Currently Stalking: Aniket Lila
On the 18th floor of Park Evanston, Aniket Lila sits on his couch, looking out at the lake from what is (arguably) the best view in Evanston. The industrial engineering and economics major plays the part of living in the most over-the-top crib on campus, too. As a senior, he’s got just as much confidence and drive as Kanye West--one of his many style influencers. Just ask him about his dream job. “I never want to work for someone else,” he says.
This passion for extreme individualism cuts deeper than his life goals, into his sense of fashion, style, and even his unlikely favorite outfit.
How is your style influenced by your life on campus?
You can probably call it a creative outlet, but I see it in a different way. I hate rules. I just don’t like following them, and I hate stereotypes. You know how they label an engineer as someone who’s probably not that social or doesn’t know how to dress well, or maybe even someone from India? Everyone boxes people and I just try to break that stereotype and get people to think differently. I’ll wear all black and bright red shoes. I know you have these rules, and I probably shouldn’t be doing it, but fuck you, I’m going to do it. I’m that kind of a person.
I’ve had people influence me and I just think everyone has a unique identity and people are just so scared to show that because they think that people will think of them badly or differently. That’s something I hate. I want people to think for themselves and live for themselves and not have their perceptions vary. All of the clothes that I wear make me happy and I don’t care if you hate it or if you like it. My body, my clothes, I don’t care what you think. This may be extreme, but I think more people should dress for themselves. Why do people dress up for other people? Do what you like.
Where do you think your outlook on style comes from?
I would say I was like this from high school. Seeing people here, it’s even worse. I think that’s brought out these feelings and thoughts in me. I follow Kanye West and I think he’s influenced me to think that way. He’s pretty extreme and I’m not sure if I think what he does is right, but I agree with a few things. You should have confidence in yourself, you should do what you want to do. Stop caring about what people think of you. It’s your life, so if you’re happy, you’re good. I think Steve Jobs is also someone who has influenced this way of thinking. I definitely feel like I’ve also started dressing differently. I would wear something that’s pretty wack or something pretty from left field just because I like being outside of my comfort zone.
Some people who are really into fashion will be like, “oh, you shouldn’t be wearing that with that.” I have a turtleneck, and sometimes people ask why I’m wearing that, especially in India. It’s way more stereotypical. Everyone wears a shirt and jeans. No one tries anything different, so if I wore that there, people would be like “what are you doing?” I have these Tom Ford Wall-e style glasses and I wear those and people are like “what?” And some people love it. That’s the way it is--you either hate it or love it.
If I look at my wardrobe and compare it from four years ago, I feel that it’s evolved.
What was it like coming from India to Northwestern?
I went to an international school with only Indians. I think Bombay is a pretty modern city and I lived there for two years. I think Mumbai and Bombay are similar to New York. They are large, metropolitan cities with a lot of people. There’s a huge skyline. There’s a lot of wealthy people but also a lot of poor people. I wouldn’t say I’ve had a culture shock, but I will say that I’ve had more freedom to wear what I want. People in India are more judgemental because there’s one path for everything, and in my experience, people in America are more open-minded. There’s more freedom for the individual to do whatever they want. That makes you more confident when you pull off something like that. You become more risk taking and try things that are a little crazy.
What’s Indian street style like?
I would say that in general, I don’t wear Indian clothing very often. Only for special occasions. The big designers in India are all Indian. So, they look at the history and it very much has to do with the kings and that kind of clothing. That’s what all Indian designers design. There are no designers who have looked outside the country for inspiration. It wouldn’t be something that you wear everyday to the office or to work. They make these big saaris, things that you would want to wear once a year.
Would you say India is more in-tune with American style? Or who else?
I would say it’s a mix, but because of British influence, there’s definitely more of a European influence. There isn’t much street style, like Japanese street style doesn’t really exist. It’s pretty uninspired to be honest.
If you were to move and could only take one outfit, what would it be?
I’m a pretty indecisive person, so my favorite clothing changes every two months. It’s the same way with music. I’ll have phases where I’ll listen to a certain rapper and then never listen to him again. It’s the same with clothing. I think a well fitted suit, there’s nothing like it when it’s custom made for you. For men, nothing beats a sharp-looking suit, which is why I love dressing up for formals, weddings, and interviews, which is a little weird.
What’s the last item you purchased?
I bought this burnt orange, suede leather jacket. I’ve loved wearing that recently. I also found a black leather jacket in my closet, which I hadn’t worn in a few years and I found it, and have enjoyed wearing it because it’s been nice out.
Who has influenced your style the most?
I think rappers. Like breaking authority and doing something that you want to do even though it annoys a lot of people. I would say Steve Jobs. People thought he was crazy, like ‘oh, people don’t need an iPhone.’ But, look at what he did. I can’t take my eyes off my screen, which is crazy. If he had listened to people, we would still be stuck with Blackberries or something.
Photos: Lucas Kleekamp