All photos by Johnny Cirillo
Looklyn: Inspired by Americana (and the Spice Girls)
Recent street style sitings by Johnny Cirillo of 'Watching New York' that embody the ethos: 'We are all learning and growing out here'
Street style isn’t the same thing as fashion. It’s more personal, performative and singular. It’s also more fun.
On any given day, you’re likely to find Johnny Cirillo stationed on street corners in Williamsburg and Greenpoint snapping photos of fabulously attired New Yorkers. Through thousands of snapshots over roughly seven years, he’s created a sizzling mosaic of street style in the borough under his “Watching New York” brand.
These are a couple of his more recent subjects. This is Looklyn.
KIRK
Age: 37
How do you identify? Human being
Occupation: Director of retail
Where are you heading? To Harlem to meet a friend for dinner at The Good Good.
Fashion inspo: Classic styles. Americana. Continuity. Beauty in subtlety.
About the fit: I like things that are simple and easy but make a big statement with a small flare of drama.
About me: Creative. A seeker. Perfectly balanced.
Thoughts on life: The proud do not endure. Live with humility. Step out of your comfort zones often. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
MARTHA ELLEN MABRY
Age: 33
How do you identify? She/her
Occupation: Williamsburg salon owner and stylist
Where are you heading? I am running between my two salons, Lil’ Chop (in South Williamsburg) and Headchop (in North Williamsburg), with a friend!
Fashion inspo: When I was a kid, I was influenced by a mixture of Lizzie McGuire, Spice Girls and Avril Lavigne. In my small town, I didn’t see people pushing the boundaries with daily fashion, so I was drawn to anything that stood out or felt unexpected. The majority of feedback on my style was negative until I moved to New York at 18. Here, I could be unapologetically myself, and no one would bat an eye. Like most people, I love following fashion trends as they evolve, but I am most inspired when I can find my own twist. When you can stand out in a place like New York, you’re hitting another level of influence.
About the fit: I am enjoying the return in popularity of bell bottoms and mesh shirts. This shirt is from Free People, and the orange bell bottoms are from Zara. I threw on a soft linen sleepwear button-down shirt by Moon Mountain and tucked it in to make the look more work-worthy before going out later! My jacket is by Never Fully Dressed. It’s reversible, which I’m a sucker for. I love when clothing is versatile, with an option to be loud or understated. I slipped in a pop of color with my bra by Lonely.
About me: I am a transplant to New York by way of South Carolina. I opened my first salon, Headchop, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, in 2011. This year, I opened my second salon, Lil’ Chop, in South Williamsburg. Brooklyn has my heart, and I love being fully immersed in the community here. Lil’ Chop salon’s opening is a rebirth of my brand Headchop, but also of me. I was diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the end of 2020. With the support of my amazing team at Headchop, the community, my partner and my family (it takes a village), I stepped away from doing hair to fight. When I finished treatment, I had to rethink where I would put my energy and decided to focus on the business side and not return as a stylist full time. Creating the Lil’ Chop brand and building out the new location breathed new life into my being and brought me through the darkest time in my life. It’s not only an inclusive salon, but will also operate as an event space catered toward bridal styling, community gatherings and collaborations with organizations close to my heart, including the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the American Cancer Society. I’ve been given a second chance at life and will prioritize helping people through my own knowledge and experience with hair and cancer.
Thoughts on life: Just because you don’t know how to do something, does not mean you can’t do it. We are all learning and growing out here. If you aren’t experiencing some level of “healthy” uncomfortable in your routine, you’re not learning. I’m talking, nervous at a new dance class, anxious excitement about seeing how the mug you fired came out. The feelings that come with trying something new. Going into uncharted territory and experiencing something different. Place yourself around people who lift you up and push you to be the best version of yourself.
