BUTTER is just around the corner. The equitable fine arts fair presented by GANGGANG, a cultural development firm founded by Malina Simone Jeffers and Alan Bacon, returns to The Stutz on Labor Day weekend (Aug. 29-Sept. 1) to showcase artwork from over 50 Black visual artists. The fourth edition event is not one to miss and, with all the exceptional creativity on display, planning a stylish outfit can be daunting. We chatted with Kiarra Logan, stylist and owner of Kiarra Looks, to hear expert advice on crafting a stand-out look for BUTTER.
Q. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY?
“I went to Indiana University Bloomington and graduated with a degree in apparel merchandising. Fashion is what I majored in and where I’ve always been. I moved to Europe shortly after graduating college and started by dressing my husband’s teammates. That evolved into starting my own styling business which started small and expanded to NBA and WNBA players, business professionals, and beyond.”
Q. WHAT SPARKED YOUR COLLABORATION WITH BUTTER?
“I first found out about BUTTER through my uncle, Israel Solomon, who is an artist and a part of The Eighteen Art Collective. He talked about an art fair (BUTTER) where the profits are for the artists and featuring local artists, so I was really excited about it. From there, I wanted to see how I could be a part of BUTTER. Obviously, fashion and art coincide so it just made sense for me to team up with BUTTER last year to do something fashion-related for them.”
Q. DESCRIBE THE DRESS CODE FOR BUTTER.
“I don’t really think that there is a dress code, but let’s play off of the artists. Every artist is unique, right? GANGGANG, Mali and Alan, they find unique artists, so it’s the same thing with an outfit. Find a way to make it your own and to keep it individual. Just think fun, creative, and comfortable.”
Q. WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR TO BUTTER?
“Well, let’s start with checking the weather. It’s Indianapolis, right? So it could be 105 degrees or it could be 60 degrees. Bright colors. Fun prints. Do patterns and things that you wouldn’t normally wear. It’s a time to get creative. When people say, ‘It’s what’s on the inside that matters,’ that is true, but your outfit speaks before you get a chance to speak. We see the outside first so I think a cool look is always a good idea, especially with all of the activation and all the art…Comfort is also key because it’s spread out and it’s a lot of walking. If you don’t have a comfortable heel, a cool sneaker or a cool boot. Cowboy and moto boots are huge right now, so I’m actually thinking I’m gonna go with one of those options.”
Q. WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS FOR BALANCING STYLE AND COMFORT IN THE SUMMER?
“Light layers and light fabrics. Layers can bring an outfit together easily. I like to use balance so if my shorts are really short, then I pair it with something looser and longer to get that balance and a little bit of maturity to my outfit. If it’s super hot, sometimes there’s nothing you can do. If you don’t have lighter fabrics, really play into your accessories and shoes. Necklaces, bracelets, cool earrings, a belt, or a bag. I love an open blazer, maybe a linen blazer, with a pair of shorts and cowboy boots.”
Q. HOW CAN YOU INCORPORATE PERSONAL STYLE INTO YOUR LOOK?
“The interesting thing about personal style is it’s meant to be unique to the individual. People will go online for inspiration, but a lot of what you see online with influencers and even some celebrities is copy and paste. The best way to incorporate your style is to go into your own closet and find the piece that you really love. Then, figure out how to work it into what you’re wearing. It shouldn’t matter if it’s trending or not, because if you love it, then you’re going to enjoy wearing it and find a way to make it your own.”
Q. WHAT IS YOUR RECOMMENDATION FOR PICKING AN OUTFIT THAT STANDS OUT?
“Try to look in your own closet and create your own vibe. That’s the best way to stand out because it’s yours and you’re making it your own. People should focus on that this year instead of what’s hot. Put on what speaks to you. Trust yourself and what’s in your closet and wear what makes you happy.”
Q. WHAT COLORS AND PATTERNS ARE YOU LOVING GOING INTO FALL?
“Pops of red are really big right now. I think the pops of red will transition into a burgundy wine, which I don’t recommend for BUTTER, but definitely going into fall. I like a red loafer, sneaker, bag, or hat. If someone does do a monochromatic, black and white look, I hope that the bag is a pop of red or a bright green just to add in a fun element.”
Q. WHERE CAN BUTTER ATTENDEES SHOP LOCALLY TO FIND STANDOUT PIECES?
“I’m saying shop your own closet because you might have something there, but this is a fun time to buy a new outfit. If you’re looking locally, there are good vintage stores in Indianapolis. Naptown Thrift is an amazing vintage store that has a lot of graphic tees. For women, Nuova Vita Vintage is a cool place. It’s very well curated and has great accessories.”
Don’t miss Kiarra’s ticket giveaway in collaboration with BUTTER on August 20 via Instagram. Give Kiarra a follow, and visit BUTTER and GANGGANG for updates and information on the fair. h
Get tickets to BUTTER here for an unforgettable cultural experience at The Stutz during Labor Day weekend.
Madeleine Pape is a contributor to Indy Maven.
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