OFFICE took New Balance 204L to New York! We connected with 2 locals Cassie Jekanoski (stylist & editor) and Frankie Cavalcanti (producer & model) to show us around. We hopped on the subway all the way to Queens to explore the neighbourhood and to style up the New Balance 204L.
Talk us through your journey so far?
I’ve always wanted to work in fashion - growing up, I always loved doing photoshoots and I loved being creative. I also loved expressing myself through what I wore, how I did my hair and make-up… putting together complete looks. I think growing up in a smaller town in Massachusetts, it was never really an option of something that could be done. Eventually as school went on, I didn’t major in fashion despite trying to. I found them really boring!! Then I fell into modelling - from the first job onwards, I was hooked and addicted. Once I started, I never wanted to stop then covid hit, and I went back to my parents and thought now is the time to do this for I never will. I had a lot of family in New York, so I took a risk and moved here. I still have so much further to go and there’s lots more thing that I want to do. This is just the beginning.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
I feel like I’m pretty delusional in a good way, in a way that when I want to do something I just go and do it. So, I guess a piece of advice I received from my dad is just to continue to keep going.
Favourite thing about NYC?
My favourite part is just the life that I have built for myself here, everything’s just a fingertip away, I have the most supportive and amazing friends and people I can work with and relate to. From an outside perspective think of New York as a huge daunting city, it’s really not, there’s such a strong sense community here of people that will be supportive and people that really care about you.
How does the style differ between London and New York?
I got to London a couple of years ago, and I fell in love with it. I feel they are both very individualistic – and a lot of people are at the same crossroads where I find myself in the intersection of style and youth. A general sense of being creative without caring what others are thinking.
How would you describe your personal style?
I like towards masculine clothing so baggy silhouettes, trousers, shirts etc! I alsolike more leathers/ darks/ textures/ furs. I like to juxtapose with a feminine touch, if I’m wearing baggy leather trousers I will pair with a kitten heel, feminine make-up and a lot of jewellery. Really playing into both feminine and masculine.
How would you style the New Balance 204L?
I would style it with a feminine outfit – really cool skirt, layered shirts on tops with lots of jewellery. The key to making something more cool is to pair things that on first thought may not go together but finding a way to connect the colour story or silhouettes.
Talk us through your journey so far?
I’m a born and raised New Yorker, and I started film school quite a while ago and at the exact same time I started modelling. Since graduating five years ago, I opened up a small production company – I make content for different brands. So, I do anything from producing, shooting and editing.
Best lesson you’ve been learning?
Good things take time, if you want to have new skills you need to take time to learn those new skills. Knowing this has allowed me to be more gentle with myself.
Favourite thing about New York?
My favourite thing about New York is that I’m from here, I get to claim it.
How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style changes a lot, sometimes I just want to be comfortable and cosy. I’d describe it as relaxed, street style, even if I’m wearing a skirt it’s because I’m too lazy to put on trousers. I’m really inspired by my Mum, I feel like I wear things my mum would wear in the mid 90’s.
How would you style the New Balance 204L?
I would wear an oversized shirt, skirt and white socks. To finish it off I would style it with a fun sling type of bag.
