RACHEL NOSCO
DC: YOU STUDIED FASHION ILLUSTRATION AT FIT IN NEW YORK. WHEN YOU LOOK AT A GARMENT, YOU UNDERSTAND ITS SKELETON—THE LINES, THE DRAPE, THE CONSTRUCTION. HOW DOES THAT TECHNICAL, ARTISTIC BACKGROUND CHANGE THE WAY YOU STYLE AN OUTFIT COMPARED TO SOMEONE WHO ONLY LOOKS AT TRENDS?
RN: Yes, at FIT I spent years doing figure drawing classes, drawing clothes on the models, and it definitely left an impression on me when it comes to style. It taught me to pay attention to details, and the structure and quality of clothing makes a huge difference in overall style. I'm very picky about the little things, like the structure of shoulders in a jacket, for example, and it can really make or break the entire look.
DC: YOU SPENT FORMATIVE YEARS IMMERSED IN THE HUSTLE OF NYC BUT ARE ROOTED IN THE LAID-BACK ENERGY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. HOW DO THOSE TWO DRASTICALLY DIFFERENT FASHION ECOSYSTEMS FIGHT OR COLLABORATE WITHIN YOUR OWN CLOSET?
RN: I am very much a combination of style and comfort. I adore fashion and being creative with my aesthetic, but I am a Californian (and Taurus lol) at heart and I must always be comfy as well! I am drawn to high quality materials and clothing that has had a lot of thought and care put into the design.
My day to day style, especially since having a child, mostly consists of an oversized sweater or crisp button down, and some linen or cotton trousers. But when the occasion calls for it, I love styling an all-out look and having fun with it. A cool blazer or jacket, tailored pants in an interesting silhouette, and a fun pair of low heeled sandals or boots.
DC: TRUE PERSONAL STYLE IS OFTEN BORN FROM HAPPY ACCIDENTS. WHAT IS THE BEST FASHION 'MISTAKE' YOU'VE EVER MADE—A CLASH OF TEXTURES, WRONG PROPORTIONS, OR A BIZARRE LAYERING CHOICE—THAT ACTUALLY WORKED AND ENDED UP BECOMING ONE OF YOUR SIGNATURE STYLING TRICKS?
RN: A specific instance doesn't jump to mind, but one of my favorite things is mixing prints and unexpected colors/textures. I really love a full look that is done in different prints or patterns, offset with a great piece of outerwear.
DC: AS A TASTEMAKER WHO STARTED AS @AESTHETICS.ANONYMOUS, YOU HAVE A VERY DEFINED POINT OF VIEW. HOW DO YOU PROTECT YOUR PERSONAL STYLE AND YOUR GUT INSTINCT FROM BEING DILUTED BY THE INSTAGRAM AND TIKTOK ALGORITHMS THAT TELL US WHAT WE SHOULD BE WEARING?
RN: I feel like I have always had a very specific taste for my own personal style, and while I certainly do concede to a trend here and there, I try to make sure it's something I actually like vs just thinking I do because I've seen it on so many people. I just try to remember that it is ok to appreciate things on other people but they don't always have to translate to your own personal style/wardrobe.
DC: IN AN INDUSTRY THAT DEMANDS CONSTANT NEWNESS, HOW DO YOU FORCE YOURSELF TO SLOW DOWN AND FIND INTENTION IN YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?
RN: Yes that's true, I'm not a patient person! Thankfully I'm not a designer, so brands do the real newness creation for me, but I am inspired by so many different things all the time that it somehow just keeps going. I do get in a rut here and there and I try to get myself out of it by looking at new inspiration, such as vintage style on Pinterest, or discovering other creative people on various platforms—both content creators as well as small brands and artists.
DC: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPOT TO DISCONNECT AND RECHARGE WHEN YOU VISIT MEXICO?
RN: I love traveling to Mexico, and over the years I've been to Tulum, Cabo, and Punta Mita multiple times. Each destination offers a totally different vibe and experience, so it's so hard to choose, but I plan on being back to all of them again in the future. I also have somehow never been to Mexico City, so that is very high on my list of places to visit next!