Interview by Carol Wright | Photos Courtesy of VANNA
If you first came across VANNA’s TikTok page due to one of her blue loo videos, you’re not alone. It’s hard to scroll past when you see shots from numerous angles, even some above her head. The fashion content creator talked to NYOTA about creating content as a creative outlet, promoting sustainability in fashion, and finding clothes that tell a story.
Did you have any childhood-style icons?
Looking back, my childhood style icons were less about specific celebrities and more about the characters and people who had a unique sense of style. I was always drawn to the effortless cool of old movie characters, the playfulness of 60s, 70s and 80s fashion, and even the way my family members styled themselves. I loved flipping through magazines and watching music videos, picking up little details that felt inspiring, whether it was layering, textures, or statement accessories. I think that curiosity has stayed with me, and now I pull inspiration from a mix of eras and personal nostalgia when putting outfits together.
Has making and posting videos become a creative outlet for you?
This was my main reason for creating content. I believe we are all born creative, but we each express it in different ways. For me, I needed to soothe this creative side I knew I had but didn’t know how to channel effectively. Growing up, I explored different hobbies like film photography, pottery, and painting, but at one point, I gave up completely because I felt I hadn’t mastered any of them. What I didn’t realize then is that creativity isn’t about being the best at something; it’s about genuinely enjoying the process. I think that’s the key to fully embracing our creative side.
I’d be remiss not to ask about your filming setup for your viral blue loo videos. How are you capturing all of those angles?
I love that you noticed! Capturing all the angles for my blue loo videos is definitely a process. I use a combination of a tripod and strategically placed surfaces to get the right shots. Sometimes, I’ll balance my phone on a stack of books or even tape it to a surface to get a unique perspective. Lighting is also key, so I try to make the most of natural light. It’s all about experimenting with angles and movement to make the videos feel dynamic while still keeping the setup simple and functional!
At a time when social media has influenced people to dress very similarly, you stick to wearing unique and eclectic items. When you shop for clothing, what often drives your choices?
For me, shopping is less about following trends and more about finding pieces that truly resonate with me. I’m drawn to clothing that feels unique, tells a story, or has a timeless quality to it. Whether it’s a vintage find, a well-crafted staple, or something with an interesting texture or silhouette, I always look for items that spark excitement and seamlessly fit into my wardrobe. I also love the idea of curating a closet that reflects my personality rather than what’s trending at the moment. Social media can really make it tempting to dress like everyone else, but I find so much joy in mixing pieces in unexpected ways and making them my own.
Has getting into content creation caused you to be even more experimental with your clothing? Especially since you now have this visual diary of what you wear.
Definitely! Since my content serves as a visual diary of what I wear, I’m constantly reminded of the color patterns and outfits I tend to repeat. It almost pushes me to step out of my comfort zone and experiment with colors or patterns I wouldn’t normally wear. At the same time, I try to focus on re-wearing what I already own and experimenting in diverse ways without feeling the need to shop or keep up with trends.
You’re someone who likes to go antiquing and who shops for vintage items via resellers. Do you hope that by sharing this, you can inadvertently motivate your followers to be more sustainable when it comes to fashion?
Absolutely! One of the biggest reasons I share my love for antiquing and shopping vintage is to show that sustainability and style can go hand in hand. A lot of people think shopping secondhand means sacrificing personal style, but I love proving that you can find truly unique, high-quality pieces while being mindful of overconsumption. I want my followers to understand that trends are made to spice up our outfits, but the moment we let them dictate our wardrobe and style, that’s when we start to lose part of our individuality. I don’t expect everyone to switch to only shopping vintage overnight, but if I can inspire even one person to rethink fast fashion and explore more sustainable options, whether it’s thrifting, buying from resellers, or simply taking better care of the pieces they already own, then that’s a win in my book!
We’re gearing up for Spring. What are the pieces you have to have in your closet for this time of year?
I love layering, and sheer pieces have been on my mind constantly. I started incorporating them last fall, but spring feels like the perfect season to fully embrace light layering with sheer fabrics. Whether it’s a delicate mesh top over a bikini top or a flowy sheer skirt paired with structured pieces, it’s such a fun way to add texture and depth to a look without feeling too heavy.
What advice do you have for aspiring content creators?
Fall in love with creating content. Do it for yourself, not for the likes or views. It’s hard because we’re human, and the dopamine rush from a viral video is insane. But ironically, when I let go of chasing virality and focused on my passion, that’s when I truly started building a community. After almost three years of posting for the numbers, I shifted my mindset and began creating purely for myself as a creative outlet, and that’s when everything changed.
This story first ran in Issue 39: The Digital Issue. Read more from the issue here
