FEATURED INTERVIEW: JOICY MUNIZ
Interview by Angel Quintana
Photo Credit: Joicy Muniz
Magazine: Issue #44
Photo by: Joicy Muniz
You are a fashion blogger and journalist living in Copenhagen, tell us how you got started in the industry?
That is a long story. Everything started around 7-8 years ago when I was a journalism student in Brazil. It was the year 2008 and blogs were not popular like today while fashion was not an important topic in my home city, Fortaleza. In my class I was the only one with a dream to have a career in fashion. My teacher knew this and encouraged me to start a blog, so I could begin practicing how to write interesting text about fashion and trends. I followed her advice and just began to write about things that I like, e.g. vintage styles from previous decades, artists, musicians and designers that changed the fashion industry. In the beginning I think it was just my parents and closest friends that knew about the blog.
After a while, people started commenting on my site and sending me emails about my posts – the positive feedback made me even more excited about working on the blog. Suddenly, I won an award for the best fashion blog and I was asked to give interviews for TV, magazines and newspapers. It was getting serious and I knew it was time to change some things, for example the layout and the type of posts I made. In the beginning, funnily enough, I did not post my own outfits, I was too shy, seriously! But when people started asking for pictures of my outfits, I gave in and posted some of my looks, which was very nice. Not only my followers liked the posts, also brands started contacting and asked if I was interested in wearing their clothes, everything was so new and so exciting for me. It’s fun to look back on now! A few years later, I travelled to New York, where I met my lovely Danish husband and, after some time with a long distance relationship, I moved to Denmark. So here I am and all I can say is that I love this country!
Photo by: Joicy Muniz
You are currently studying sustainable fashion design, what is it about sustainable fashion that interests you?
My interest is two-folded, first clothing is one thing that the world cannot live without and I believe it is extremely important that there is a focus on producing clothes in a way that has the smallest footprint on our beautiful nature. Second, when you are trying to produce in a sustainable way, it requires a large degree of innovation and this really excites me. For example, I love the idea of using old materials with no other use and turn it into a functional and beautiful piece of clothing. When I work with my passion for fashion and can do it in a sustainable way, I believe I am doing my small part in making the future a little better.
What should every woman try at least once in her life?
It is very difficult to choose, but I would say that one thing I tried which made a really big impression on my life was when I did volunteer work in a poor neighbourhood in Brazil. The idea was to introduce fashion to some of the girls there in a fun and alternative way. Seeing how much they enjoyed the days and their excitement with our small workshops was incredible and we all learned so much from each other.
And for the day by day, I think every woman should try to be free of rules and be/wear whatever she wants without caring about what people think.
What brings you the greatest joy?
There are three things that always bring me great joy and these are: being with my husband, the amazing feeling of being creative and traveling around the world to see and experience new places and cultures. When I am able to combine these I feel like I am in heaven.
What is the best advice you've been given?
That you should never give up on your dreams. My mom always told me this and I try to keep it in the back of my mind in whatever I do in life. I know life is sometimes tough but in these moments it is important to stay strong and believe in your own ability. So believe in yourself and never give up even when everything seems impossible, because one day you can become an inspiration for a lot of people.
What is on your bookshelf?
Fabric for Fashion - a great guide to learn about the behaviour and properties of different fabrics. If you are interested in knowing a little more about what you wear, it is a good place to start. Please Kill me - The Uncensored Oral History of Punk by Legs McNeil, Gillian McCain - the coolest book ever. It is about the 70’s punk rock: the history, style and craziest stories of the famous people at that moment. From the moment I picked up the book I was addicted. Lolita – Love Vladmir Nabokov literature – a must-read classic. Dom Casmurro – I love Brazilian literature and this book is written by a Brazilian writer I think everybody should know: Machado de Assis. Taking Woodstock – I am crazy about music and it is my biggest inspiration source, so I am always very curious to read about the 60’s and 70’s to get new inspiration and understanding of that period.
Photo by: Joicy Muniz
What item in your closet do you wear the most?
A pair of very comfortable black pants that I have had for some time. It is usually my choice in the day-by-day when I need to wear something quick before going to a meeting, classes or something else. They never disappoint me and match with everything.
Who is on the guest list for your ideal dinner party?
I have many idols and inspirations that I would love to meet and have interesting conversations with, for example talking to Jim Morrison about the Doors of perception and Iggy Pop about how to be a real punk rocker, also I would love to meet Bowie, Vivienne Westwood, Paul McCartney and Kate Moss. They are all invited to my ideal dinner party! haha
However, if I want a night where I am sure I will feel completely comfortable and cry of laughter all the time it would be with my husband, friends and family.
What quote do you live by?
“I read somewhere how important it is in life not necessarily to be strong... but to feel strong.” (Christopher McCandless – Into the Wild) The secret of life is how you feel and this is going to reflect who you are and how you face the world. So find your talents, believe in them and you will feel happy and strong.
What is one of your beauty secrets?
I try to drink a lot of water, because it cleanses both your body and skin. Another thing I do to keep my skin nice and fresh is to wash my face with cold water (at least when it is not freezing cold outside, haha). This was actually a tip I got from a make-up artist and it works perfectly. Of course, I also always keep a good skin cream in my bag.