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A rediscovery of street culture has been on the horizon for the past few years. But, for those making their own fashion choices today, you’re in luck: we’re in the thick of street and sneaker culture. At the forefront of this revolution is E. Tribeka, a unisex style amalgamates DC brand’s 90s DNA and a more contemporary, trendy look.
But, DC’s intent isn’t to promote street fashion alone– it wants to create an uprising of street wear and, through its campaign, ‘Yours For The Taking,’ inculcate the spirit of self-confidence, rebellion, and fearlessness in the Indian youth. So, Homegrown sat down with three young movers and shakers of the Indian creative space–– Angelina Pongener, a fashion blogger, Roshni Kumar, a photographer focusing on themes of identity, and Zerxes Wadia, a TV personality–– who were invited to the launch event of DC’s E. Tribeka line to understand how they’ve given their professions meaning and how they embody the spirit of street culture by transcending stereotypes.
Homegrown: What’s the most liberating aspect about being a professional model?
Angelina Pongener: Honestly, I don’t consider myself a model. I just wear the brands and put it up but if I have to take my work professionally I’d say the freedom to express your own aesthetics.
HG: What was your most intense experience of self-doubt? How do you look at that instance differently today?
AP: It’s an everyday hassle specially because I’m still a student. I constantly start doubting if I’ll be able to continue what I love... I just push myself, motivate myself.
HG: What did it mean to be beautiful when you were 13? How have your views on beauty evolved now?
AP: Back then, being beautiful was being kind to people. And yes, my views have changed... Now, beauty is not just about being kind to people; your entire personality and how you handle situations is also important.
Homegrown: Can you tell us about a time you surprised yourself with how you reacted to a situation where the world had different expectations of you?
Roshni Kumar: Well, I’m a cancer survivor. So, when I was hit with this disease at 14, I was truly surprised to see myself so positive, determined, mature and strong... [The experience] has definitely shaped me as a person and artist. Another situation would definitely be me embracing myself as a person, and how I choose to look and dress. People find it strange to see me truly not care about the negativity or give attention to any comments about the fact that I look “different.” I, too, am surprised every now and then. But it is what it is. You cannot let anyone get to you.
HG: Describe what authentic self-expression looks like for you, both personally and professionally.
RK: I think truly being yourself, embracing all the quirks, the “flaws,” the benefits, and not letting anyone, including society and its expectations get to you! I try my best to put this in play professionally as well– being authentic is very important to me, hence practicing it 100% is definitely essential.
HG: What excites you the most about getting to do what you do?
RK: The fact that I have the freedom to use my creativity. The whole process, from pre-planning and actually doing the shoot to edits, is all so exciting when you have given birth to a concept... Especially for my art activism, just executing a shoot I’ve planned for ages gives me immeasurable pleasure.
Homegrown: What is the difference between your authentic self and the personality you portray in the media?
Zerxes Wadia: The media sees me for what I really am, but not all of me. There are parts of me that are mine and are sacred to my personal space. Originally, having been an introvert, there are a lot of sides to me that will remain uncovered.
HG: Describe a time you felt most free expressing yourself creatively.
ZW: Every time I’ve taken on a project that has been my brainchild or something that stems really close to who I am and what I believe in is when I truly let go and become the most creative version of me... And everything that has to do with travel and showing the world an unexplored side to a place.
HG: What does ‘Yours for the taking’ mean to you as a public figure already in the spotlight?
ZW: The world– it’s all for the taking. The world’s becoming so much smaller everyday and almost everything that you can want is within grasp. I want to spread that message to everyone out there. It takes a second for someone to be in the spotlight or have the spotlight snatched away from you. Either way, be responsible and yet hungry.
Feature image by: RC Photography
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