Artist Cameron Kim’s Ethos Is a Study in Dualities

How would you describe your personal style? Who or what has influenced you over the years?
A lot of the time I feel like a femme fairy cowboy. Some days I would just say simple, romantic. Although, if I could, I would wear my overall shorts every day with a little tank top. But I also have an edge. I like to play around with more ‘masculine’ styles–I steal all of my dad's ‘90s office shirts. As far as influence, as an actor I'm constantly taking inspiration from TV and film. Like, I'm obsessed with period films, so even if it's not ‘period’ attire, I love romantic, lacy silhouettes, and white summer dresses. Another inspiration is my mom in the ‘90s and, honestly, every day.

Debunk a myth or common preconceived notion about jewelry.
I can think of many–but mainly that jewelry is something only feminine and frivolous, indulgent even. I personally think it can be a really beautiful way to connect generationally–through heirlooms, for example. Regardless of age, gender, and sexuality, jewelry is just a beautiful way that people can express themselves. It can also be gifted in a really meaningful way. It can be symbolic of love and spirituality. Also, I firmly believe that silver and gold absolutely can go together. There are no rules.

Tell us about a time where you used fashion and/or accessories to break the rules or do things your own way.
I feel as a woman of color who is also curvy, there is an expected way that I should dress and present myself. I used to be really insecure about my body. I would only highlight parts of myself that I thought others would find physically attractive, and essentially hide parts of myself. Now, I think about what I will feel good in and what I want to look like. I don’t hide my stomach, I wear crop tops. I wear slim silhouettes and silks. In my mind, that breaks the rules of how women who look like me should dress. 

What does Pride mean to you?
I just love people. I feel as though I'm constantly in love–with friends, with strangers. As a queer woman, put simply, Pride is unencumbered love and the freedom to express it. It is platonic love, it is romantic love, and it is a deep care for others. 

When it comes to gender and jewelry—what has always been your approach? And what do you think it will take to even further de-gender jewelry?
To me, jewelry has always had way more meaning than just accessories for women. I think that it can have so much meaning beyond that. Most jewelry I own comes from places I have been to, in different periods of my life, or gifted from loved ones. Every country I have ever traveled to, the jewelry is unique and has a cultural significance or religious significance, regardless of gender. Personally, I don’t think jewelry should really have a gendered association. It can be personal and hold immense meaning to a single person or collective. Also, people just want to be cute and express themselves–jewelry is that avenue.