Rebecca Ashton Parsons and Roderick Hidalgo Dish on Their Style

Photographer Rebecca Ashton Parsons and mixed-media artist Roderick Hidalgo blend form, function and aesthetics.

Your style, in your words:

RAP: A thoughtful blend of practicality, elegance and artistic expression.

RH: Contemporary avant-garde, blending elements of conceptualism with urban culture.

Work uniform:

RAP: Halara pants—there are so many professional styles that work in an office setting and are comfy too. Light-flowing satin or sheer tops pair well with those.

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RH: If I’m in the studio, I could be covered in paint or sawdust at any moment, so I wear my Chelsea boots with jeans, a simple T-shirt and my Japanese-style smock.

Solid staples:

RAP: Solids form the backbone of my wardrobe; they are timeless, versatile, and easy to mix and match with other items.

RH: I gravitate toward solids for their timeless appeal and versatility. They allow me to focus on intricate textures and unconventional silhouettes without overwhelming the overall aesthetic.

Favorite fashion era:

RAP: I love how ’70s fashion was all about self-expression, with flowing maxi dresses, bell-bottoms and vibrant prints that still inspire today’s fashion trends.

RH: The future excites me more than any specific era of the past…anticipating what lies ahead in terms of innovation, technology and cultural shifts. I’m eager to see how fashion will continue to evolve, adapt and challenge conventions in the years to come.

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The art of accessorizing:

RAP: I always accessorize with a necklace and earrings. The necklace is usually a statement piece, and the earrings complement it. The jewelry I choose often reflects my artistic tastes and inspirations—pieces that incorporate elements of modern art, abstract designs or natural motifs.

RH: I [love wearing] a few rings passed on to me from my grandfathers. I’ve also loved the design of wristwatches since I was a child, so you may see me wearing one on special occasions.

Supporting local artisans:

RAP: I keep an eye out for seasonal sales, clearance events and special discounts [that] allow me to score great deals on high-quality items. [And] the Delaware Contemporary gift shop offers a wide range of stylish and meaningful items. Wearing local artists’ jewelry not only enhances my style but also supports the creative community.

RH: Art markets, fairs and local events where I can find artists creating handmade items. Some favorites include the Brandywine Festival of the Arts, the Arden Fair and the Holiday Festival of the Arts at the Chase Center.

Vintage treasures:

RAP: I’m drawn to vintage accessories [like] rings and hair clips. Golden Nugget Antiques in Lambertville, New Jersey, has no shortage of those items.

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Sartorial collections:

RAP: In college, I attended every event I could where I would get a free T-shirt. I made a quilt out of half; the other half is in my drawer for gardening and outdoor/studio activities. Now, I find myself collecting sweatshirts from every place I travel.

RH: I can never have enough Rag & Bone hats.

The one that got away:

RAP: I had a great black leather jacket that I gave to a roommate in college. I frequently wish I still had it.

RH: A canvas Rogan jacket that I wore to the studio one day. I got paint on it, and it’s now my studio jacket. I’m currently searching for a local designer to recreate it.

Closet keepsakes:

RAP: I have a beautiful Japanese jacket handed down to me from my grandmother’s closet. I absolutely adore it but won’t wear it.

RH: I found a vintage Yves Saint Laurent tie from the ’60s at a resale shop about 10 years ago. I couldn’t part with the vintage Perigaum watch that a good friend gifted me years ago. They don’t make these anymore, and I’ve never seen another design quite like it—minimal and elegant.

If money were no object, you’d splurge on:

RAP: The most robust collection of shoes—heels, slides, boots—the best in class would be on the shelf.

RH: A suit crafted by Maison Margiela.

Eye on design:

RAP: Eileen Fisher’s designs epitomize timeless elegance and effortless style. I love how her collections focus on clean lines, high-quality fabrics and a neutral color palette that can be mixed and matched easily.

RH: Iris van Herpen [has a] surreal approach to fashion—where art and tech converge to create couture work that defies what is conventional.

Mutual influence:

RAP: Rick has the best taste in women’s and men’s fashion. Clothes shopping with him always results in some amazing new pieces to mix into my wardrobe.

RH: Rebecca has a great eye and ability to pair items together that I wouldn’t normally explore on my own, and I like that.

Artful style:

RAP: I gravitate toward a color palette that reflects the soothing tones found in the art I love. Soft blues, muted greens, warm neutrals and gentle pastels dominate my wardrobe. Minimalist cuts, classic silhouettes and understated details are key elements in my wardrobe, mirroring the refined aesthetic of my favorite artworks. Abstract prints, nature-inspired motifs and geometric designs resonate with the art I admire.

RH: I’m consistently minimal. I add my color and design to the world through the artwork that I create rather than express myself through my clothing.

Related: Flower Farms Around Delaware Offer Stunning Local Blooms

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