Meet Canadian slow fashion guru, Erica Allen-Kim aka @ahistoryofarchitecture. We love her bold and quirky style, mixing up outfits while highlighting each piece in ways no one else would think of. We give her all the stars for originality and kindness. No matter how busy she is, Erica always has time for her devoted community while supporting independent sustainable brands. Her smarts and creativity don't just stop at fashion, she is a historian of modern architecture and urban design with a Ph.D from Harvard.

We present a curated selection of our fave A + Z ensembles she has put together over the past few years. Read our interview with Erica to learn more. Click the photos to shop...

What are you wearing right now?

I’m wearing running shorts and an Ana and Zac tank top because it’s so dang hot today!

What is your day job?

I am an architectural history professor at the University of Toronto. It’s the only job I’ve ever had. 

Night job? Or should I say moonlighting?

My night job is to get some sleep! I moonlight as a dog walker, laundress, secretary, nurse, personal shopper, landscaper, therapist, and dish washer. Posting outfits and reading are my hobbies.

Have you always been into fashion? Do you have an early memory of fashion?

My earliest memories are of clothing. I can still remember specific dresses from when I was three—a Swiss dot dress with puff sleeves and red ribbons, a rainbow tiered dress with crinoline petticoat. I’ve always been interested in how a garment is made and feels on the body, especially little details that can’t be seen by others. 

If you could be fitted for a beautiful dress by the following designers one would you pick? Saint Laurent, Prada, Stella McCartney or Chanel? 

Prada. I didn’t even have to think about it!

What’s your favourite colour right now?
Anything in the citrus family makes me so happy in the summer months.

What’s your biggest source of inspiration?

It’s so great to live in a busy city. I love shop windows, laneways, produce markets. Just walking outside and seeing people is the best way to get inspired. 

What’s the most important style advice you could give?

I rely on social media for learning about brands that fit my style and ethos. That said, it’s easy to fall into a mindset of coveting the exact same outfit. Going outside, I find I’m more likely to be inspired without needing to know the exact brand. Instead, I’m inspired to try a similar colour pairing or silhouette.

Follow Erica on Instagram for her slow fashion style inspiration. 

All photos by Erica Kim