The Muse: Alt-street style star and MØY Atelier founder Betty Bachz
The former model talks representation on the runway, Fashion Week rules and designers to watch.
[T]here is a fine line between good street style – authentic, fun and individual – and jumping on the Fashion Week Peacock bandwagon. Betty Bachz is the former. The Chinese-Norwegian founder of eyewear brand to know MØY ATELIER – inspired by the ‘70s avant-garde art scene – and Models 1-signed talent is a must-follow for disco-couture meets tomboy femininity. Currently based in London, the tastemaker is a also huge supporter of up-and-coming designers to know now in the fashion capital.
“LFW is all about being daring, creative and bold,” Bachs says. “You can sense the rebellious spirit in the air. The standard of education in London is so good that it just produces so many ambitious young designers with so much to tell.” Ahead of the sartorial Hunger Games, we quizzed the digi-darling on representation on the runway, her Fashion Week rules and inspiring Insta-girls to check out…
"Fashion Week dressing rules? Be true to your style, but keep pushing to evolve. A street style photographer once told me 10 years ago that black doesn't photograph well and since them I’ve must have unconsciously avoided black."
Hi Betty! How did you get into fashion?
I started as a model when I was 15 after getting scouted at a mall – as have many other lost souls. Although I never left the industry, I had to prioritize my education and I went off to get a double master degree in International Business Management & in Economics and Business Administration. As you do. I then realized that I was longing to express myself creatively and leave a legacy. I got together with my talented friend Torunn Lovise Gullaksen and we founded our own luxury eyewear brand, MØY Atelier and the rest is history.
Who is your ultimate style icon?
DAVID BOWIE! The one and only. He has earned the right to be my ultimate fashion icon due to his constant self-invention – a symbol of individuality and self- expression and being at the forefront of the gender bending movement. When we first launched MØY we were inspired by Bowie, we wanted to create a unisex brand that dared to have a feminine expression, but open for all genders, age and ethnicities to part-take. I dress like everyday is my last day on earth – I throw all my favorite things together. More is more. And I never say no to a good leopard print.
Where do you love to shop the most for one-off gems?
La Caverne à Fripes [vintage store] in Paris – nothing quite beats treasure hunting in Paris.!
How do you feel about the direction that the fashion and beauty industry is going in terms of diversity and representation? Is it becoming a more inclusive space?
Fashion is slowly embracing diversity, although we have a long way to go. I believe this is due to a number of factors, such as a larger awareness to the issue more people are buzzing about it and given a platform to speak up. It’s definitely helping that people in powerful positions such as Edward Enninful or Rihanna are actively pushing for more diversity and inclusiveness. I mean uniformity isn’t very exciting is it? The world that we live in is full of different colours and nuances filled with people of different sizes, genders, ages and cultures, we live in such an exciting world and I for one am bored of not seeing that reflected on a runway or editorial.
"Fashion is slowly embracing diversity, although we have a long way to go."
What younger British womenswear labels are you excited about right now?
Halpern! Michael Halpern first came under my radar when he was at Central Saint Martins, I’m just mesmerized over what he have achieved since the short time of his graduation. Massive kudos for bringing that 70s glam back. I’m also really excited about the new gen from Central Saint Martins, I’ve had couple of opportunities to witness the students talents and from what I’ve seen I’m just beyond impressed.
Your three top Insta-follows?
@petrafcollins, @monimogi for her description of female youth in Japan and @prue_stent for inspiring [the] female gaze.
What are your Fashion Week dressing rules?
Be true to your style, but keep pushing to evolve. A street style photographer once told me 10 years ago that black doesn’t photograph well and since them I’ve must have unconsciously avoided black. Otherwise you’ll most likely find me in chunky and comfy boots – I really can’t stand being stuck in traffic and prefer to walk everywhere.
Top five Fashion Week essentials?
Analogue camera, MØY sunnies glued to my face, a manicure, Champagne and noodles to offset the champagne and repeat
Follow Betty on Instagram @bettybachz.