I-ELLA: Tell us a little about what you’re studying at Columbia and why you chose that major?
NOEL DUAN: I'm majoring in Anthropology, Cultural anthropology because anthropology is the study of people and how knowledge comes to be, how people see things, the view of societies and how that’s changed over time. Anthropology critiques governments and societies. It’s useful to me to see things in a difference perspective and at analyzing things.
My concentration is Art History. I love art and the way that art history infuses politics, economics. I also love that fashion and art history kind of go together.
I-ELLA: What inspired you to start Hoot, your fashion and lifestyle related campus magazine?
NOEL DUAN: I started it with my friends during orientation my freshmen year. We signed up for so many publications, open houses, clubs and we checked them out. I dabbled in all these clubs and the newspaper and I realized that I couldn’t get attached to any of these clubs so we started this fashion magazine. Columbia is a pretty nerdy school, but there is a group of us who are really passionate about fashion, journalism and publishing. Our team grew and it helps to develop a community in Columbia who are really passionate about working on this project.
I-ELLA: What's the 'coolest' part of your job as Editor In Chief of Hoot Magazine?
NOEL DUAN: We hold weekly editors meetings. I look over every single shoot and every story idea. I finalize every story for every issue. Before the entire issue goes to print, I pull an all-nighter and pick out any mistakes I want changed and then I give it to my design director before it goes to the printer.
I love getting to work with so many Columbia students with great networks and meeting them and slightly getting to know people who are in the fashion industry who are connected to Columbia. Kelly Bensimon is a really awesome person to meet and style and do an interview with.
I-ELLA: How would you best describe the campus style at Columbia?
NOEL DUAN: I think my school is pretty stylish. When you think of Ivy League schools, we’re not very preppy. We’re not Juicy Couture girls going to school. Our style is slightly hipster and there's a lot of hipster fashion going on. Columbia is very individualistic. The students here are not afraid to make bold choices with fashion. It’s not about wearing the right Lacoste polo; it’s really about making personal expressions in fashion. That’s what I really like about this school.
I-ELLA: How would you define your personal style?
NOEL DUAN: I like broad shoulders. I tend to lean towards jackets and coats with strong shoulders. I like architectural styles when it comes to fashion, not necessarily florals. When you’re a short person, you want to stand out when you wear clothes.
I-ELLA: What always catches your eye when shopping?
NOEL DUAN: I probably look for things that no one else on campus would have. If I see something that I know a fellow student hasn’t worn, I’ll probably end up buying it.
I-ELLA: What's the most meaningful thing in your closet and why?
NOEL DUAN: A dark purple ruffle Nanette Lepore dress that my mom bought for me after I went to Nationals for my cheerleading competition in Las Vegas. It was my first designer dress after high school and I don’t wear it anymore, but I can’t bear to let it go.
I-ELLA: Who is your favorite designer/brand and why?
NOEL DUAN: I really admire Coco Chanel. When I was in high school, I did a 20 page research paper on her and she was the first female fashion designer to make it. It was a male dominated industry back in her day and she had to marry a rich man to get money, but she did whatever she could to start her own fashion line. I admire her for paving the way for female designer back in the day.
I-ELLA: What's the most important piece of fashion advice you've ever been given?
NOEL DUAN: Don’t ever buy into a trend that doesn’t fit you.
I-ELLA: How often do you clean out your closet? Do you have any editing tips for our users?
NOEL DUAN: I never clean out my closet. I should more often, but I haven’t never actually cleaned out my closet.
If you haven’t worn something over 2 years or 5 years, you should get rid of it. Donate it or sell it.
I-ELLA: Could you share your 3 simple rules to live by?
NOEL DUAN: You can never say please and thank you enough. Do what your heart tells you to do. Don’t conform to what society wants you to be. This applies to college students. You don’t have to be a doctor or an investment banker. Do what you want to do. Everyone has something to offer or teach.
