Issue link: https://www.balharbourdigital.com/i/1297495
RACHAEL WANG STYLIST For this New York City-based stylist, creative director and brand image consultant, a strong sense of fashion and unwavering social responsibility go hand in hand. After stints at Style.com and Allure, Wang now interweaves her personal values around sustainability, environmentalism, diversity and inclusivity into work for publications such as The Clash, The Telegraph and Document Journal. "My goal is to make people feel seen and empowered," she says. Up next? She's just launched a collection of thoughtfully considered swimwear for Ookioh, made from recycled nylon. In this 2020 climate where WFH fashion is the new norm, Wang believes in the uplifting power of wholly personal style. "My relationship with fashion has gone inward recently. Clothing provides a form of comfort to me in a way that it never did previously." To wit, here are some of the things that have captured her discerning eye. —Mosha Lundström Halbert What statement piece would you most like to add to your wardrobe this season? "I'd love to own a pair of Stella McCartney's chunky vegan boots. I consider necessity, function, durability, impeccable fi t, ethical materials and manufacturing." What's on your current reading and viewing list? "I loved The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind and Father Soldier Son on Netfl ix, and I Know This Much is True with Mark Ruffalo on HBO. Also, Louise Erdrich's "The Round House," Elizabeth Wetmore's "Valentine" and Ocean Vuong's "On Earth We're Briefl y Gorgeous." Umi's EP Introspection is great." When you're in Miami, where do you stay and how do you approach dressing? "I love staying right by the sea and taking in the Art Deco architecture and authentic Cuban food. I tend to wear mid-length dresses and lace-up sandals or breezy wide leg trousers, babouche slippers and little knit tops. Sunglasses and lots of gold jewelry are also key." What is your go-to outfi t equation for feeling your best at work and on- set? "My go-to work look is generally menswear and statement personal jewelry. I'll either wear a pantsuit, or an oversized striped mens button-down with vintage Levi's." How would you spend your dream Miami day? "I might start the morning at PAMM and then head up to Bal Harbour Shops to pop into Bottega Veneta to check out Daniel Lee's latest and smell candles at Diptyque. In the afternoon, I'd probably go for a swim in the sea. I'd chow down on the Vegan Stephen and Garden Maki sushi at Makoto for dinner." How have you used the unpredictableness of the past year to better yourself? "Society is changing and I am watching with excited anticipation to see how it unfolds. Slowing down has been forced on many of us, but I think the opportunity to pad ourselves with time to be refl ective, to make thoughtful decisions and to consider the outcome of our actions just might be the magic ingredient to initiate true and lasting progress." What are some indispensable tools that you rely on to make life easier? "I love Brooklyn Supported Agriculture's gorgeous local organic produce delivery service." What are some key elements of your morning routine? "I start my morning with a sweaty 60-minute virtual yoga class with Urban Asanas and then a cold shower. For breakfast, I've been making a simple chia pudding in a recycled jam jar. I top it with fresh blackberries and lavender fl owers, both of which I have been cultivating in my little patio garden." COURTESY MAKOTO PHOTO BY ROBIN HILL (PAMM), CARMEN CHAN; CARLY KLEIN (MAKOTO) (DREW) What in the art world is inspiring you right now? "Kimberly Drew's daily curation of a piece of art in 'Something I Saw' has been moving and thought- provoking. Through her lens, I have been exposed to deeply inspiring work I otherwise might have missed." at Makoto for dinner." Chloé's Trudie necklace and Saint Laurent earrings (below) Perez Art Museum Miami Stella McCartney pantsuit Makoto's Vegan Stephen roll Bottega Veneta BV Crisscross clutch Stella McCartney boots 82 BAL HARBOUR