The Muse: Meet cyberpunk Insta-girl Princess Gollum
Introducing the internet wunderkind of your nightmares.
[D]ark romance, cyber-goths and whimsical witches ruling the SS18 LFW runway was a welcome takeaway for those immune to all-colours-of-the-rainbow ice-cream dresses when the season’s shift a gear. Excited about fashion’s new All Hallows’ Eve mood chez Morticia Addam? Internet wunderkind Josephine Lee, aka @princessgolum (as she’s otherwise known to her 103k Instagram followers) is your next must-follow. The Seoul-born Insta-girl and model has racked up an impressive library of unique monochrome inspo – mixing Lolita-stylings with a Trick or Treat twist…365 days of the year. We caught up with the alt-influencer to talk Heaven vs. Hell, horror characters and feeling like a freak…
Where were you born?
Heaven.
Currently based?
Hell.
"The highlight to me is doing it for the freaks and “weirdos” and the ones that got picked on at school and the rejects and a little disturbed."
Would you describe yourself as a model?
Mini model. Big everything else.
I am so thankful for everyone I have gotten to work with and grow with over the years and the people who continue to inspire and push me to be the best version of myself. Six years ago I was at a university and had no idea what I wanted to do with my life and three years ago I was working a 9-5 feeling stuck in the mud. I still don’t know exactly what I want to do but I think that’s what life is about. Living day by day, being present and focusing on what makes you and those around you feel happy and fulfilled. The highlight to me is doing it for the freaks and “weirdos” and the ones that got picked on at school and the rejects and a little disturbed. Honestly this is just the beginning so please stay tuned and we’ll be back after this short break!
Your Instagram handle is @princessgollum. Why that name in particular?
I think there’s something so sweet but also so sad about Gollum’s character. At first glance, he might look scary and deformed physically, mentally, financially, ethically, spiritually, etc. but I see more of the innocent, child-like side to him, which I find endearing – just like me!
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I’m saving it for marriage.
How would you describe your personal style?
Waste management meets Sunday school…meets nostalgia…meets 3017.
What’s with the no-eyebrows look? When did you start doing this?
I think I started shaving my whole face over three years ago because it feels good. Not bad. Would recommend to a friend but not to all friends.
"I think I started shaving my whole face over three years ago because it feels good."
The top three female creatives you follow on Instagram?
@isamayaffrench – been [a] dream artist to work with.
@beautyisboring_ – realest person I’ve worked with this year.
@nadialeelee – consistent and truly inspiring.
What are you looking forward to most in 2018?
Going through puberty.
You can follow @princessgollum on Instagram here.