In a thrifty chaise situated in the corner of a coffee shop on Amsterdam, Tyler Allen, SEAS 2017, edits an essay for his African Civilization class. The topic is personhood, defined as what makes a person an individual. For Tyler, this could refer to any number of things: his diverse background in international travel and humanitarianism, his proficiency at designing Spotify playlists, or his Maryland-bred, undefined and diverse style.
Vivi Hyacinthe: What sparked your interest in music and fashion?
Tyler Allen: I think the idea of collaboration is a big inspiration for my music taste. I love when big artists collaborate with lesser-known names. As for fashion, in the past the group of people I was around usually determined what I wore. So I guess my senior year of high school, I was bored with the monotony and I decided to try something new.
VH: How would you define your style?
TA: I encounter this question a lot, and I never know how to answer it. I’d rather not define my style because I think that a definition exhibits stagnation. I want to keep changing. I think different genres and labels trap many artists and public figures. I guess I just try to wear what’s comfortable. I wear a lot of black and neutral tones.
VH: Being an engineer is busy. How do you find ways to integrate your interests into your daily life?
TA: Problem sets allow me to listen to music, unlike reading. With math and science, I am able to listen to artists that I like and new artists that I am interested in. I feel comfortable in our community, so I’m able to experiment with new styles going to class. On the weekends, I try to get out into the city as much as possible and go to a concert once a month without breaking the bank. For example, a few weeks ago I went to see The Weeknd, featuring Schoolboy Q and Jhene Aiko. I also like going to smaller shows, like last year to a free Cults concert. I try to go to concerts I wouldn’t normally go to, like new, up-and-coming names to spark my interest and see new styles and faces. Also, I can’t wait to see GoldLink, SBTRKT, and FKA Twigs in the next 2 months.
VH: Speed round: five best places for shopping in the boroughs.
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Beacon’s Closet: every time I go there, I see something that catches my eye and I’m able to get it and stay within budget.
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Buffalo Exchange: I got the jean jacket I’m wearing today for $15.
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H&M: That’s where I get the essentials from: black pants, black shirts, and the like. Their pants fit really nicely.
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ZARA: a little pricier that H&M, but they have a really cool black section.
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Monk’s: I got a camouflage jacket there for $8, and I wear it regularly
VH: Who are your icons, either in music and fashion?
TA: In terms of fashion and music: Kanye, obviously. Although I admire his fashion, I don’t try to mimic it. I mostly try to emulate his confidence and independence, and also his experimentation with music. On another note, I’m obsessed with FKA twigs. I admire her courage to completely switch careers (she started as a backup dancer, but made her way into the music scene). She’s not afraid integrate her past with her present—she’s not ashamed of it. I really love Solange’s fashion; she really pulls off a lot of colors and that interests me, even if I don’t have the guts to follow her footsteps.
VH: Stranded on a desert island. No food, no water, no source of companionship. What are the three articles of clothing you would need to look cute upon rescue?
TA: Oh, this is stressful. Black jeans…..probably Docs, and definitely mesh. For functionality, it’s hot on the beach.
VH: Any life advice you want to impart on the fashion-curious reader?
TA: Don’t be afraid to incorporate things that you aren’t comfortable. If you’re trying to break out of your comfort zone or attain a certain look, you don’t have to dive headfirst. Take smaller steps; maybe try a piece here and there until you’re comfortable with putting it all together.
For music, try to go to as many concerts as possible. Even if money is tight, there are plenty of free or really cheap shows in the city. And if you don’t like or don’t know an artist, you never know what a live performance can do for your interest. From my personal experience, I have found that you can appreciate the opening act and spark an interest in a new name or style.
Tyler is a second-year SEAS student majoring in chemical engineering. In addition to being involved in the Bacchanal committee and Engineers Without Borders, he co-authors a style blog, averageaesthetes.tumblr.com, with a group of friends from where he calls home, Upper Marlboro, Maryland.