How to Become a Street Style Star

Courtesy of Phil Oh
Courtesy of Phil Oh

Chioma Nnadi,Vogue

As a model-turned-photographer, Hanneli Mustaparta is one of the few who understands the world of street style in front of and behind the camera. This season, though, there hasn't been time for capturing MODs (models-off-duty) in her schedule. And when I spy her outside of the Marc by Marc Jacobs show, dashing off to an appointment at Calvin Klein, she is stopped at least a dozen times in the course of one block, turning the sidewalk into an impromptu photo shoot; a tilt of the head this way, a subtle bend of the knee that way. "When I'm shooting, I actually prefer it when people are not aware of the cameras at all," she says. "People are most beautiful when they're not trying."

Her self-portraits are inspired by early noughties paparazzi snaps of the Olsen twins even if the production values of her work are not exactly incidental. To set up a picture, Mustaparta gauges light levels and framing so that all that is required for the shot is an assisted click of the button. (She jokingly calls the friends and family that help her "live tripods.") "It was never my dream to be a model. I've wanted to be a photographer since I was a child," says Mustaparta who has modeled for the likes of Rag & Bone and whose first assignment was a portrait of her mother and father she took with an analog SLR when she was just six years old. "I have learned a lot from being in front of the camera."

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Granted, not all of us are blessed with Mustaparta's runway proportions-or her photography skills for that matter-but there are, she explains, some easy tricks to looking your best in a picture. So should you find yourself caught outside the tents in London, Milan, or Paris, or if you're just looking to improve your personal party shots, here is a list of her top six tips:

1. Remember to listen up: "A good photographer gives direction, so it's important to listen even amidst the din. It makes for a better picture."

2. Avoid an unnatural expression: "The best pictures come when you're relaxed, so leave the pout you practiced in your bedroom at home."

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3. Create a flattering line: "Instead of putting your hand on your hip in a pose-y way, try standing at a slight angle-what is known in the photography world as a three-quarter. It's more flattering than being straight on."

4. Get leaner-looking arms: "If you're self-conscious about your arms, try and keep your arms a little away from, instead of up close, against your body."

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5. Avoid a double chin: "A lot of people get nervous about their chin in pictures. A good way to avoid that is to lean forward on the balls of your feet. It might feel awkward at first, but with practice you'll get the hang. It's wonderful for posture."

6. How to hold your purse: "Never have your purse at the crook of your elbow. That boho bag and Starbucks cup look is very dated. Wear it over your shoulder or in your hand, never in between. A bag that falls to the hip can make you look broad, so it's best to have it sideways, toward the back of the frame."

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