“Lesbians have terrible style!” I overhead a nauseatingly-basic-clad “straight girl” moan at a cocktail party last week. My blood boiled in rage. Lesbians have terrible style? What rock has this wonder-brat been living under? I thought to myself, gulping back my wine, shooting daggers across the room with my furious eyeballs.
I don’t know how or when this rumor, that lesbians “don’t have style” kicked off, but it’s complete bullshit. Yes, we’ve been known to rock flannel, but who says flannel isn’t chic, anyway? Fashion hipsters all over Brooklyn and Manhattan have been religiously tying flannels around their waists for the past two decades. And who started that trend, my little queer kittens? We did.
Just like we started the “fanny pack trend” that GO Mag writer and editor Corinne, so lovingly wrote about in this article. Just like we started the “half-shaved-head-haircut trend” that still penetrates the international rocker-girl scene. Just like we started the “badass boots and denim” trend that magazines like Cosmo are always attempting to teach girls how to “pull off.” Lesbians don’t need a how-to guide in pulling any of these looks off. We were born looking sexy in distressed denim and Dr. Marten boots. We were born with high-fashion swag, baby.
It’s no secret to queer women that lesbians are the true tastemakers in the world of style; but it’s time we got some freaking credit you know?
Which is why I decided to highlight a different iconic queer woman each week and talk to her about her fierce style in my new GO mag column “Queer Girl Fashion Icon of The Week” (Message me if you’re interested in submitting!).
Sierra Jiminez is one the most hyper-talented, hardworking, wildly-ambitious and jaw-droppingly creative entities I’ve ever met in my 31-years on planet earth. One of my first experiences with her was on a film set, in which she was the executive producer. She had story-boarded the entire script by herself. She had written 90 percent of the dialogue. She knew exactly how she wanted each shot to appear on camera. She gave crystal clear direction to the actor (which may or may not have been yours truly). She had—no joke, built the entire set herself. She’s a continuity expert. She’s wildly respected. She commanded the energy of the room. I was blown away. I had never met such a fiercely creative perfectionist, ever. I had never met someone who could wear so many hats (literally and figuratively) ever.
The strangest part of it all? She did the whole thing wearing a killer outfit. Pink creepers from Dolls Kill were strapped to her feet. Giant Lady Gaga sunnies wrapped themselves around her gorgeous face. Dark vampy matte lipstick colored in her full lips. “Stylish and a master on set? Is this girl a UNICORN?” I thought to myself, perplexed. And truth be told, while Jiminez is not a unicorn (at least I don’t think she’s a unicorn) she’s about as rare as a unicorn. She is living evidence that you can dress like a high-fashion, mega-babe and still be a boss. You can wear a rainbow colored handbag and a fabulous black taffeta skirt to work, and still be feared by the fuckboys who work beneath you.
So let’s hear all about how this bold, fashion risk-taker feels about the art of fashion.
GO Magazine: Who are you and what do you do?
Sierra Jiminez: My name is Sierra Jiminez; I’m a senior producer at Elite Daily. Basically, I make content that you probably watch while you’re procrastinating doing real work.
GO Mag: Who are your greatest fashion icons?
SJ: I’ve always admired the fashion sense of people like Twiggy, Audrey Hepburn, Edie Sedgwick and even Madonna. But the truth is I don’t look anything like those women, so I’ve learned to take little bits of all of their style and adapt it into my own sense of style.
GO Mag: Find ten adjectives that fully describe your personal style?
SJ: Playful, Strong, Unique, Eclectic, Experimental, Intentional, Vintage, Bright, Confident, Sassy
GO Mag: How do you feel about makeup? Love it, hate it? What products do you use? Do you have a signature makeup look?
SJ: I love makeup, but I wear very little of it in my day-to-day routine. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve made a point to focus more on good skin than makeup. I never leave the house without SPF, and I’m a serum junkie. Because of that, I don’t wear foundation. I have lash extensions and my eyebrows are tinted, so my daily makeup routine usually consists of NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, highlighter and a liquid lipstick (usually in a nude/ pink color). Lately, I’ve been playing more with blush. My favorite product at the moment is Glossier’s cloud paint — I have all the colors.
That being said, I own a ton of makeup and like to play with it on special occasions. I’m not afraid of sporting a purple lip and thick, winged eyeliner if the occasion calls for it.
GO Mag: Where do you shop?
SJ: I mostly shop at vintage stores. When I travel to foreign countries, the first thing I do is look up vintage stores and flea markets in the area. I hate trinket souvenirs, so the clothing I find becomes my souvenir. If I want a trend piece, I’ll usually go to stores like Top Shop and Zara. My closet is a mix of high-end pieces and kitschy trend pieces.
GO Mag: What was your most embarrassing fashion phase? Or have you been perfect and cool forever?
SJ: Definitely the slick-backed ponytail and maroon lipstick phase.
GO Mag: Describe an outfit you would wear to slay a job interview.
SJ: I love a good high-waisted skirt paired with a cropped, yet conservative top. My other go-to is usually a simple black fitted dress and a long statement jacket.
GO Mag: Describe an outfit you wear on a date with a woman you were wildly attracted to.
SJ: High-waisted trousers and a bustier. I love wearing lingerie as a core part of an outfit — it’s sexy, yet gives off a confident vibe.
GO Mag: Describe an outfit you would wear if you wanted to feel insanely sexy?
SJ: My girlfriend is 6’2” so her dress shirts fit little 5’3” me like dresses. I love pairing one of her button-downs with a slip skirt, belt, and bralette. Add some sneakers, a red lip and a layer of necklaces, and you’ve instantly got that “just sexed” look you see the French girls sporting.
GO Mag: Is there such thing as lesbian style?
SJ: I think a lot of people think lesbian style means “butch” and plaid shirts. Personally, I think lesbian style is more about the energy you give off when you walk into a room than the clothing you’re wearing.
What Do You Think?