SLUG Style: Bonè

Bonè is a self-described idiosyncratic monster, medieval enthusiast, luddite and fashion clown from Salt Lake City. “I’ve been fascinated by ethnic and medieval costumes and making pieces that express identity through sartorial regiments,” Bonè says.

Every month, SLUG Style features a distinct member of the community and asks them why they do what they do. Exploring more than just clothing, SLUG Style is an attempt to feature the people who give Salt Lake City flavor through personality and panache.

SLUG: What are your stylistic influences? This could be a band, decade, fictional character—anything.

Bonè: I want to see glamor, sex and suffering.

Martine Gutierrez who creates the fantasies that exist only in a single shot. She can play with the folds of fabric, placement of hairs and the total surrender of herself to be in a role in front of her camera, which is the exact obsession and modality I’d like to possess.

The styling work of Dara Allen and her constant working, manipulation and out-of-box placement of garments draped over the body never ceases to impress.

Stylistically, I hold Miguel Adrover in high esteem; his playfulness in destruction and reuse of garments always makes me want to take my closet and rework it and invert it. In conversation with that styling and reconstruction, the works of Martin Margiela, Nincompoop Capacity and YouTube videos of teens making DIYs of designer dupes.

SLUG: What are your interests or hobbies? What is the hobby or interest that you have that no one would realize to ask you about?

Bonè: I don’t feign to know what people would be surprised that I enjoy; I love owning a sense of mystery and vagueness around my goings on, which also means I like not knowing what others think of me.

That said, I love love love guinea pigs.

SLUG: Tell us about your interest in textiles. From where does this interest come and why does it interest you? 

Bonè: As an early adopter of Tumblr, I was lucky to be inundated with images of fashion. There I can scroll and see runway fashion nestled between images of ethnic costumes, art imagery, shit posts, garment construction, clothing hauls and any sleazy nonsense I could ever need to fill and inform my tastes.

SLUG: What does your fashion express about your inner life? 

Bonè: Style and fashion have been a way of self-obliteration; taking yourself and repeatedly changing the elements attached to it until you have something new all over again.

SLUG: Are you always “on” or would someone see you at the grocery store, for example, with less elements of your style?

Bonè: Unfortunately it’s always “on.” When it comes to leaving the house, I feel it cannot be done unless I look somewhat decent.

Even at home, I’ll be found fidgeting and fussing over my toilette. I could try styling my hair a dozen different ways, tangling and knotting it on my head and I’ll do the same with my clothes, trying my best to get something new from old rags.

The regiment on what is absolutely necessary to feel ready can swing quite drastically month to month; some months it’s being in a new outfit, makeup and styled hair while other days I’ll embrace an unraveled and pared-down aesthetic.

SLUG: If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would those be? 

Bonè: “Prefer not to” captures my resistance and antagonism to identity. 

SLUG: How has your personal style evolved over time?

Bonè: I’ve been so fascinated by ethnic and medieval costumes and making pieces that express identity through sartorial regiments.

I started high school as a gothic hipster who wore dissected suspenders as pasties over hand bleached and distressed jeans and while writing this am currently wearing a handsewn, regency-era chemise with corded braids in my hair.

Next month I want to look like I stepped out of Siberia circa the 19th century; reds, pinks, oranges contrasted with off-white nettle and linen fabrics topped with large and delicate headdresses and jewelry that made its way along the silk road to my doorstep with help from DHL.

The month after that could bring even more changes and regressions.

SLUG: What makes something beautiful to you? 

Bonè: I want to see thoughtfulness and novelty in design. I want to see old things made new, hot blondes in odd positions, absurd and marvelous proportions, and I want it to all feel like I could do it all myself.

Check out more SLUG Style features:
SLUG Style: Molly Heller
SLUG Style: Eliana