If New York style teaches us anything, it’s that fashion mistakes are key to growth, explains vlogger and influencer Tara Marzuki
“NY has such a hustle culture. I got what I needed from that experience and I came home on my terms.”
At her core, Tara Marzuki is a jeans and T girl
“I’ve definitely changed my style since coming home,” says Tara
“Anyone who returns home has wondered what life’s going to be like. They ask themselves: ‘I’ve gone away to expand, will I have to contract now that I’m coming back?’” says vlogger and influencer Tara Marzuki. “When you move away you have anonymity to be whoever you want. You can grow into yourself without judgement. New York was great for that. They’re all about individuality in America.”
This free-thinking allowed Marzuki to express herself without fear.
“In Bushwick and Brooklyn, people take so many fashion risks using vintage and ‘ugly’ elements. It’s a very cool neighbourhood in terms of people pushing boundaries. You can wear the most outrageous outfit and it’s just another day in Bushwick.”
For those of you wondering what ‘ugly’ fashion is, think of Crocs shoes. What was once only acceptable for toddlers has now become a fashion staple. Crocs even collaborated with luxury brand Balenciaga. They’re still objectively ugly, but there’s a sense of humour and whimsy surrounding them.
“NY has such a hustle culture. I got what I needed from that experience and I came home on my terms.”
“At the moment I have these knee-length cargo pants — very Avril Lavigne. They’re like Marmite to people! I think a great outfit has to have something polarising or unexpected in it. Wear the ‘ugly’ thing, be an enigma. Confuse people!” she laughs.
Marzuki was part of the first wave of Irish vloggers and has tried many different styles. “I hate my digital footprint!” says Marzuki. “I had such a desire to express myself…unfortunately that resulted in some bad fashion choices.
At her core, Tara Marzuki is a jeans and T girl
“I once bleached my hair at home and wore a body suit that was three different colours of neon paired with flatforms. They were so impractical — and even broke while I was walking! But if it wasn’t for younger Tara taking risks, I wouldn’t be here today — so we persevere and build confidence.”
Now that Marzuki has left the expressive streets of Bushwick, she is adapting her fashion and her lifestyle too. “NY has such a hustle culture. I got what I needed from that experience and I came home on my terms. I feel good about it. I’ve definitely changed my style since coming home. I’m very influenced by my environment and love the Irish brand Sómas Studio.
“I’ve definitely changed my style since coming home,” says Tara
“Scandi brands like COS and ARKET were priced so high in New York, so I’ve been taking advantage of the lower price here as well.”
As we sit in Vice Coffee on Abbey Street, Marzuki is in a vintage trench coat, a pair of dark vintage Levi’s, a crisp clean white tee, and boots she refers to as her “stompers”.
“I don’t want to play a part when it comes to style — I want to be a melting pot of all the experiences I’ve had.”
See more at @tarmarz