Tomboy 018: Sophia Kelly
Sophia Kelly is an LA-based social media creator and multidisciplinary artist. Her Instagram started gaining serious traction in peak pandemic, and has skyrocketed ever since — in spite of, or because of, Sophia’s openness to metamorphasis in life and in her style. Her wardrobe is recognizable to anyone born & raised in LA (Santee Alley hoops, fitted New Eras, subtle streetwear B-sides). Each look is orchestrated from niche cultural references, a moving journal entry of Sophia’s influences, while effortlessly dancing the tightrope between masculine and feminine.
Luckily, Sophia had a few minutes to speak on what she’s up to (and into) lately.
Name: Sophia Kelly
Age: 26
Zodiac Sign: Aries (haha!)
Where are you from, and where are you right now?
Los Angeles & Los Angeles
What’s your first memory with streetwear?
My first memory was probably going to the Supreme store on Fairfax in middle school, with a skater boyfriend of mine at the time. That started it all for me. I was introduced to fashion by the streets, by living in it. LA has always had it like that. I realized how much you can do with clothes and identity from running around the city.
If you had to compress your personal style into one outfit, what would it be?
I think it would be a super baggy pair of jeans, a white tank top, gold jewelry, a worn in jacket, Birkenstocks or loafers, and hoops.
You can only wear three shoes for the rest of your life — what are they? be specific…
A pair of black chunky loafers
Suede Boston Birkenstocks
Pointed toe kitten heels
Style icon: I have too many. Right now, Jennifer Aniston in the 90’s
Most recent (or favorite) Instagram follow: Osh Fits
Three pieces of media that shaped your personal style:
Gwen Stefani Luxurious Music Video
The Godfather movie, just the whole thing
Angelina Jolie in Gia
What’s your biggest creative/career milestone so far? What’s your biggest creative/career goal right now?
Working with really cool brands like Adidas and Urban Outfitters, brands I grew up wearing. A goal of mine (that’s in the works) is creating my own denim.
Dream collaboration?
Probably Calvin Klein brand-wise, and Nadia Lee Cohen people-wise.
What are you currently working on?
Jeans! And lots of personal writing.
When do you feel the most empowered?
When I’m with my friends and people who I love and get inspired by. Nothin’ makes me feel better honestly.
What needs to change in the current streetwear landscape, to make it more inclusive?
For luxury brands to stop collaborating with streetwear brands haha