we spent a Friday afternoon playing hooky in Bed-Stuy with the finger-on-the-pulse editor.
Chioma, photographed at Saraghina in Brooklyn, wears her own sweater, J.Crew boyfriend jean in Ontario wash and Manolo Blahnik pumps.
Hometown & current home.
London, England. Brooklyn, New York.
How did you get your start as a fashion writer?
I actually got my start on the features desk at a magazine of a newspaper in London called the Evening Standard. It really helped me learn what it takes to make a good story. The fashion part came later.
Do you remember the first pair of denim that you really loved?
Yes, I remember saving up and buying my first pair of Levi’s. Growing up in London, the idea of American denim was really exotic. It took me ages to break them in, but I wore them into the ground. I wish I still had them now.
What person—dead, alive, fictional—wore denim best?
Jimi Hendrix, hands down. He did jeans with so much flair.
Best way to spend the day in your neighborhood?
I would start the day by getting lost in Prospect Park. Even though I’ve lived in Brooklyn for over 10 years, I’m still discovering new corners. Did you know there is a waterfall there? I didn’t. It’s magical. Then I’d head over to the Vintage Loft on Vanderbilt Ave. It’s by appointment only, and their selection of vintage clothing is really special. If I had time to kill before dinner, I might go by Circa Antiques on Atlantic Ave. I know nothing about antiques but love looking at them, and this store is chock-full of interesting furniture. I would end the day by getting a burger at Kaz An Nou. I used to live in the French Caribbean—and the owner is from Guadeloupe and cooks all his mother’s recipes. The burger is made with a rich marinade of island spices. I’m still trying to figure out what’s in his secret sauce.
So here we are at Saraghina, another favorite of yours—what’s your order?
The Coppa & Carciofi pizza is one of my favorites—I love anything with spicy roasted artichokes on top. Their burrata is flown in from Italy and you can taste the difference. I won’t leave before I’ve ordered the chocolate mousse.
Photography by Bryan Derballa. Makeup by Deanna Melluso for the Magnet Agency.
Special thanks to Saraghina.
To shop our newest assortment of J.Crew denim, including Chioma’s boyfriend jean in Ontario wash, click here.