Closet Raid: Gisella

Gisella was featured as a Natural Hair Style Icon on January 12, 2012.

Where are you from?
G: I live in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Did going natural affect your style choices at all? If so, why?
G: I wouldn’t say it affected my style at all, but as I went natural before 18 years old I have been developing my style sense along the years by getting more and more inspiration, experimenting, and finding out what works better on my body. I also got more aware of my hair´s visual power, so I learned how to better use it as an accessory; styling it according to my mood (and to my clothes, as they reflect that too). But going natural did not determine my style. Maybe it made my image funkier?

How does your hair complement your style?
G: It makes it all bolder I think. Sometimes I like it bigger or normal volume depending on the day, on my mood, or on the weather cause Rio is very warm. My hair is the main accessory I have; it is totally neutral and versatile. So when I want more colors I use a scarf to make a bow on my hair. If I want to look more edgy, I create enormous volume in my hair and complement it using just lipstick to balance the look as I love using makeup. When I have colorful eyes for instance, I balance by not having too many colors in my clothes and not too much volume in my hair. I feel those choices can make it all more pleasant to look at.

How would you describe your style?
G: Humm. Hard to name it, but I would say I’m a dresses gal, with a retro look (50´s and 80´s) but not stereotyped. Colorful, bold prints and patterns all mixed according to my peculiar taste.

What are the three favorite things in your closet?
G: Choosing only three is a bit like “killing my darlings” but I do love my white purse better than the others. I use it all the time. I also like my latest gift from my boyfriend a lot – a gorgeous blue dress and a pink vintage dress bought in Oslo at one of the coolest second hands I´ve been to. You can see all of those items in my pictures.

What are your three must-have items of clothing?
G: I think every gal deserves a proper purse. Hehehehehehhee
A statement pair of shoes and a classy dress that makes you look like a million dollars. No matter what your style is.

Your style is very classic. What’s your advice for selecting pieces that add a touch of class into a wardrobe?
G: I think class is not something you add, it is related to your attitude, the way you behave and treat others. But maybe dresses are classier than the combo jeans+t-shirt? Nice shoes, jewelry and a cool purse help a lot.

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
G: You can find me on www.gisellafrancisca.com or www.collectiveforusall.tumblr.com.