Get dressed with Kicki Yang Zhang
Berlin-based multimedia artist Kicki Yang Zhang’s playful yet thought-provoking aesthetic extends far beyond her professional pursuits. These are the styling rules she swears by…
Born in the German city of Dortmund, Kicki Yang Zhang had a childhood dream of becoming a pilot. When this didn’t pan out, she began to explore her creative side, channeling her energy into everything from fine art and illustration to “beauty masterpieces” – Zhang’s intricate face paintings, which have become something of a signature for the artist. By documenting her myriad creations online, she quickly acquired a cult following and currently boasts almost 300,000 followers on Instagram. However, the multi-hyphenate creative’s daring and directional vision isn’t limited to her work: Zhang’s enviable sartorial style is just as genre-defying. These are her fashion and beauty rules…
Dress for your mood
“I find it hard to define my style – it’s really versatile, and I love how clothes can transform you into a new person every day. They’re a great means of self-expression. For the most part my look is laid-back and, nowadays, very colorful, with a perfect balance of feminine and masculine elements. When I’m in a bad mood I might put on something that makes me feel really comfortable, or really sexy, and it instantly gives me more confidence. My all-time favorite designers are Jacquemus (I just love how he drapes on women’s bodies) and Maison Margiela, my long-term love.”
Keep it simple – some of the time
“In recent years, I have stopped using heavy foundation and stick to a light BB cream instead. Skincare is my number-one priority. If your skin is in great condition, then it will provide the perfect base for everything else. I am an artist, so in my eyes, any surface can be a canvas. A few years ago, I started painting with makeup, creating what I call ‘beauty masterpieces’, and the reaction has been amazing. However, I keep it simple day to day. On a recent trip to Korea, I discovered lip and cheek tints, and now I’m obsessed. They’re so easy to use, the color lasts all day and they look really fresh, which I love. Two things I always carry in my handbag are rosewater – to mist my face – and lip balm; I am addicted.”
Find your signature
“I’ve become a bit of a sneaker aficionado in recent years. I used to think collecting sneakers was a guy’s thing, but then I started noticing on Instagram that there were more women getting involved and that the scene was becoming much more inclusive. Now there are lots of amazing women-only releases and women’s stylists and designers working with brands like Nike on new silhouettes. My sneaker collection is pretty impressive these days! I love wearing my sneakers with suiting – it’s such an effortless everyday outfit.”
Make memories
“I wear rings on almost every finger every day – my hands feel naked without them. Each one comes with a story. Two of them are to commemorate my first solo trips to Japan and LA, and I bought another on a trip to Istanbul with my best friend. She grew up there and it was just amazing to explore the city together and discover this whole other side to her. I’m so emotionally connected to my rings. Every time I look at them, they take me right back to those special moments.”
Be inspired by your surroundings
“Fashion in Berlin is really influenced by the techno scene and club culture, so there’s a lot of freedom to be whoever you want. In the past, my artistic work has also inspired my sartorial aesthetic. In recent years I’ve started working with acrylic paints; mixing the colors and seeing them come together on the canvas has taught me which shades work well together. A lot of those combinations have actually worked their way into my closet.”
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