What this fashion professional wears behind-the-scenes and on the job
Blouse Olivia, Second Female
Skirt Scarlet Rainbow, SuperTrash
Quite disarming and with those characteristic raven black and pin straight locks around that delicate face, you will find ELISAH JACOBS at a fashionable event or in the latest ELLE magazine because of a penchant for the martial arts of KUNG FU. This morning she opens the door of her lofty space at the edge of Amsterdam’s Oud-Zuid area in a more casual way. Wearing her hair in a wavy, Alexa Chung-like do flowing over her shoulders and dressed in an oversized, black tunic that suits a freelance writer. You could say Elisah is like a CHAMELEON who blogs, ocassionally photographs and cherishes a special feel for interior design with a warmth reflected in both her persona and apartment, featuring some stylish surprises if you only look closely.
Describe your personal style?
“I love playing with proportions, like wearing a roomy top paired with skinny jeans or flowy waist pants with a fitting tee. Also I would rather opt for a minimalistic look with a silky top or a classic blazer. While last year I was really into black and white, I definitely wear much more colour now. Also I like to mix it up with vintage pieces.”
Could you tell us something about TheDigitalistas.com that you co-founded?
“2,5 years ago me and Karine Bloem came up with this online magazine and working on it while also having fulltime jobs. Now we decided to finally focus entirely on The Digitalistas. Also at the moment I’m working freelance. Since the beginning of 2012 the site got a new look and contributors blogging about shopping, beauty, food and very soon also art & culture and wellness & health. What sets us apart is the unique content we offer and we always stay close to our own beliefs. For years we have been featured on the Best Blogs Around the World list by the British Fashion Council and I have been mentioned on the Streetstyle Photographers Shortlist of British Vogue. Those are things I’m quite proud of. Especially because The Digitalistas is all us and there’s no big company behind it.”
Please describe two very different working days?
“Seven days a week I’m behind my laptop, otherwise my mind is not at ease. Unless it’s holidays of course! Sometimes I would start the day with a breakfast for press, meet up for collaborations, meanwhile shooting for one of our features, doing an interview, visiting a press presentation to finally end the day with a lovely press diner. Sometimes I joke that I never have to do groceries! Another day could be a bit more calm working from home.”
What would you prefer wearing when you have a full day of writing?
“To be honest every day I just throw something on. On those days I’m almost a fixture in a top paired with a cardi or blazer and skinny pants. Whatever feels comfy, yet always with high heels! It’s rare I don’t wear high heels, because they compliment every outfit and I simply feel much more beautiful.”
Which fashion trend do you hope to one day return?
“I’m really addicted to the television show Pan Am. If only just to marvel at the wonderful outfits from the early 50s. Back in those days people were actually trying to look good on a daily basis. The average street style in the Netherlands is unfortunately quite sloppy.”
Which film do you love style wise?
“Asian martial arts films like House of Flying Daggers (2004) and Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (2000). The scenery, the actors, the music, the story and the clothing are like a fairytale to me. Especially the details and the use of fabric and colours are amazing.”
Stay tuned, tomorrow Elisah part II and every tuesday/wednesday you will find an intimate and stylish portrait on our blog (the To Wear It Well posts) of an extroardinary fashion professional.
Photography: Marlis Sluijter
Words: Kaira van Wijk
