Pulp Interviews: Valentina Carrizo, USyd Fashion founder
By Jossie Warnant
In a time when USyd is notably quieter and pyjamas have become acceptable tutorial attire, it might seem odd to talk about fashion on campus. But for Valentina Carrizo, Fashion Institute student and founder of Instagram account, USyd Fashion, it’s more important than ever.
With over 600 followers, USyd fashion captures the unique aesthetic of USyd’s student population. Having started the account in 2019 whilst studying a Bachelor of Arts at USyd, Valentina says that she was inspired by the “eccentric” looks she saw on campus.
“It kind of occurred to me that every day I walk past people at uni who are wearing things that are really unusual, really unique and different. And you know, you don't know who these people are, I don't know anything about them. You just see them for a second and then that's it. So, I thought it would be really cool to bring that to a wider audience because it's just such a USyd thing.”
USyd Fashion features street-style shots of regular USyd students, accompanied by short quotes that share insight into their studies, hobbies or fashion inspiration. Valentina doesn’t seek out the students wearing the trendiest outfits, but those who stand out from the crowd.
“I tend to try and look to see if it's a whole outfit rather than just one piece. And I think it also comes down to the way someone carries themselves. So, if they look confident in something, you know, even if it's really bizarre, that doesn't really matter. As long as they're wearing it well, then that's what I look for.”
The first person Valentina featured on USyd Fashion was Arwen, an English and Celtic Studies student, whose picture she snapped on Eastern Avenue.
“She was wearing this red, velvety dress and she had a red top underneath and this really long black hair. She just stood out in the crowd...And that was the first one and honestly, I experienced such a high after taking that first picture."
It’s this “high” that motivated Valentina to continue with the account that seeks to position the everyday fashion looks of students against the wider fashion industry.
“For me, fashion is really cool. And the fashion industry is very not cool. It's just a bit of a toxic industry. And I think the purpose of USyd Fashion is to show how you can be fashionable, but it doesn't mean you need to be a sellout.”
As global movements such as Black Lives Matter have seen youth mobilised online, USyd Fashion has tapped into the conversation by providing a platform for students to speak about issues that matter to them. With posts showcasing local Indigenous brands, a focus on thrifted and vintage products and efforts to assist local businesses during the pandemic, the account has illustrated how fashion can be a powerful force for change.
“It's about giving a voice to students and allowing them to speak through the page or just using fashion as a touch point for these wider issues.”
Like so many others, the pandemic has disrupted the USyd Fashion model. At the moment, approaching people on campus isn’t really an option, so Valentina has adapted the account to continue engaging with the USyd community. During stage three COVID-19 restrictions, USyd Fashion featured Instagram takeovers from students who shared their quarantine routines.
“I definitely felt a bit of a responsibility if they've, you know, given me their follow, then I should, give something back to them, especially in a trying time.”
While she takes a break from catching looks on campus, Valentina has had time to think about the future of USyd fashion.
“COVID has put a damper on this year. But, you know, it's not necessarily a bad thing because it did give me the time to kind of look back over things and, and think about it more seriously.”
She says she’s feeling inspired to diversify the account by expanding into different platforms and organising face-to-face meet-ups when it’s safe again.
USyd Fashion captures a small part of the culture and stories that make up the USyd community, and during a time when the campus feels unfamiliar to many students it’s a welcome link back to university.
Follow USyd Fashion here.