Vanna Youngstein is a designer and stylist whose work is shaped by a dual upbringing between British and American cultures. Having lived in New York for over a decade, Youngstein draws constant inspiration from the city’s downtown creative community daily.
What began as an obsession with clothing has evolved into a multidisciplinary practice spanning fashion, art, and installation.
Full segment featured in Issue 13 of Living Proof Magazine
Let’s start with your upbringing. Where are you from? What was it like growing up?
I’m from London, so I grew up in England, but I’m half American. I had a really dual upbringing, very British culture, but also a lot of America. We had a house in Florida growing up, my grandparents lived there, and my dad is from New York, from the Bronx. It was very split culturally, growing up in both worlds, and I think that definitely fed into my clothing line and the dual style I grew up with.
I went to very strict British schools, and then I would have these amazing, fun holidays in America. I grew up really appreciating both cultures. That mix of London and New York energy shaped everything I do creatively.
How do you think New York and London influenced you?
New York, I am so grateful for. I feel like the place is magic. I have met so many incredible people that I do not think I could have met anywhere else. Downtown New York, especially, you are constantly meeting artists, models, and collaborators. It is such a small radius creatively, and everyone is doing something interesting.
London really influenced my personal style. There is such an importance placed on individuality there. If I had not grown up in London, I do not think I would have figured out my niche aesthetic so early. London taught me to understand what I liked from a young age. New York gave me community and momentum. Both cities shaped my identity as an artist and designer.
What do you love about living in New York as someone making art and clothing?
There are always a million things happening. You can never be bored. There is constant inspiration, art shows, gallery openings, film, culture everywhere. It is fast paced and intense, especially in Manhattan, and I love that energy.
At the same time, you have to protect your creative space. It is easy to get distracted because everything feels immediate. But the culture here is unmatched. You can see something inspiring any day of the week without even trying.
What pulled you into making art, and when did you realize it would be your life?
I have always had a distinct style that blends American and English culture. From a young age, I was mixing clothes together. I would get varsity jackets made in America and wear them with my English school uniform. I was obsessed with fashion early on.
I would draw clothing designs as a kid and send them to my grandparents. Looking back, they look exactly like what I am making now. I started working at 15 on Portobello Road, and everything fed into what I do today.
I did not think of it as fine art at first. But when I started being asked to do art shows, installations, and even travel to Japan for exhibitions, I realized this is art. It just takes different forms. Fashion can be art. Identity can be art.
How does it feel seeing your shirts worn by friends, strangers, and celebrities?
It is surreal. I started with one shirt on a whim, and it grew so quickly. A lot of well known people who wear it actually bought it themselves or borrowed it from friends, which makes it even more meaningful.
The best feeling is seeing someone on the street wearing one of my shirts. I will go up to them and tell them I made it, and they are shocked. Seeing people across the world wearing something you created is incredibly validating. It shows that personal expression connects universally.
Read the full interview in Living Proof Magazine Issue 13, available on the Living Proof Patreon and Online Shop.
Photography by Sam McKenna
