Cynthia Taylu, I Like Your Style

What is “I like your style”? It’s the series in which we ask fashion lovers to share some of their favourite outfits and talk us through what inspires and influences the way they dress and shop. Then they nominate someone whose style they admire and so the style chain continues.

Who is Cynthia?

I’m a creative and storyteller at heart. I enjoy expressing myself through visual formats and connecting with a community of people who need to explore and create. My West African background has influenced me in so many ways, I was born in Liberia and moved to Australia at the age of 6. I find a deep sense of fulfilment in being around my family and close friends. I’m an introvert and extrovert. As much as I love being around people, I also really enjoy alone time and learning about my inner workings.

Follow Cynthia on Instagram @taylu_me.

What is your personal style in essence?

It depends on the day. Truly. I really love seeing how I feel each day and I would say at a baseline, I love classic silhouettes and comfort but in the same breath, sometimes I do it for the fashion. My style has evolved so much in the past five years and it's a reflection of all the environments I’ve been exposed to. Wherever I go, I always find myself heading to vintage/second-hand stores. I love mixing the old and the new and at times playing into characters. Sometimes I might wear all black and lots of leather and then other times, I want to play into lace, and delicate fabrics and lean into my femininity. Overall, I’m always mixing and matching and seeing what comes naturally.

Share your first fashion/style-related memory from childhood.

I grew up with my aunt and she truly inspired me. We would always make trips to Pumpkin Patch, which is an Australian Kids' shop (unsure if they’re still around). That shop was my jam during primary school. At the time they sold these dolls that you could coordinate your outfits to. So my aunt would buy outfits that coordinated with my favourite Pumpkin Patch Doll. It was honestly epic. I have this photo of me dancing with friends decked out in this khaki long skirt, faux fur vest and long boots. I was like damn, I had style (with the help of my aunt).

If personal style is about the way we present ourselves to the world, what do you think your outfits often say about you? What message do you think you send to others through your style?

Probably not to take life too seriously. I’m someone who gets in my head a lot and so at times, I find myself leaning towards wearing things that are more playful or leaning into my alter ego. In some ways playing dress-ups or make-believe is more fun than pondering on your circumstances or insecurities.

If you had to wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be? In a personal uniform sort of way.

I have this tanned leather Jacket I op-shopped some time ago. Every time I wear it, I feel like a boss. I would pair it with this white Dion Lee singlet I have and a good pair of dark jeans and flats, either Dr Martens or Mary Jane flats and my Miu Miu Re-Nylon Bag which I’m so obsessed with and black sunnies. I’m set for the world!

How do you think your local landscape, surroundings and culture feed into your aesthetic, if at all? And if you don't feel it does, then what does?

My landscape dictates my style in every way. When I’m in Sydney I find myself leaning into a less-is-more aesthetic. As opposed to when I’m in Europe I really play into the drama of dressing up. I feel like everyone is a bit more daring there and I feel less self-conscious. When I’m in my hometown of Brisbane, I lean into wearing clothes that make me feel at home and evoke a sense of nostalgia.

What public figures (or just someone you know) influenced
and inspired your style the most?

So many, from my aunt to 90’s supermodels, Alexa Chung in the early 2000s, The show Gossip Girl, to Zendaya who is truly my Queen and her stylist Law Roach. I’m inspired by relatives, friends and pop culture.  

Do you have a favourite film for costume design and fashion references?
What is it and why do you think you are drawn to it?

Sex and the City is my Roman empire for style inspiration. I love how distinctive each of the core cast members' styles are. If I had to choose though, I resonate with Carrie Bradshaw’s style the most, the way she’s able to have fun with her fashion and also pull it back and create beautiful silhouettes is unmatched.

Your most embarrassing fashion moment to date?

Honestly probably spilling a drink or getting food onto any white item of mine. It's always a game whenever I’m wearing something white. Will I be able to keep it clean?

Your most iconic fashion moment to date?

There honestly have been so many but one that comes to mind is back in 2022, I went to a gala my management at the time was hosting. I worked with a friend of mine named Joash Teoh who owns a brand called Joteo and together we referenced this 90’s dress and designed a look for the event. It was so special working on it from scratch and on the night, I felt amazing. The dress was very daring but I also was so in my body and felt very comfortable. Manifesting more moments like this.

What wouldn't you be caught dead wearing?

Never say never. I’m just going with the flow and seeing what sparks my interest, which is constantly changing. If I’m feeling it, I probably would try it.

What are the best runway shows that happened during your lifetime?

I have vivid images of Naomi Campbell in the Gianni Versace tribute show in 1997. Nothing can beat such a moment, which was filled with so much grief but showed how fashion transcends worlds and tells stories. I’ve always been a fan of Versace, from an early age. They’re also a dream brand to work with. 

Best vintage stores?

Swop in Australia is good and my go-tos are Vinnies and Salvos or anywhere I stumble across. In Paris I love a store named Dressing Particulier, the owners are the sweetest and they have an amazing curation of clothes. I had the best op-shopping experience in Barcelona many years ago, it's truly a destination for vintage shopping.

Name two of your favourite designers, one local and one international.

Growing up in Australia, I’ve always loved Christopher Esber, his designs are timeless, yet so innovative. He truly knows the female form and every time I’ve worn one of his pieces I feel so in my body. 

Overseas, it’s constantly changing but I’m always amazed by Schiaparelli and creative director Daniel Roseberry. What they create is art and they invite us into an alternate world. It’s my dream to watch a show of theirs one day. Always amazed by how they’re able to draw upon heritage and bring out such newness and life.

What advice would you give to someone who hasn’t quite figured out what their style is?

I would say experiment and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Invest in good basics you can use as a starting point. I usually build my outfits by choosing one focal point, say a bold jacket or a coloured top and then I build my outfit around that. In saying that, sometimes clashing is also really cool, but on a day-to-day basis I like to strip it back and have one focal point that compliments one another. 

Nominate someone you know for the next feature. Someone whose style you admire. 

I’m inspired by my friend Elodie Russell, she has amazing style and the way she styles her pieces is next level. She’s really good at visualising looks and commits to every look she wears.
She brings the drama and I’m here for it.