New Jersey-based content creator Tyra Squartino, also known as @ty.rora on Instagram, has amassed an impressive audience of twenty-four thousand followers across her social platforms over the recent years.
With an interest in creative arts and acting, the world of fashion as it relates to style and footwear comes as no surprise for the style enthusiast who frequents New York City. “NYC exposed me to the fashion world and the idea that you can become whoever you want to be in what you wear. Rather than designing on paper or acting out a script; the clothes I wear simply express who I am,” she shares with us. Tyra’s taste in footwear ranges from sneakers like the Air Jordan 1 and Yeezy silhouettes to Rick Owens and loafers to name a few.
For the latest installment of Kickin’ It With, we caught up with the content creator to discuss her personal style, thoughts on the sneaker scent for women, and growing her audience during the pandemic among other topics. Read on for our conversation.
To begin with, could you introduce yourself and your upbringing to those who are not familiar?
Since I was young I’ve always had a passion for creative art in various forms which I believe led me into the world of fashion. I attended a performing arts high school where I majored in art and acting for four years. Back then, I was very into creating characters, designing their clothing, and imaging their backstories, which I also believe led me into acting. Around my senior year of high school, I started visiting NYC a lot more.
NYC exposed me to the fashion world and the idea that you can become whoever you want to be in what you wear. Rather than designing on paper or acting out a script; the clothes I wear simply express who I am. Now, I love to create who I want to be in what I wear, and I love sharing it with the world.
New York is a hotbed for fashion, sneakers, and hustle culture among many other things. In what ways does it inform your style and taste in fashion, whether it be directly or indirectly?
New York is a huge city with so many different parts to it. The city definitely has a big influence on me in numerous aspects, especially fashion. Everywhere you go there’s so much diversity whether it be the stores, the streets, or the people. There’s a lot to grasp and it opens your mind up to many different possibilities in fashion. It’s always so interesting to see the diversity in how people express themselves through their fashion choices.
With that being said, what do you think makes New York’s fashion and footwear scenes so unique in comparison to other places?
Compared to other places, I think what makes the New York fashion scene most unique is the fact that no one really cares. You can walk down the street wearing a trash can and nobody minds. I think that alone gives people the confidence to wear more of what they want without fear of judgment, especially since there are so many different types of fashion you see every day here.
On the topic of sneakers, which ones are your favorite right now? What elements do you consider when picking out a shoe?
As of right now, I would say I can’t choose a favorite. I like way too many, and I feel I have to explore more shoes when it comes to my collection, however, when it comes to picking out a shoe I pay most attention to the colors and silhouette.
Talk to us about some of the recent releases that have caught your eye—what silhouettes and colorways are you taking a liking to right now?
I like a lot of the recent New Balance releases. I haven’t been able to cop a pair yet, but they have some pretty nice ones. I also really like Jordan 4s, 6s, 1s, Yeezys, Rick Owens, and the Raf Simons x Ozweego shoes! The Stüssy x Air Zoom are nice too.
What are some other footwear styles you wear regularly other than your sneakers?
Some other foot styles I wear would be Wallabees, Doc Martens, Buffalo London, loafers, and Cortez.
During the pandemic is when your content really started to catch wind and attract the attention of thousands of new followers. How has your style evolved since then?
The pandemic definitely has changed a lot for me. I feel like that was the year I started to really get into styling and learning more about fashion in general. I’m still currently experimenting with my style, however, I now have a better idea of what I’m most comfortable and confident in wearing. I still like to try new styles and get out of my comfort zone though!
On your socials, you frequently grace your followers with a wide range of outfit inspiration—what are some of your favorite places to shop as of late?
Thank you! I like to switch up my style a lot. I shop from many stores but it’s always online. I typically shop on ASOS, Depop, Pull&Bear, Bershka, Lioness, and Ruveshop, just to name a few.
Are there any style trends that you are enjoying at the moment?
I’m loving the parachute pants trend lately. It’s really comfortable and light, especially for the hot weather.
In terms of fashion, are there any other creatives or style icons, whether it be locally or well-known, that you personally enjoy seeing?
Yes! I absolutely love @koleendz’s style, as well as @itsrhe and @wuzg00d. Definitely my biggest inspirations lately!
Lastly, what does the world of women’s sneakers need more of in your opinion?
I believe the world of women’s sneakers needs for more sneakers to come out in our sizes and not just men’s. Also for more collaborations with women athletes or musicians to happen!
Elsewhere in sneakers, check out our last installment of Kickin’ It With featuring sneaker collector Richard Silva!
