Arlene Matthews is a Filipino-American fashion stylist, over 50 style influencer and entrepreneur based in Chicago.
With over twenty-five years of experience, twenty as a creative entrepreneur, she has established herself as a powerhouse in the fashion industry.
Arlene is energized by the creative process and perpetually contemplates the future of fashion and its deep-rooted connection to the arts. Her style—often described as off-trend yet effortlessly impactful—is inspired by authentic minimalism, serenity in nature and the vibrancy of different cultures.
Arlene’s latest entrepreneurial partnership, style agency Kit This, was born from the desire to cultivate, mentor, connect and support the fashion and art community. The agency work spanned across billboards, digital platforms, print publications and film and garnered local and national recognitions.
Arlene has served as a style contributor to Good Day Chicago, Glossed & Found, Fete Lifestyle Magazine and Bullett Magazine. Her work has been featured in Vogue.it, Refinery29, Time Out Chicago, Chicago Woman Magazine, Elléments Magazine, Lucky Magazine, Paper Magazine, Huf Magazine, Interior Design Magazine, Austere Magazine, Rue Magazine and Ugly Magazine.
“The right of every American to first-class citizenship is the most important issue of our time.”
— Jackie Robinson
Expertise
Fashion Styling
Fashion Editing
Fashion Production
Art Direction
Curation
Vendor Coordination
Recognitions
Huffington Post
Best Chicago Shopping
2011
Time Out Chicago
Best Online Retailer
2011
Michigan Ave Magazine
Stylish Pairs
2018
Most memorable fashion moment
Walking into middle school, early 80's, in a small town in Wisconsin, wearing a full tuxedo. That moment I realized the power of clothing, confidence & discrimination.
Spirit Icons…
Lalah Delia, author…”I pray you entered 2022 with more self-appreciation and self-worth. Your are worth it on all levels.”
Deepak Chopra, author & alternative medicine advocate…”breath in for four, hold for two, breath out for six.”
Alicia Keys, singer, songwriter, musician, producer, actress
Style Icons…
Angela Dimayuga, chef, writer, activist.. First off, Filipina??!! Never have I ever. And second, her NYTimes article, that’s all.
Naomi Osaka, tennis pro, luminary, social change advocate …the color combos, the patterns, the shapes & silhouettes, the shoes, everything!
JiaJia Fei, digital strategist in art, culture & technology…her 2pc lewks tho
My Asian name is Sirikit
A non-exhaustive list of anti-Asian racism and AAPI organizations to support
AAPI - gives you the latest news and reports and a place to report a hate incident
CAAAV - this organization works to help build the power of low income asian immigrants & refugees in NYC
Apex For Youth - delivers possibilities to underserved Asian & immigrant youth
APIenc.org - increasing the visibility on the non-binary, queer and transgender AAPI community
Reduce, Recycle, Reuse please for Mother Earth
The Consistency Project - Those reworked Stan Ray painter pants! I’ll be traveling in those, for sure
Friendly Neighbourhood Flea - what a great unique collective of vendors and tight (only 25 total) so you can really spend time and shop each one
Black Market Vintage - curators of black curiosities, heirlooms and collectibles. Aaaand If your space needs a refresh, they work interior spaces…projects on their insta feed!
Beacon’s Closet - FOUR locations in NY, OK??
The Real Real - this one’s no secret…I have scored designer pieces for a fraction of the (resale) price.