Meet the Muse: Erica

Posted on Nov 10, 2022 By Isobel Schofield

Your name: Erica Kim

Where you live: Toronto

Your job: Architectural History Professor

Tell me a little about your style journey?

My earliest memories include staging fashion shows on my mom’s bed at age three. I have always loved the way clothing transports me to another world. My mom made many of my clothes, so from the beginning I’ve been interested in picking out fabric and trimming. I still check the seams when I buy clothes, and it absolutely must feel good to wear.

How would you describe your style?

I’m pretty impulsive when it comes to putting together an outfit, it depends on my mood. I like to play with colors and textures, but I tend to avoid patterns except as an accent. When you color block as much as I do, prints can feel too much. I think the late 50s, early 60s is my favorite style era, I love the collegiate look with big party dresses, cozy knits, and trousers with loafers.

What are your favorite bryr clogs styles?

Anything with an ankle strap is my friend because I’m always on the move! I’m also pretty wobbly on heels. The Maya block heel has become my favorite Bryr Clog style. I love the extra wide bands of leather, they’re such a fun pop of color and contrast beautifully with my socks.

As we head into fall, I’m loving my Daphne clogs with wool socks, the sling back is especially helpful when I’m running after a streetcar!

What's the last project you did and what did you like about it?

My most recent project was writing a new Heritage Toronto tour for Chinatown. As an architectural historian, I rarely get to speak to a general audience. I loved having the opportunity to lead walking tours and share all of the amazing research that my students did over the years.