Influencer and designer Allegra Shaw is the epitome of a New York City it girl, and her fashion brand, Uncle Studios, is the perfect example of that. Described as "elevated everyday wear," Uncle is comprised of classic silhouettes and colors with a chic, nostalgic image, and trust us — it's what all the cool people are wearing. Not only is the studio stylish, but it's also sustainable and socially conscious. Contributing to charities like the Daily Bread Food Bank and Charity Water, Allegra's mission is to create an impact through fashion.
Aside from her brand, she herself has become an internet sensation in her own right, with close to one 1 million subscribers on her style-focused YouTube channel, which she launched all the way back in 2011.
Distractify chatted with Allegra to learn about her best fan interaction, the fashion trend she wishes would make a comeback, and more.
If you had to get a tattoo right now, what would it be?
AS: I think I would get a small one-liner from one of my favourite books. Not sure where, though.
What was the moment you felt like you had "made it" as a creator?
AS: I’ve never had that feeling. I’m the type of person who stops for a moment of gratitude but then pushes on to the next thing. There have been a lot of incredible moments in my career where I've felt it's very surreal, but I always have bigger and bigger goals.
If you could switch lives with any celebrity for a day, who would it be and why?
AS: I think I would love to live inside Tim Burton's head for a day.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
AS: I actively try not to get up on the mic when I'm at karaoke. I'm more of a background singer. You get up there and do the song and I'll hit your harmonies.
What is your current favorite fashion trend?
AS: I’m actively staying away from trends; I think we’ve just hit critical mass with all "this and that -core"... Really leaning into wearing functional or special pieces. Uncle and Etsy are my go-to right now.
Who's the most famous person who has ever DM'd you?
AS: No idea — maybe The Game? LOL.
If you couldn’t be a creator or designer, what would your dream job be?
AS: Actor — started acting lessons recently and I’ve been loving it.
Share your top three desert-island necessities.
- Lotion with SPF — I can't function if my lips, hands, or feet feel dry
- I suppose something to start a fire would be helpful
- Fresh water
If you could collab with any celebrity on an Uncle Studios collection, who would you pick?
AS: Fran Lebowitz. I love a woman with her own personal style uniform.
Talk about the best fan interaction you’ve ever had.
AS: First time I saw someone wearing Uncle in the wild. It was such a pinch-me moment — seeing people wear something I made, doing exactly what we set out for people to do in our pieces, was and still is very special to me.
What's one fashion trend you think should come back?
AS: Getting clothes tailored so they fit you perfectly.
Where do you get your artistic inspiration?
AS: Movies and old photography.
What’s your No. 1 distraction?
AS: Daydreaming, or talking to my co-founder, Shirin.