Fitted By Friends: Emma Wang

I can’t get Kiss It Better out of my head.

Originally released by Rihanna in 2016, Kiss It Better was remixed by Haitian-Canadian multi-hyphenate Kaytranda just a few months later. The remix switches the song from a sultry, syncopated beat to a confident, energetic track.

Why can’t I get Kiss It Better out of my head?

On Monday, I walked to the pop hit in the NYU Program Board fashion show, wearing none other than one of Emma Wang’s designs. Emma gave me the opportunity to saunter down the runway wearing a hip-hugging, sequined A-line dress, and I jumped at the chance. While many possess the ability to design, none are as multi-talented and innovative as Emma. 

That’s exactly why I reached out to her to style me for this week’s edition of Fitted By Friends. I'm bringing on a new friend every week to dress me however they would like. They also have free rein over my hair, makeup, and in Emma’s case, photo direction.

I love what we created together, and cannot wait to see the heights Emma will reach in the coming years.

La plus chic.

Emma is everything.

I’m not kidding. Raised out in Seattle, Emma Wang is part of Cherry Ferrari, the band she founded with best friend Oliver Crosby in high school. Their unique, dynamic sound has garnered hundreds of thousands of listens across all platforms.

While on a semi-haitus while the duo is off at college (New York University and University of Southern California, respectively), Emma continues to release music, most recently promoting the band’s new single, Better When You’re High. 

We met through my childhood best friend, Darby Cheever (also a freshman at NYU), at a screening of the new Saturday Night Live movie last October. Emma and I instantly hit it off and started yapping about our favorite films. Emma is a walking library, full of film and music knowledge, perfect for her studies as a film major at NYU. 

A few weeks ago, on FaceTime, my mother said I looked like the coolest New Yorker. She had said so because I was screensharing the above photo. I happen to agree. 

Emma brings a vintage vibe to her styling. I hate to write that she doesn’t care what anyone else thinks, as that sounds incredibly backhanded, so I urge you to take the compliment at face value. 

Emma doesn’t care what anyone else thinks. Her vision: singular. Her taste: impeccable. Her closet: never-ending.

She arrived at my dorm carrying the very same Chloé bag pictured, filled to the brim with fashion goodies. While Joni Mitchell played in the background, we perused her insane collection, landing on several notable items.

I am incredibly excited to announce that I am wearing an original Kangol hat, straight from the vintage stores of España. If you were in the room with me when Emma pulled this iconic '50s style out of her bag, you’ll know how I fangirled over its presence. Its deep maroon color perfectly complements this DSquared2 vest and Emma’s Emmanuelle Khanh sunnies 1.

In the wise words of my stylist-for-the-day, “You have to wear the hat and the glasses. They can’t wear you.”

Although it is safe to say that this is the most designer items I have ever worn, price tags aren’t what sells this look. It’s how casual it is, how classically New York Emma has made me. 

What truly makes a NYC outfit is its functionality. Protected from the cold? Hell yeah, I’m sporting this sick Alpha Industries puffer jacket. Jeans hanging too low? Not with this leather belt from East Village Thrift. Need to get into my dorm? No problem, just grab my keys hanging from my Levi’s Low Loose belt loops. 

Emma’s styling is practical and decade-dedicated, and if I’m dropping the pretense for a second, I felt like a baddieeeeee in her clothes!

The best part of this process is that I got to adorn Emma’s signature mole, a little to the left of my nose, as well as her stunning lip combo. It was a fantastic thing to become Emma Wang for the day, and I cannot wait for y’all to see what’s in store for the next part of this series.

Until next time, 404 Error!

Footnotes:

1. I couldn’t find the exact pair online, so here’s a similar style. Happy shopping, 404 Error readers!

Check out Emma and Cherry Ferrari on Instagram!