TikTok’s Vita Kari on how to nail an eccentric sense of style
We spoke to the social media maven about their personal style and artwork.
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It’s finally spring, which means you’re likely ready to get started on your spring cleaning. Personally, I’ve avoided cleaning out my closet for the last few years. Like many of you reading this, my body went through some drastic changes during the pandemic years, and I’ve held onto all of my old clothes—both the bigger and smaller pieces—in hopes that one day they’ll fit properly (or serve as fashion-insurance when my body inevitably changes again!).
A few days ago, it occurred to me that I have about a hundred T-shirts—and only wear about 10 of them regularly—so I’ve decided that this is the weekend I take inventory and make sense of the mess. I’ll be going through my entire wardrobe, trying on every single item, parting with the pieces I no longer love, and cataloging everything else. If you’ve been holding onto all of your old clothes a bit too long, I welcome you to join me in this monumental undertaking.
This week, I’m beyond excited to introduce you to Vita Kari. You might be familiar with their thought-provoking and wildly hilarious “I printed it out” series of TikToks (seriously, I can’t get enough). Vita shares a distinctive look that includes a piece they made in tribute to their grandmother that I’m sure you’ll delight in. For our LA-based subscribers: You can check out Vita’s MFA thesis exhibition, “Billboard Prenup: A Byte of Love,” which runs through March 29th at the Bolsky Gallery at Otis College of Art and Design.
Fit Check with Vita Kari
Vita Kari is unafraid of making a splashy statement when it comes to their personal style.
Vita Kari is a non-binary artist known for creating immersive art pieces that involve illusion. Working between conceptual online video performances and everyday locations, Kari highlights contemporary issues of digital identity. They have recently performed and exhibited in Los Angeles, New York City, and Miami. They are currently an MFA candidate at Otis College of Art and Design.
Vita, tell me all about this look!
🍔 - The crown I'm wearing is my own art piece! It has five burgers that are all adorned with individual beading inspired by my grandmother's clothing. Each burger has a different pattern to match a different article of her clothing. It's my way of honoring her as well as highlighting caretaking, something that deserves more attention! Getting the burgers finished was an all-hands-on-deck project, so shout out to my friends who helped me make them: Sua Kim, Da Ron, Cousin Grace, Athena Kaytlen Wenzel, Mic Gradstein, and Alex Ybarra.
🎽 - I'm wearing a Skims top, vintage earrings, and my partner's pearl chest piece. My sweatpants are vintage and from my Grandmother.
👟 - Of course, my go-to Skechers, which I wear almost every time I do performance art because there's so much running around!
How did you discover and develop your personal style?
My style has remained the same since I was a kid: Loud, eccentric, statement pieces—yet it changes with the times as new trends go in and out of style. I remain flexible but always have my core style intact. Learning more about my gender expression and shifting how I present in the world plays into my fashion! Right now I'm in a hyper-femme era, but I might go back to masc soon…who knows?
What’s next on your to-buy list?
I predict class rings are going to have a Saltburn-inspired comeback! As I’m graduating from my master's program this year, I decided to get a super ridiculously adorned class ring. I feel like we are gonna see more class rings around–both new and vintage. I always wanted one, so it felt like the perfect time.
What’s your favorite style hack?
Sweatpants + heels—elevates any outfit!
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