Whether you know it or not, Niki Takesh has probably influenced you and the trends you love ever since you discovered Tumblr. Infusing cyber-glam sensibilities with a smoky breath of California sunshine, Niki is one of the underground originators of trends ranging from stoner-chic to ratchet runway and, while the style scene's still freaking out over the '90s, she's already leagues ahead and obsessed with the early 2000s. And with high profile friends/clients like Miley Cyrus and Brooke Candy, Niki has positioned herself in the first wave of URL to go IRL. She's also appeared in videos that are arty to the party, ranging from London-based artist Ed Fornieles "Pool Party" video for MOCAtv to Miley Cyrus' "We Can't Stop." And now everyone from Paper favorites Jeanette Hayes, the ATL Twins, and even Kris Jenner can't get enough of her. She's also a mini mogul in the making, having collaborated with L.A.-based brand, HOWL, on a small capsule collection. So while she's ascending from the web to reality, we had to get a hold of this bi-coastal beauty in between rides on her rocker bf's PJ (that's private jet, if you didn't know) to pick her brain for some fashion tips and hear about partying with Miley.What's been your favorite styling job?
Probs any Miley job! It's always a party. Also I love working at Drake's house a.k.a. the YOLO estate because I love YOLOing.
What role, if any, did your Internet presence play in your styling career?
I don't think the Internet had anything to do with styling, I was just in the right place at the right time IRL. I wouldn't consider myself an Internet personality and I love styling but I don't really want to be a stylist. It's kind of like my day job that I'm settling with to pay the bills in my early 20s. I'm not complaining. I love it and I'm so lucky to get work but I'd like to do more.
What are you most excited about right now in fashion?
I'm excited for the future! I love seeing my fucked generation and all these young designers kill the game. I'm all about integrating technology onto garments.
What was your biggest 'WTF moment' from New York Fashion Week?
I feel kinda bad I left NY the day fashion week started and didn't pay much attention to anything but I did see some pics from the Marc Jacobs show and I've never missed eyebrows more!
What are the biggest changes you noticed between the past few fashion seasons?
Everything looks the same to me.
Your style seems to have evolved a lot in recent years. How would you describe your taste today?
Right now I'm all about effortless chic -- I barely wear makeup or even try to look cute these days. My hair couldn't be more boring and opposite of how it used to be 3 years ago. It's literally just one length and my natural color. I'll try harder soon.
What was filming Miley's "We Can't Stop" video like?
There was def no acting involved, there were about 300 blunts in rotation that day, and it was 5 a.m.
What can we expect from you next?
Hopefully just more work with creative control. I'm currently working on starting my own sunglasses line. And expect more video work from me! In a year I'll hopefully have collabed with another sick brand to design a capsule collection.