feature number 2: Ana´s Canvas

Time to meet the queen of edge: Ana from heavymetalfashion.

Her blog consists of her own outfits combined with the most amazing collection of inspirational and very edgy photographs, editorials, ...

Who is Ana? My name is Anastasia and I'm a 19 year old musician. I play electric guitar in a metal band and work in a music store. I live in Toronto, Canada but I was raised in Russia. Most people that meet me do not realize that I'm European or that English is not my first language...but that's just a part of my charm! ;)

How did you develop your own personal style? Did you experiment a lot before settling down to it? Certain elements of my style are so inherent to me that, sometimes, I feel like they are genetic. Clothes must fit well. They must have an interesting shape. They must compliment my figure. They must be the right size. There needs to be a few different textures. Classic elements must be present ( ex. a fitted jacket, classic purse, pearl earings). Otherwise, my personal style alway changes. Anything from watching a movie to going to a concert can affect what I will wear the following day! Nowadays, I take inspiration from my surroundings, the bands I listen to and my intimate group of friends.

How do people react to your style? Do you ever get strange looks from strangers, when your walking down the street? You know, I don't really notice all that much. I think I always look to busy for people to really comment...but I do get compliments on my crazy/clunky/studded boots sometimes. Oh and the dudes at my work make fun of me for wearing the occasional floral dress. haha...I guess it seems out of character for someone who plays in a black metal band.

What clothing items do you love the most and why? For everyday, I love simple and highly compatible clothing. I should be able to throw a few items on my bed and formulate a different outfit for every day of the week by mixing an matching. Some of my favorite things to wear right now include: Simple white t-shirt, skinny jeans, highwaisted short skirt in cotton or jean, leather tights, concert shirts, multiple long chain necklaces, various rings, metal/spiked cuffs, ripped jeans, BLACK HOODIE ( a must for comfort), long cotton scarves/wraps, body con dresses, jean shirt and leather jacket. Oh, and also, crazy shoes.

Do you have any strange obsessions? I love Japanese horror/gore/kvlt films. They are funny, bizzare and artistic. Usually I laugh and feel kinda disgusted at the same time. My favorite word to describe my obsession: horriblarious.

What magazines do you read and what are some of your favorite blogs? Dazed and Confused, British/Paris Vogue, Numero And Inked. I love magazines that push the boundries of editorial fashion. A blank wall behind a model wearing a pretty dress just won't do.

The first blog I ever got into was Fashion Squad. I was so inspired that I wanted to start blogging myself. I wanted to do something different. Casual but edgy. Then I found Stylorectic and my metal/fashion dreams were fulffilled. I also love Karoline" Pause. She has perfect casual style. Finally, Foxyman is one of my faves. Honest, cool and captivating.

Where do you get your inspiration from? I am inspired by everything. Sometimes films. A lot of the time, bands and in equal parts new designers. I love rick owens. I love swedish fashion. I love the direction in which RTW is moving. Ricardo Tisci is blowing people`s minds, and with good cause. The man is a bondage genious. I think Heavy Metal Fashion is about extremes... nothing regular, ordinary or plain. Wearing a spiked harness with a frilly dress. Things that are exciting...fantasy fashion! On a daily basis, I`m inspired by my surroundings and my group of friends. I look for comfort but I never forget style.

What celebrities do you respect the most considering their style? I like Daria Werbowy and Lara Stone. I met Daria in Toronto last year and I was taken aback by how casual and sweet she was. I like her ability to mix highs and lows: a plain white shirt with ripped bluejeans and a huge sparkling necklace. Lara is just different. She gives me hope that one day all models will look like women and not like children. Fashion should be wearable.

Favorite movie of all times? Easily, True Romance. Incredible movie. Beautiful colours, outfits and plot. True love conquers all.

What´s on your bucket list? I want to tour Europe with my band and get a PhD in Medieval history. After that..pretty much anything goes!