The initial encounter with Owen Peters’s artistic presentation is striking: a painted portrait dominates the space, adorned with theatrical makeup—vivid blue eyeshadow, dramatic Twiggy-esque lashes, pronounced pink rouge, and delicately drawn brows. This visage, staring out with a subtle frown, is positioned near a fragrance advertisement featuring Timothée Chalamet. It evokes a sense of meticulous glamour, reminiscent of a 1920s flapper or a mod icon. The artist reveals this is a self-portrait, transformed through his application of makeup, a detail that becomes clear upon closer inspection.
Humble Beginnings, Grand Aspirations
Owen’s upbringing in Shakopee, Minnesota, a locale more recognized for its amusement park than its fashion scene, provided a backdrop of suburban comfort. The surrounding landscape, dotted with soccer fields and proximity to the Mall of America, speaks to a certain Middle American abundance. Yet, it was a far cry from the world of high fashion or even the practiced art of glamour.
From Disinterest to Self-Expression
Owen’s childhood passions for musical theater, anime, and gaming initially influenced his wardrobe through character-emblazoned T-shirts. However, as he entered adolescence, a deliberate shift occurred. Rejecting the overt branding favored by his peers, Owen sought anonymity, opting for plain, unbranded garments from stores like Target. This move towards a deliberately minimalist aesthetic was a shield, a way to navigate the social complexities and potential homophobia he perceived in his environment.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the transition to remote learning provided a crucial period for experimentation. Platforms like TikTok exposed Owen to emerging “alt” aesthetics, sparking a desire for perceived coolness. While he wasn’t necessarily adopting the styles directly, the influence was undeniable. This era represented a growing internal conflict between the desire for self-expression and lingering discomfort.
The Evolution of Style
A significant turning point arrived during Owen’s sophomore year of college. The acquisition of a pair of baggy Carhartt work pants marked a bold step in his personal style evolution, instilling a sense of confidence that transcended typical peer expectations of conventional denim or athletic wear. Despite the potential for judgment, Owen navigated this period with a growing sense of self-assuredness, though the underlying anxiety of being perceived as an outsider remained.
Now a communications major at the University of Minnesota with aspirations of becoming a fashion stylist, Owen’s aesthetic has matured. His style is a sophisticated fusion of “prep and glamour,” a departure from the more defined “alt” looks of his earlier explorations. His current ensemble, featuring oversized basketball shorts, diamond earrings, a subtly unbuttoned Polo Oxford shirt revealing a rhinestone necklace, and classic crew socks, exemplifies this refined blend. His recently adopted cherry cola red hair, inspired by Addison Rae, further underscores his dynamic approach to personal expression. Owen’s diverse muses—ranging from Gene Kelly and fraternity brothers to Jackie O., his grandmother, and the esteemed stylist Dara—highlight his unique sartorial compass, guiding him towards a timeless elegance.
The basketball shorts, seemingly simple Walmart acquisitions, embody Owen’s unique stylistic duality. Their cultural association with sport and masculinity, reminiscent of the attire worn by the lacrosse players of his youth, is reinterpreted through their synthetic drape, which Owen likens to luxurious silk. His mother’s observation that the shorts bear a resemblance to a skirt further emphasizes their gender-fluid potential and Owen’s ability to subvert traditional sartorial norms.
Community and Conscious Consumption
Style has become a powerful catalyst for connection in Owen’s life. From the early days of wearing his Carhartts as a statement of individuality, he found solidarity with like-minded peers who embraced unconventional fashion. Today, his circle is defined by a shared passion for self-expression, and his “Saturday best” is curated with their discerning eyes in mind.
While working a summer job at a local movie theater to finance his wardrobe, Owen relies heavily on thrift stores. This practice alleviates his “shopping anxiety,” a tendency towards compulsive online purchasing, by infusing his acquisitions with a sense of serendipity. Thrifting, for Owen, feels predestined; if he misses an item, he accepts it as a sign that it wasn’t meant to be.
Reflecting on an outfit submitted for his application—a close-fitting henley layered over a white undershirt, his signature basketball shorts, and vintage two-tone Nikes—Owen confirms its inspiration was Brandy Melville. He describes a profound admiration for the brand’s feminine tops, coupled with the realization that he was not part of its intended demographic. The subsequent discovery of a similar top at a thrift store felt like a serendipitous affirmation of his stylistic choices.
Business Style Takeaway: Owen Peters’s journey illustrates how personal style can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and resilience, particularly for younger generations navigating identity. His approach to curated, often thrifted, pieces that blend traditional masculine and feminine signifiers offers a compelling model for contemporary professional wardrobes seeking authenticity and individual expression beyond conventional norms.
Original article : www.vogue.com