Ariel

With an air of a classical starlet, Ariel Doss's education and adventures have taken her across the globe. She has two degrees, one in English Literature and another in Religious Studies focusing on Buddhism and East Asian religions. In 2001 she left for Korea to teach English, and was there on and off for five years. Ironically, when Ariel is asked to describe herself, she claims she is quite boring since she spends most of her free time reading, watching movies and spending time with her family.

How do you feel about yourself being voted “best dressed” in High School?

I don't even remember that! I remember I wore a lot of clothing from Value Village. I had some pretty crazy vintage stuff, that I wish I still had. I remember I had this gold lame fabric paisley skirt! Grunge wasn't really my thing, so I tried to do my own thing.

Do you think your travels have inspired you?

The interesting thing I found about living in Korea, is that all the things that were really trendy when I got there, are finally starting to filter through to Canadian fashion. I thought is was really interesting that Japan and Korea are ahead of the curve.

You have a very classic, yet eclectic, sense of style. Where do you think that comes from?

I do like vintage things. I like to take different pieces, and hopefully come up with something original. I look back to the styles of the 30's to 50's and really wish people still dressed like that. If I could wear dresses everyday, I would. I used to work in the film industry, and you could wear really casual clothes. But now that I work in the office setting, it's nice to be able to wear the classic clothes that I like. And the thing about classic styles, is that they will never go out of fashion.

Favorite piece of clothing?

A dress that I bought in Tokyo from Zara. A great white silk dress with black silhouettes of flowers on it and a big black sash. I wore it to a wedding in England.

Where would you like to visit next?

Paris. There is a fashion capital for you.

Interview and photography by Carey Shaw for Prairie Dog.