Sydney's Perihelion: Be Expressive

When I first met Sydney Wermter last August at a party she hosted, I realized after taking in the colorful prints and trinkets in her apartment that the young stylist did not view her work as a job, but as a lifestyle. Her personality, outfits, and projects all fall under the same aesthetic that can only be described as "SYDNEY'S" in all caps. She's a spunky, vibrant, breath of fresh air who masters the art of being confident and inviting that one can only be born with. Somewhere in between her fashion degree, memorable parties, and retail gigs, the tireless fashionista finds time to create some of the most memorable visuals you'll ever see from a woman of her youth. She maintains her vivid personality on the other side of a zoom call with me in our conversation below:

S: What is your name?

SW: Sydney Wermter.

S: Where are you from?

SW: I'm from Columbus, Ohio. Though, I'm living in Kent at the moment for school.

via @styledbysydneyv

S: How old are you?

SW: I'm 20.

S: What is your sign?

SW: I'm a Leo.

S: What traits do you feel you display best from the sign?

SW: I'm very big on loyalty! I'm passionate, driven, and I take pride in being a leader--my teachers always said that growing up! *laughs*

via @sugarplumsyd

S: When did you know you wanted to make a career out of fashion?

SW: I've honestly always known since I was little because my mom has always had amazing style for as long as I could remember. She always gave me the freedom to dress myself. I was also really obsessed with Fashion Police, Project Runway, and America's Next Top Model. I also always looked up to Rachel Zoe and her short series, I vividly remember tuning in and being like "Oh I actually can have a job where I can let my creativity shine through!"

S: How would you describe your personal style in three words?

SW: It's hard to pinpoint my style so strictly because I draw inspiration from so many aspects of life whether it is art, film, or even music. So I'll settle for one word: eclectic!

via @styledbysydneyv

S: What five songs have been in your rotation this week?

SW: "Babycakes", "Semi On Em" because I forgot that song existed, I've also been having a major metal music moment with "Know" by System Of A Down, "If You Know You Know", and "Trap Shit" by Yung Nudy.

S: What brand and muse do you dream of collaborating with?

SW: Jean-Paul Gaultier is my favorite designer in the whole world, so working with him for one second would make my entire life. As far as muses go I'd love to work with rappers, specifically Future, Chief Keef, and Young Thug.

via @sugarplumsyd

S: How has your time in the Kent State fashion program impacted your mindset as a stylist so far?

SW: The impact has been incredible. It feels amazing to be surrounded by other people just like me--a breath of fresh air compared to my life in high school. No one really had a colorful mindset or outlandish dreams like I see now, it's a great feeling.

S: What is coming next from you?

via @styledbysydneyv

SW: I've been working on a few things. A short film with a friend of mine is in the works. There will be lots of whimsical and medieval aspects all throughout. It's one of the projects I'm most excited about because I'm ready to incorporate movement in my work rather than just stills. It's a challenge--but I love a challenge.

S: When starting a new project, what is your first step creative-wise?

SW: Developing the entire vision at once is essential for me. I'm a very organized person, I have to plan every detail at one moment in order to feel fulfilled. Sourcing, pricing, models, and mood board have to happen all at once, crazy I know! But it's a rush I like.

via @sugarplumsyd

S: Who or what keeps you motivated?

SW: I'm grateful for all the people in my life, I think I've gotten lucky to have so many people to lean on. My family, my boyfriend, and my roommates are always there to lift me up on those days when I'm not feeling my best. Even though I know my power, they do an excellent job at making sure I never lose sight of all that I am.

S: Do you see yourself branching off into other creative realms outside of styling? If so, what would they be?

via @styledbysydneyv

SW: I've always considered working in beauty--having my own cosmetic line. But I also am really drawn to film. Eventually, I'll find a way to incorporate all three into my career. I'd love to be an executive over fashion show promotional advertisements.

S: If you could only wear one thing in your closet for the rest of your life, what would it be?

SW: I'd wear my favorite leather jacket. It's a staple that I can layer, or dress down.

S: What does a week in your life look like?

via @sugarplumsyd

SW: Sunday is usually my reset day despite working because I'm off early evenings. I'll start assignments and cook dinner during this time. Monday is for getting shit done. Tuesday is for class and meetings. Wednesday is for work. Thursday is for class. Friday is for work but I always try to do something rewarding afterward. And Saturdays are always something new.

S: What has been the project you have been most proud of bringing to life?

SW: I brought to life one of my whimsical visions this past Summer and it felt really good! I met with one of my photographer friends about my vision and we worked together to make this hodge-podge wonderland and it was fantastic. I'm usually behind the camera but I put so much time and effort into this that I knew I needed to be front and center! *laughs* Even though it was a passion project that wasn't for anything, in particular, it was great knowing that I had the power to have something in my brain come to life exactly how I wanted to while working with others and communicating efficiently.

via @sugarplumsyd

S: What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone styling for the first time?

SW: Be true to yourself and don't feel the need to follow what others are doing. For my first photoshoot I looked through Pinterest for hours trying to get a visual of the thoughts I was having for the project and I couldn't find anything. That's when I realized that I have to just trust myself because unique ideas are never done until you make them happen. The goal is for people to look at your work and know it's yours, not a trend that could be lost in a bunch of others.

S: What would your dream shoot consist of with an unlimited budget?

SW: It would look like a 70s sci-fi film--it would feel like a fever dream for sure! *laughs* It may sound random but I remember watching one when I was younger and feeling so artistically inspired it stuck with me for all these years.

via @sugarplumsyd

S: If the world was yours for a month what would it look like?

SW: As cliche as it sounds, I'd just want peace for everyone. Why are there so many people without food? Without jobs? Or places to live? It shouldn't be that way. I'd snap my fingers and make it go away. All I want is harmonious living and for everyone to feel free and be expressive as confidently as they'd like to be.