Timeless Style

with Shini Park

"It’s a chronicle of current times in a way that will still be relevant in ten years’ time", says Shini Park about the approach to storytelling of her digital journal and bi-annual book series CUBICLE. A mindset she also applies when it comes to dressing herself. Here, the Copenhagen based photographer and graphic designer shares three ways she wears the Lydia in midnight.

Pictures by Sandra Semburg

 

Tell us why you consider the Lydia in midnight a timeless piece of clothing and how does it fit in with your wardrobe?

A silk skirt is an ABC of the fashion vernacular, and the Lydia in midnight is an incredibly versatile piece that works at home, work and for play. It’s a perfect piece for travel, in fact - because it ticks all the boxes when it comes to different occasions - either you pair it with something equally light and sensual, or pare down with a chunky knit for contrast.
 

Explain the three looks you have styled with the Lydia in midnight?

Look 1

This is my failproof day-to-night look, when I have back-to-back meetings and then a dinner occasion. The Totême blazer adds a layer of warmth and professionalism to the otherwise sexy REFINE ensemble, paired with Balenciaga slingback heels and some hardware with a bag by Yuzefi. When the sun goes down, I sling the blazer over my shoulders and bare some skin for a nighttime flair.

Look 2

I call this my ‘WFH’ look, when there’s a billion Zoom calls scheduled in for the day and I still want to look put-together and presentable while being ultra comfortable. I’m usually barefoot in this look but when I need to step out for some caffeine, I just slip on a pair of Gianvito Rossi heeled flip-flops.

Look 3

A weekend look. Cooking up a storm and dragging my husband out for a breath of fresh air in Kongens Have. The cardigan is by Uniqlo U (and just wearing a lacey bra underneath). The perfect way to add a dose of homeliness to the silky REFINE piece.

 
I love adding a bit of storytelling with my personal style, and am really sensitive to the context in which I dress for.
 

What are other wardrobe staples of yours and your go to brands for such?

Jil Sander, The Row and Lemaire for eternal classics, Marge Sherwood for that dose of cult South Korean leatherwear, and Jacquemus for summertime flirt.
 
What is the through-line of your personal style?

I like to rely on tailored menswear-inspired basics but my forever inspiration is CINEMA. Think Mad Men meets Scandi minimalism, meets La Dolce Vita. I love adding a bit of storytelling with my personal style, and am really sensitive to the context in which I dress for. If I’m attending a dinner in Rome, then I want to go full-out with a fiery femme-fatale look, while if I’m dressing for a coffee meet in Copenhagen, I will pull out my sneakers and oversized trench coat.

Is this approach also reflected in your work?

Absolutely, there’s so much power in storytelling and photography is nothing without empathy and emulation. I rely heavily on the power of art history and the value of context. 

Whilst your style is consistent you always make it look interesting and relevant. How do you keep your look up to date?

The easiest way to keep up to date is to invest in one or two latest-season accessories. As long as
you have solid basics, and add a contemporary ‘cherry-on-top’, you’ll always look on-trend and with the times.

As long as you have solid basics, and add a contemporary ‘cherry-on-top’, you’ll always look on-trend and with the times.
Look 2: The Lydia in midnight worn with a cropped t-shirt and flip-flops by Gianvito Rossi

Look 2: The Lydia in midnight worn with a cropped t-shirt and flip-flops by Gianvito Rossi

My first ever ‘designer piece’ was a DIY’d Alexander Wang bag - a vintage leather tote that I studded.
 

What is the most treasured piece in your wardrobe?

I’m obsessed with a double chained belt by Chanel that cinches at the waist - it’s the epitome of femininity and heritage, and adds a layer of 80’s opulence to any look.

Your first memory of fashion?
 
DIY-ing all the latest trends as a student in London. My first ever ‘designer piece’ was a DIY’d Alexander Wang bag - a vintage leather tote that I studded.

Is there something that’s persistent on your wish list and you are planning to buy one day on a special occasion?

A Hermès Constance is a bucket list item.

Look 2: The Lydia in midnight worn with a cropped t-shirt and flip-flops by Gianvito Rossi

Look 2: The Lydia in midnight worn with a cropped t-shirt and flip-flops by Gianvito Rossi

What is CUBICLE's approach to storytelling and content creation?

CUBICLE is all about championing women and their stories, finding a timeless twist to storytelling and celebrating masters of visual arts (we love Saul Leiter, Guy Bourdin and Horst. P Horst in particular). Ultimately, it’s a chronicle of current times in a way that will still be relevant in ten years’ time, it’s slowing down online content consumption and bringing more attention to conscious thinking.

CUBICLE has a very strong visual identity. How are you working with advertisers and brand partners to maintain CUBICLE’s point of view?

We invite advertisers to be a part of our universe in a way that eternalises the brand messaging, but is also heavily focused on conscious online citizenship. We cater to people who are willing to give attention to detail, and appreciate the craft is storytelling; in turn, we attract brands who are willing to affiliate with this philosophy.  

What’s your latest discovery in fashion?

60’s fashion, hardly a ‘latest’ discovery but I absolutely adore the attention to detail and posture of post-war fashion. I’m stuck on Netflix’s Ratched, which is just a feast to the eyes when it comes to fashion and cinematography. 

What inspires you?

I may have mentioned this before, but my great love is in CINEMA. Motion and fashion go beautifully hand-in-hand and it’s something I rely on whenever I find myself at a creative block. On another hand, road trips inspire me greatly, especially in a fast car. Being in control of your speed arouses something deep in me that allows me to take control of the pace of my creativity.

Who are your style icons?

Georgia O’Keeffe or Yves Saint Laurent ca. 1970. 

 
 
 

Shop Shini’s Timeless Pieces

 
The Lydia
Quick View
The Lydia
€365.00
The Rachel Top
Quick View
The Rachel Top
€250.00
The Carolyn
Quick View
The Carolyn
€475.00
 
 

Things that never get old for Shini

 

Timeless movie?

The Pianist by Roman Polanski. Difficult to watch but it signifies absolutely everything about the beautiful Warsaw I grew up in, the Polish nation I love and the culture I cherish.

Timeless song?

I’m a true noughties kid (Will Smith ringing in year 2000 is the highlight of my youth), so Mariah Carey’s Heartbreaker will be a song I’ll be bopping to even in my 80’s.

Timeless story?

Tale of Job, a forever inspiration that life is full of roadblocks - but it’s the hurdle and endurance that shapes your personality and justifies the end.

Timeless piece of art?

Rothko in Orange. It’s the epitome of passion for me and reminds me of my favorite scenery in the US along the I-70 Interstate highway in Utah.

Timeless scent?

Orange blossom notes of Bottega Veneta Parco Palladiano XI Castagno. Before Bottega Veneta became ultra-fashion, this Parco Palladiano scent engraved something timeless.

Timeless photography?

Richard Avedon, an American fashion photographer who brought new perspective to fashion and championed women in movement and fashion, theatre and dance.

Timeless thing to do in Copenhagen?

Late lunch at the Audo, then sketching sculptures in Glyptoteket on a rainy afternoon. 

Timeless wisdom?

“Always Do What You Are Afraid To Do” - Ralph Waldo Emerson. Venturing outside your comfort zone is the best remedy to a blocked creative, and the sign of utmost bravery.