Fashionistas of Fordham

FEATURED STUDENT: Catherine Besl

FAST FACTS

Year: Freshman

From: Cincinnati, Ohio

Involvement:

Fashion for Philanthropy member

Women's Choir

Fordham's Ballroom Dancing Club

Advertisements and cover photos of Gucci, Vera Wang, Valentino, and other famous designers adorn Catherine's dorm wall during her interview. Her high fashion inspiration, mixed with the influences of her five older siblings, is what makes Catherine's fashion point of view so unique.

How would you describe your personal style?

This is a difficult question because I find myself drawing from different time periods, styles, and icons when I choose clothing. When I asked my friends, they gave elegant, while still being youthful, but my favorite one is that my style is always empowered and that everything I wear materializes who I am on the inside.

Who are some of your fashion icons, and how did you come to know them?

I have always admired the classic and put together style of Kate Middleton and Grace Kelly and the old Hollywood glamour of Vivien Leigh, but I am also drawn to the rock and roll vibe of Kate Moss. I’m also inspired by male icons like the eclectic style of David Bowie and the minimalist and western influenced ‘Man in black’ persona of Johnny Cash. With all of these influences, I tend to dress how I feel and like to take risks.

You are a fan of fashion magazines, what draws you to the high fashion industry?

I love high fashion magazines but I only really look at the advertisements and photoshoots, not the articles. My oldest sister Sarah actually inspired me to tear out the pictures that catch my eye the most and put them on my wall. I have them all over my closet doors at home and the walls in my dorm room. In the fashion industry, I am most drawn to the imagination behind the clothing creations, more the selection process for photoshoots and shows than the designing of the clothes.

Does coming from a big family influence your fashion choices? Do you draw inspiration from your older siblings?

Coming from a big family has a major influence on my fashion choices. My 5 older siblings used to and continue introduce me to their interests which end up influencing much of what I do. I have second hand influence from all over the country in places Nashville, Hawaii, and Vermont and each place has its own lifestyle that impacts the clothing choices. I draw inspiration from the pieces they wear or their interests and bring them into my own personal style.