Greetings, fellow students! I’m Anastasia Elektra, also known as Mily C, a second year student from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s fashion department. Welcome to my new column for F Newsmagazine that addresses the transformative power of fashion. This column aims to empower everyone to utilize clothing as a tool for self-discovery and authentic expression.
Our school is a vibrant community of unique individuals, and I want to celebrate that through in-depth interviews and features. Through this column, we’ll delve into a student’s relationship with fashion, exploring how clothing empowers them to project their true selves to the world.
Let’s be inspired!
After reading these interviews , I hope you’ll be encouraged to leverage the transformative power of fashion for your own personal journey. After all, just like me — when I slip into a black dress, I feel the essence of a Versace woman — everyone has the capacity to express their inner fashionista.
Our inaugural interview for the column features Lindsay Protosaltis, a captivating junior majoring in fashion. Let’s explore her unique style!
Lindsay Protosaltis working in her studio. Photo by Anastasia Elektra
MC: Lindsay, tell us about your outfit today.
LP: This top is actually from Target, but with a personal touch! I gave it a little DIY magic after borrowing it from a friend (funny story, her house had a fire!).
MC: Who are your fashion icons?
LP: Thierry Mugler and Vivienne Westwood are definite favorites. Interestingly, I don’t rely on social media for inspiration. I believe in dressing for myself, not external influences.
MC: Can you elaborate on your fashion journey?
LP: It began with my love for hairdressing, a passion instilled by my grandmother, a hairstylist herself. My artistic side likely comes from my dad, who attended Pratt Institute for Engineering. Guess creativity runs in the family!
MC: What about your favorite designers?
LP Definitely Mugler! I adore winter fashion — the layering creates a sense of elegant comfort. Vivienne Westwood is another favorite. Her documentary, “The Painted Ladies,” particularly resonates with me, especially the episode “Abbot Luxury and Frivolity.”
MC: Do you have any signature fashion tricks?
LP: I’m a dedicated shorts-wearer, even in winter! When you wear something you feel confident in, it radiates. Your body knows what it wants, and it’s about embracing that feeling.
MC: What’s your favorite movie?
LP: Alice in Wonderland! It embodies the spirit of exploration and pushing boundaries.
MC: Describe your fashion philosophy in a sentence.
Lindsay: Fashion is a reflection of my inner self — a way to express different facets of who I am. Fashion is about figuring out what’s inside your head. Fashion shows different versions of myself. Each outfit means a new day, representing a new version of myself. Also, a side note, keep going forward and don’t ask questions, trust yourself,
MC: What’s your career plan?
Lindsay: Costume design is my dream career! I’m actively preparing for a future in LA or New York City, and my supportive artist boyfriend keeps me motivated.
