuff and then hopefully by the time I’m 40, I’ll be really, really famous.
How would you describe your personal style?
Impractically fancy. Fresh. I’m on the spectrum from preppy to edgy. Sometimes I go to school in a black T-shirt that I bleached (and) a leather jacket. Sometimes I go to school in brogues, a sweater, and a button-down. It varies depending on my mood.
Tell me about your outfit.
The jacket is a women’s jacket from Goodwill. It’s been hard shopping there lately. I get more and more picky as I get older. The shirt and pants are from Topman, which is my favorite store right now. I really like the pants because I’m obsessed with the grid pattern. The shoes I got for my bar mitzvah. I chose a more casual wingtip so I could wear them to school. They are so uncomfortable. Like death.
What are staples in your wardrobe?
Flat brim snapback hats in the summer. I have five of them in different patterns and colors. I always wear them. In the winter, I’m always wearing a scarf.
What musical artists are you listening to a lot lately?
Katy Perry, 24/7.
Which actor would play you in a movie about your life?
Troye Sivan. He is a YouTuber. I’m not a huge fan, but I think he’s pretty cool. He has the hairstyle that I’m aiming for and he has a cute little whimsical look about him.
Describe an outfit you wore for a special occasion that you really loved.
It was my duty to find my outfit for my bar mitzvah. My mom let me do everything myself. I found a fitted suit with thin satin lapels and a white button down that is really fitted and stretchy. I got it online from ASOS. I also wore collar tips with chains and a pocket square. I was very put together.
Describe an article of clothing in your wardrobe that you love.
Long story — my best friend Emma was going to Paris. My parents and I had a teeny-tiny talk about me going too, but how? We can’t afford to send me to Paris. But then my grandparents were looking for something to do for me for my bar mitzvah. So they sent me to Paris with my friend Emma and her parents, and then met me there for the final two days.
In Paris we went to the most amazing store. I tried on a Vivienne Westwood sweater and thought, oh my gosh! This is the best sweater ever! Then I looked at the price tag and said, oh my gosh! This is impossible. I walked out of the dressing room and they asked me if I liked it. I loved it! The whole time I’m thinking — I love it, and it’s amazing, and it’s impossible. They got it for me. I was in shock. It is my first article of clothing by a high-end designer. The only trouble is I can’t wash it, ever.
What is something you love about your body?
My height and my hair and the shape of my face.
In what ways do you practice sustainable style?
I thrift shop and I actually sew some clothes. I made a shirt that I really liked, but the shoulder was pointy and when I washed it the seams fell apart. But it was amazing up until that happened.