← Back to the blog
Interview with Emma Arnold of Tres Awesome
The Thread Lounge team met Emma Arnold of Tres Awesome (an awesome Chicago street style blog) at local designer Christina Yi’s fashion show at Lumen. We couldn’t have been more thrilled when we ran into her again in Lincoln Park and she shot our stylist Eve. When she informed us that she was shooting for Elle.com we could hardly believe our luck. It’s been a dream come true to be featured on Elle.com wearing an outfit from Thread Lounge.
Thread Lounge stylist Eve shot by Emma Arnold for ELLE.com. Still available at Thread Lounge Olive Olivia Fringe Vest $88, Subtle Luxury Cashmere Sweater $178, and Virgina Verdeagua Ring $195.
After our shoot we caught up with Emma to find out how she got her start in shooting Street Style:
When and how did this [capturing street style] all start?
I’ve been into photography for a large part of my life. I started taking photos with my Dad’s classic 35 mm Nikon F when I was 12 and was totally hooked. The street style photography is a relatively new development. I started documenting the creative, weird, and glamorous people of Chicago in July of 2010. I can’t believe how quickly time has gone by.
When did the passion begin?
I’ve been obsessed with clothes, practically from day 1. I would organize fashion shows in my neighborhood where all my girlfriends would dress up in old prom dresses from the costume box my Mom created and we would use my parents backyard deck as our runway. We made the neighborhood boys be judges. To this day, it amazes me that they participated.
Is it awkward asking strangers to take their picture?
Initially I was incredibly intimidated. When I first started the blog I practically had to make myself go out and shoot. Now I’m really comfortable with approaching people and love and actually enjoy meeting so many new people.
What’s the strangest photo-op interaction that you’ve had?
I was in Paris for Fashion Week last Summer. While taking a picture of Dianne Pernet (of a Shaded View of Fashion) I stepped on the train of her signature black gown. It was incredibly embarrassing.
How would you describe Chicago’s style?
My go to word is practical. However it differs drastically from neighborhood to neighborhood, sometimes even block to block. There are a large number of sophisticated, creative people who are thrown into high relief against the blah masses.
Do you have a favorite photo?
There are so many I love, it’s hard to choose. But if I had to pick just one, I would say it’s the photo I took of the “Urban Cowboy” in Pilsen. He was shoveling snow outside his house and when I asked to take his photo he got really excited, disappeared into the house for a moment and came out wearing this glorious coat. His charisma and pride in his look really shine through.
http://www.tresawesome.com/2011/03/urban-cowboy-in-pilsen.html
What’s YOUR street style
Henri Cartier-Bresson and Keith Haring shacked up in a house built by Roisin Murphy
What next for you?
This week I’ll be in a new city capturing the stylish people of San Francisco. I’ll also be attending my first New York Fashion week this fall.
