We’re firm believers in the idea that the best type of work is the kind that feels like play; the kind that gives you an intense rush of butterflies when you book a new gig or fully immerse yourself in a new project. This Valentine’s Day, in the spirit of love and being passionate about what you do, we gabbed with a few of our favorite creative ladies and gave them a chance to declare their love for the item that helped them fall for their craft.
Photographer/artist/model Arvida Byström is known for her ultra-girly aesthetic; a dreamy-creamy world of cute ‘n’ queer imagery, that oozes pink and preaches her digital-friendly brand of g-URL power. We asked the Internet It Girl and Nasty Gal pal about her lovie-dovie relationship with Instagram and where it all began.
I got into Instagram a little more than a year ago. I used it a few
summers ago, but didn’t like it that much, and also broke my
smartphone so had an old phone for a while. But then I got a
smartphone again and I was like, “Gosh, everyone is still so into
Instagram.” Then I started to use it again and kind of found that it’s
a bit like Tumblr in a way (which I love). You can curate cute things
very easily.
Probably whenever I post a photo that shows that I have hair in my
armpits. Turns into a wild commenting adventure
usually.
I guess a cute red dress maybe? Or a red mini-skirt. All these things
are mad cute and perfect for a Valentine’s date with your Instagram!
Shop Arvida’s V-Day Looks
Nasty Gal License to Thrill Cutout Panty; Skivvies By Mine Bra; After Party Vintage Love the Nightlife Knit Dress; Nasty Gal I’m Yours Dress; Suzywan Deluxe Baby Be Mine Choker
Makeup artist and The Work Magazine Editor-in-Chief Gloria Noto is always jetting around the world (with healing crystals in tow), spreading the gospel of beauty wherever she goes (and always stopping by the Nasty Gal offices when she’s in L.A.). In between lining lips and line editing Work‘s next issue, she found some time to reminisce with us on that first life-changing rush she felt from picking up a makeup brush.
Almost capsizing on a sailboat in Big Sur for an advertising job. Literally we almost flipped over. I was seasick for three days.
A kimono with nothing more.
Shop Gloria’s V-Day Looks
Frends Taylor Leather Headphones; Gimme The Scoop Knit Top; Layer Up Tank; After Party Vintage Essential Tee; Skivvies Bat Your Lashes Lace Robe
Norwegian fashion illustrator Esra Røise is turned on by the crooked, disheveled, and grotesque. She draws her tattooed and gap-toothed female subjects with a surreal attention to detail, a signature style that has won her the favor of publications such as Vogue, Purple, and Nylon. We find out how she and her colored pencils first got together, and all the places they’ve ventured since.
I’ve been drawing since I was a little kid. Growing up in a big family
with lots of siblings where you share, more or less involuntarily,
most of your toys, clothes, food, whatevs, drawing became this thing
that was just mine. In a sort of an escapist way I guess. For as long
as I can remember it has given me intense joy to just sit and draw and
zone out for hours in my own world. I always kinda knew that this was
something I wanted to keep doing, and the fact that it has become my
actual job is beyond gratifying, and it makes me feel extremely
privileged. I get to do my favorite thing in the world, and pay the
rent with it (and buy the occasional pair of expensive shoes). It
really is a job fuelled by love for the craftsmanship.
I was invited to have an exhibition in Sao Paolo, Brazil last year, so
I was flown in and driven around to see all these amazing places. The
gallery was an old house from the 19th century with a big garden
outside. On the opening night it was packed with people who had come
from all over the country to see my work. It was a truly humbling and
insane experience that I will never forget.
I have to admit I am not very big on dressing up, but lately I’ve been
super into overalls and jumpsuits which you can both dress up and
down. Since I’m pretty short, jumpsuit and flats very quickly make me
look like a bit of a toddler, so a pair of swanky heels is crucial.
Top it of with some red lips and messy hair, and I’m good to go.
Shop Esra’s V-Day Looks
Solace Rossi Stretch Crepe Jumpsuit; Asilio Step Aside Cutout Jumpsuit; Nasty Gal Champagne Taste Cape Blazer; Cameo Exempt Leather Mule
London-based photographer and visual artist Polly Brown makes a habit (and a living) of capturing people, places, and even high-profile office plants for a swanky list of clients including The New Yorker and The Gourmand. Even cooler? Her photo essay documenting the foliage at the headquarters of big-time companies including Burberry, Google, and Dazed & Confused basically went viral. After playing the field for years, it was love at first site when Polly laid eyes on her Pentax 67.
A friend loaned me their Pentax 67 around 2 years ago. It was love at
first hefty hold.
The one we are on at the moment. We are traveling through Asia for two months: China, Vietnam, Laos , Singapore, and ending in Australia.
Red, white, and pink allover.
Shop Polly’s V-Day Looks
Jeffrey Campbell Darjana Jeweled Suede Slide; Nasty Gal Tina Faux Fur Coat; Nasty Gal Boy Gorg Poplin Shirt; Cream of the Crop Skirt; Hansel from Basel Happy Feet Sock Set
Red velvet and four-inch tiger striped heels
Shop Minka’s V-Day Looks
Nasty Gal Little Bow Pink Organza Blouse; Persuasion Lace Crop Top; Keepsake Follow the Sun Silk Dress; Cameo It’s Time Peplum Short; Cameo Static Floral Tee