Marla Paul, a former editor of Women’s Wear Daily and W Magazine, has traded in high-fashion runways for the sidewalks of Chicago. Now a health sciences editor at Northwestern University, Paul moonlights as a Fashion Maven, capturing the city’s unique street style through her Instagram feed, @rebellewithmarla. Her lens focuses on individuals and even animals with distinctive looks, sharing their personal fashion stories and showcasing a vibrant tapestry of style. From kilts to canine couture, Paul’s feed offers a glimpse into the sartorial choices of everyday Chicagoans.
From High Fashion Editor to Street Style Maven
Paul’s journey from the glossy pages of fashion magazines to the dynamic world of street style photography stemmed from a deep fascination with self-expression through clothing. She sees fashion as an art form, a visual language that speaks volumes about an individual’s personality and perspective. “I want to know why people choose their clothes and accessories and what their message is,” she explains. “And, there’s often a fun story once we start chatting.” This curiosity fuels her passion for connecting with strangers, transforming chance encounters into opportunities for genuine human connection and insightful storytelling.
Cultivating a Keen Eye for Style
Paul’s ability to spot unique style comes from years of experience and a natural inquisitiveness honed during her journalistic career. She describes her approach as “IG karma” combined with a reporter’s instinct for uncovering compelling narratives. Her Instagram feed provides a platform to break down social barriers and celebrate the diversity of personal style. While a few subjects decline her request for a photo, most are flattered by the attention. Paul’s discerning eye is drawn to an intangible “wow” factor, particularly when individuals combine pieces in unexpected and innovative ways. Color plays a crucial role in her selections, often leading to impromptu street chases to capture the perfect shot.
Fashion Advice from a Seasoned Style Observer
Drawing inspiration from her own experiences, Paul advises aspiring fashion enthusiasts to find style icons, whether in real life or on social media, to help refine their personal aesthetic. She believes in the power of observation and learning from others to cultivate a unique sense of style. For Paul, fashion transcends mere clothing; it represents a powerful form of self-expression. “Clothes are powerful symbols of what’s inside,” she emphasizes, highlighting the profound connection between personal style and inner identity.
Marla’s Personal Style: A Blend of Edgy and Eclectic
Paul’s own fashion choices reflect her eclectic taste. In a recent photo, she sports a skeleton choker and jewelry by New York designer Martine Ali, whose edgy, unisex pieces are favored by celebrities like Kendrick Lamar and Rihanna. Pairing the statement jewelry with a bird-printed dress from Anthropologie, Paul demonstrates her ability to blend high and low fashion, creating a look that is both unique and expressive. Her personal style exemplifies the very principles she admires in others: individuality, creativity, and a willingness to experiment.
The Essence of a Fashion Maven
Marla Paul embodies the true spirit of a fashion maven. She possesses a deep understanding of fashion history, a keen eye for emerging trends, and a genuine passion for celebrating individual style. Her Instagram feed serves as a testament to the power of fashion to connect people, tell stories, and transform everyday streets into vibrant runways. Through her lens, she captures not just clothing, but the essence of personal expression and the unique cultural landscape of Chicago. Paul’s work reminds us that fashion is more than just clothes; it’s a reflection of our identities, our aspirations, and our connection to the world around us.
