After numerous requests, I feel it is my duty to feature the Third Former, Jonah Farkas, in the style column. While Farkas and I have never crossed paths previously, after writing this article, I see that Farkas has certainly lived up to the hype of his compadres.
So let's get started. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Farkas draws inspiration from the streetwear style as it tends to be more popular where he lives. He says, “I am inspired by the works of Virgil Abloh, and Lerry Lorenzo Jr.” and believes, “rather than just playing with colors, they incorporate unique elements into their creations.” However, Farkas likes to add his own flare to streetwear, by mixing in preppy pieces, like sweaters and Polos, that are more popular at St. Paul’s. Farkas enjoys experimenting with his style as he feels, “there is no ‘correct’ answer, and you get to style your outfit the way you want.”
But let’s backtrack for a second. The journey in fashion for Farkas began in the 7th grade. He explains that in middle school he began collecting sneakers, and says, “since then, I’ve amassed over 20 pairs.” Today, shoe choice remains an instrumental part of creating his day-to-day outfits. But putting together outfits is not just dependent on footwear. Farkas says, “If I'm feeling laid-back, I might opt for sweats; for a brighter mood, I'll incorporate colorful or standout pieces; and for a more subdued vibe, I'll stick to neutrals.”
For Farkas, style is all about what YOU like. And additionally, you only understand what YOU like by trying out different pieces that may take you out of your comfort zone. Farkas advises, “To start off with the basics: get a pair of cargo’s, a pair of baggy jeans, a nice hoodie and a pair of sneakers.” When you can get a few different types of basic pieces you already have many different outfit options. Additionally, he knows that while buying clothing for the label can be tempting, it is not worth it. This does not go to say that all designer brands are bad, but Farkas says, “it’s only worth it if the piece you buy has a cool aspect to it whether it’s how the piece fits, a graphic design, or made from unique material.”
But most importantly, Farkas reminds us never to feel stuck or isolated by style. Just like we all are changing as people, our style can change as well. He says, “I still don’t know who I want to be when I grow up, and I believe my style will continue to evolve with me as I find myself and my purpose.”