SLUG Style: Aline A. Bustios-Donoso
Art and Fashion
Aline A. Bustios-Donoso is a photographer from Salt Lake City who draws inspiration from quotidian details: the regular forms, shapes and colors that riddle daily life become vibrant through Bustios-Donoso’s eye. Follow them on Instagram @a.liiiine.
Every month, “SLUG Style” features a distinct and unique 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.
What are your stylistic influences? This could be a band, decade, fictional character—anything.
That’s a good question! Style influences I would say would be Tracee Ellis Ross, Fu from Naruto, and I honestly get a lot of inspiration from my close friends! (Hi stylish friends Eliana, Alethia, Ela, Rae, Bianca and Merm!)
How would you describe your photography style?
More journalistic than anything. I tend to be inspired by everyday things—light hitting trees, good form on a building and people doing their regular thing! I like my photos to feel intimate and like a little part of my soul is in them—because a lot of the time they are! Other times, I’m just kinda fuqin around.
What are your interests or hobbies? What is the hobby or interest that you have that no one would realize to ask you about?
I love illustration, painting, photography, hiking and cooking! I’m no good, but I also really like video games. Since I’m usually “on the go” a lot of the time, people might not expect that I also REALLY like to do nothing at all.
Are you always “on” or would someone see you at the grocery store, for example, with less elements of your style?
I would say I’m usually “on,” but only because I often imagine myself being a character in a movie or a comic and go out into the world like that. Even if it looks like I got caught in a hurricane, I’m gonna make sure I still look as cute as possible 😉
What has photography taught you about your own, personal sense of fashion?
A good shape goes a LONG way. Seriously, labels aside, find a structure that works for you and run with that. There’s no shame in establishing a uniform for yourself! Also, figuring out what works for you can sometimes take some work—its just like getting good at any hobby. Experiment and get something wrong so you can land at something that’s uniquely you (and comfortable of course)!
If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would those be?
Oh put me on the spot then! Goofy, mischievous and hungry.
How has your personal style evolved over time?
I used to be punk in junior high! Then I really don’t even know how to describe my style in high school and the beginning of college other than comfy? I do see my style being heavily influenced by the music I listen to and how comfortable I am with myself.
I grew up surrounded by people who didn’t look or act like me, so I think a lot of my old style is representative of my desire to hide. I feel so much more secure in my identity, and I can see the clothes I choose to wear as a direct reflection of that! It’s been one hell of a journey but worthwhile all the same. Best part is, I haven’t even finished growing! I’m sure my style will evolve as I do over time.
Read more about local photographers from our March 2022 Local Photography Issue:
Vanessa Holt: An Eye of the World
Master Storyteller: A Look Inside Christina Mellor’s Photography