Reese Sakauye said he draws fashion inspiration from magazines and blogs, social media and his first stylist: Mom.
“I get a lot of influence from my mom because she’s very open to trying a lot of things. So growing up with that, it helped me see to what’s out there and develop my style,” he said. “She’s not super daring, she’s a little more conservative. But I’m inspired by how she puts things together.”
Sakauye loves military-inspired coats and structured jackets, even in Hawaii — and even with shorts — but he makes it work for him.
“As my style has progressed, I guess I kind of cared less to try to fit into some kind of norm because I think everyone kind of cares a lot about trying to fit in or trying to match trends or be on top of that.”
A background in graphic design keeps him detail-oriented, artistic and a bit of a perfectionist — traits that feed into his makeup obsession. He loves experimenting with the newest makeup to keep his brows, lashes and contoured cheeks on fleek. (Follow Sakauye on Instagram at @thestyleminded.)
MIXING IT UP
“It’s more exciting for me to kind of just jump out and get some color, venture out, mix things up, add some interest into the look.”
TURNING POINT
“I used to care so much about what I was wearing in terms of how people would receive it, and until I decided that I needed to care more about how I feel, then that became a turning point as to how my style developed. … I’m dressing for myself, and if they appreciate it then that’s great, I’m glad. But if not, then it doesn’t matter because I like what I’m wearing.”
MAKEUP OBSESSIONS
“I’m kind of, like, all or nothing, so either I don’t go for it or I’ll spend two hours and do it … . But essentially if you just get your brows and a good lip color, I think you’re pretty solid.”
WHAT’S IN HIS BAG?
“I’m that person who has everything in their bag, so everyone kind of relies on me to have everything. I usually carry a notebook, my essentials like my wallet, keys and phone, but I also have mints and tweezers and a small makeup bag. I used to carry a bigger bag — it was a briefcase and it was one of my first YouTube videos. I did a ‘What’s in my bag?’ and it was 20 minutes long because I had so much stuff. I could narrow it down to what’s essential, but for me everything is essential. I can never be too prepared.”
“Island Lookbook” is a weekly feature of the Star-Advertiser Sunday Magazine that spotlights local trendsetters. Email features@staradvertiser.com.
