Painter Kimberly Montiel (sacredflamewithin.tumblr.com) was walking down Milwaukee Avenue on her way to a farewell party for a co-worker.
Do you always dress like this?
Lately, I’ve been making it more of a point to step out into the streets dressed like this. Efflorescence would be an accurate word to describe my style as of late. Especially in regards to the necklaces I wrap around my neck every day. It might sound crazy, but it’s as though whatever is in me, my essence, my soul or spirit, is in full bloom and it’s making its way out and showing itself to the world.
Color seems to be very important in your look. Do you ever feel like wearing just black?
I’ll throw in a bit of black in my outfit every now and then. As far as wearing all black and being devoid of all color, not really, no. Color is seriously a part of who I am. It’s like an antidepressant.
Tell me a bit more about your accessories.
I like to think of them more as embellishments. I’m always on the hunt for them whether on the ground discarded as garbage or lost or at a thrift store. Rarely do I purchase anything brand new. I’m always mixing it up. And listen up: Less isn’t more. More is more. More is best and a way to combat the ordinary and mundane.
—Interview and photo by Isa Giallorenzo