A Revolutionary, Aspiring Stylist: An interview with Queen Hall

By: Mollie Mckinney

How would you describe your style?
I have a hard time describing my style because I hop from high femme glam, to androgynous streetwear and anything in between. But, I am usually drawn to what I call “high fashion functioning gothic.” I don’t find myself wearing extreme pieces that scream “goth,” so I consider it “high fashion functioning” because I aim to look poised, put together and expensive.

How long did it take for you to discover and feel comfortable in your style? (describe your journey)
I grew up with a parent who was dynamic in every sense. I idolized the way she put herself together and in a lot of ways my mother gave me the formula to dress the way I want to present myself. She was supportive of whatever I chose, but there was also another aspect to her. My mother was physically and emotionally abusive. Growing up in such an abusive environment I developed a self-consciousness that hindered me from dressing the way I wanted to. I developed facial and body dysmorphia, which took a harsh toll on my well-being during high school. But I still tried to experiment; I took up a popularized Japanese style of dress called Visual Kei for a while. Eventually I realized that my appropriative consumption of Japanese culture was unhealthy, so I decided to cultivate my own fashion sense. This took time, but it was pretty easy! I simply followed models, stylists and people whose fashion sense I liked on social media. I watched them cultivate their wardrobes and realized I could do the same thing, but to the umpteenth degree. By the time I started at Ithaca College I had a couple of years of understanding how to organize my closet and had a healthy balance of basics and statement pieces. I was also finally away from my abusive home and was now being loved and cared for by friends who helped me build the courage and self confidence to be myself. So it was a long journey, but I’m glad I finally got here!

What parts of your identity do you feel are most-represented in your style? Are some identities of yours easier to represent than others?
That’s hard for me to answer because it’s difficult for me to label my identities. However, I feel like what is represented most in my style is my love for alternatively. I wear a lot dark colors and metal accessories, chains and elaborate rings. I sometimes have a hard time representing my more feminine side, only because I am too well aware of the dangers of being a black woman, or femme. I hate confrontation, so that last thing I want to deal with is being harassed out in the streets. I love wearing femme, revealing clothing I just know that it comes with an unwanted gaze.

What do you think some people struggle with in finding their own style?
Sometimes it’s not having the clothes you want! We live in a society plagued by late-stage capitalism and that comes with rampant poverty. Most people don’t have the means to take care of themselves the way they’d like. That poverty and feeling of helplessness can lead to a lack of confidence. I know many people who just aren’t confident in themselves, but they still try to experiment -- and that’s great! I wasn’t confident in myself either, until recently. Another obstacle for people finding their style is that when finding what fits you best you’re forced to try all sorts of shit that you might regret later. I was walking around with purple, silver all kinds of colored wigs in high school and it wasn’t until much later that I realized the look wasn’t for me. So I was left with a few years worth of very embarrassing memories and photos.

Do you think popular fashion is boring in today's culture?
I think that popular fashion is a part of our culture -- American culture, that is. However, I think that social media has made popular fashion boring. This new idea of “social media influences” pushing an idea of what clothes we should be spending our money on through social media is what makes fashion boring.

What advice do you have for people struggling with finding their style?
Take your time. When you’re comfortable enough to find your own style and you will!