Fashion Rules: Interview with The MidWasteland's Monica Dimperio
By Jen Hazen in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 5, 2009 8:00PM
Photo by Brian Kravets
The Pros: No contorted poses and the annoying up-sell message of “You’d be better if you had this...” like most fashion magazines. You’re critiquing your neighbor’s outfit. Score one for voyeurism.
The Cons: Style is subjective, so these blogs are not one size fits all. Also, trends this spring are still raging with 80s pastiche. Expect to see Blossom, Alex P. Keaton, and the dudes from Breakin’ make fashion appearances. Totally.
Chicago’s own Monica Dimperio focuses on Chicago’s street chic with her blog, The MidWasteland. With a BA in Fashion / Retail Management from Columbia College, and 20 years of fashion experience, (including styling and merchandising for Prada and Lacoste, among others) Dimperio began photoblogging in 2007 after shooting pics of sweaty, alt kids at the Pitchfork Music Fest. So that online oglers like us can love—or loathe—them. We talked with Dimperio about Chicago’s fashion sense, the ‘h’ word, and whether the globalization of fashion will create a bunch of “individualist” clones.
Chicagoist: Chicago is viewed as a follower city rather than a leading city when it comes to fashion. Do you think that’s changing?
Monica Dimperio: Chicago definitely isn't a place to look for emerging fashion trends, but it does have its own unique style. I think we are a melting pot of styles and it obviously varies throughout the city's neighborhoods. I don't know if it's just because of the recession, but I've been seeing a lot of vintage inspiration in everyone's wardrobe.
C: I'm noticing shoulder pads and pleated pants are coming back. Hell no. Is there any particular trend that you're just not going to try?
MD: I'm pretty much willing to give anything a try. I think it's fun to live in the moment and have fun with what you wear. I vowed to never wear pleats after the 90s, but we'll see what happens.
C: Speaking of spring, what are your favorite trends?
MD: For women: playsuits, cut outs, ripped skinny jeans, round sunglasses. And for men: double breasted blazers and sweaters, diving watches, brogues, slim ties, bow ties, or anything Mad Men-ish
C: It’s interesting that someone in Chicago can dress just like someone in Helsinki. These sites seem to sap some power from the fashion editors and designers because people go directly to the trend source. But does the globalization of fashion mean that everyone will start looking... the same?
MD: I do think everyone has started to dress similarly. We're all hipsters now. It's so strange how the "hipster" phenomenon has caught on throughout the world. I say hipster as a general term, but really, everyone from Jay-Z to suburban Chicago teens to fashion editors in London are wearing the same exact thing. Nerd glasses, skinny jeans. Yes, the labels are different, but the items are the same.
I think it's just the fact that things are different these days. When I was a young fashionista, I read Sassy Magazine and watched MTV. I pretty much wore anything Kurt and/or Courtney wore. And that grungy style of dress was not widely accepted. I clearly remember being judged for my clothing.
Nowadays, we have access to so much information, there are no boundaries. It's weird. I don't like it. I just think that the combination of the economy and our vast, quickly moving technology is changing fashion as we know it.
C: You definitely tap into Chicago's hipster lifestyle on MidWasteland, with the social circuit and nightlife coverage. What do you think about sites like Hipster Runoff?
MD: Hipsters are a big part of our culture and I am living in that world. It would be impossible for me not to tap into it. Most people hate the ‘h word’ but I embrace it. That's one reason why I love Hipster Runoff. Carles makes fun of everything that being a hipster is all about, but not in a disgruntled way like other sites. He says everything that everyone is thinking, but doesn't say out loud. I'm a fan.
C: We noticed your coverage on Alexander McQueen for Target and Christian Siriano’s new shoe line at Payless. Are you a high / low shopper?
MD: I’m more of a low / low shopper. I rarely spend over $20 on any one article. If I do, it has to be really special and I think about it over night. Maybe one day when I have a more expendable income I'll spend it on expensive clothes, but probably not. I've always been this way.
C: So, what are your top 5 favorite shops in the city?
MD: Forever 21, American Apparel, Village Thrift, Eskell, Marc by Marc Jacobs
C: It’s almost spring and we’re so tired of bulky coats and layers. Any tips for punching up a frumpy outfit on the cheap?
MD: For everyone, I say organize what you have! Every single person I know has a treasure trove of items in their closet that they haven't uncovered yet. Look up tips on the internet or call a professional (me!) Either way, get rid of everything you don't wear. Take it down to Buffalo Exchange and make a few bucks. That way you'll be able to buy a couple of things you really need (probably on sale, at this point).
Wanna hang out with MidWasteland? Dimperio is at Bar Deville for Gossip Girl Mondays. She will also be checking out Illinois Institute of Art’s Fame ‘09 on Friday, March 6, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Eskell’s Glitter and Disco on Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Photo by Brian Kravets