Q&A: Why I Created a Fashion Psychology Magazine
The content is giving.
Hello, I’m the founder of Psychology, But Make It Fashion. Uh, hmm, no. OK, content creator then. Uh, how about no. Fashion psychologist? Uh, no. Let’s leave it as editor.
Over the past two years, I’ve been in the shadows (love that) writing content (do two articles per year count?) on the psychology of fashion... and wellbeing. Psychology, But Make It Fashion has become more than just a blog to me; I love interacting with you and creating content (that I hope you find interesting!). I wanted to take a moment to reintroduce myself (have I ever actually introduced myself though? Hmm...).
A couple of weeks ago I asked you to send in any questions you’d like answered. Although I couldn’t answer them all in this post, thank you for sending them in, it’s much appreciated.
Why did you create a Fashion Psychology magazine?
During my undergrad years, I had developed an interest in positive psychology (i.e., the psychology of flourishing, living a happy life, positive mindset, flow state, mindfulness, etc.) and took a liking to exploring fashion-related topics in my coursework, which in turn gave me a really good insight into the [fashion] industry’s shortcomings. Fashion has a large impact on our lives in many different areas, directly and indirectly. I created Psychology, But Make It Fashion to explore how psychology and fashion are connected, not just in a theoretical way, but in a way that leads to real, positive improvements in people’s lives. Life can suck a lot (sometimes). I’m very lucky to say that Psychology, But Make It Fashion has a global audience of over 100 countries and if the platform has offered anyone at least one useful titbit then I can say it’s been worthwhile.
Did you study BSc Psychology of Fashion or MSc Psychology of Fashion at UAL, and would you recommend it because I want to be a Fashion Psychologist too?
I don’t have any experience at University of the Arts London in that respect, but if you want to study psychology at a degree level (in the UK) make sure that the course is accredited by the British Psychological Society, make sure to have a placement year (or at least some form of work experience), and network! Networking and speaking to people with similar interests to you is quite important if you want to get your name out there. As much as it sucks, it’s not about what you know anymore, it’s about who you know.
Would you consider print? I would order it, please ship to Asia!
That’s kind of you, thank you for your interest. The idea of a print version is definitely something I’ve considered, and it’s really encouraging you’d be interested in it. Shipping to Asia is something I'd need to look into. I’ll keep that in mind for the future. It’s wonderful to know the blog resonates so far!
The content is giving, but who is the face? Where is the visual?
This question. Haha, I love this question. I made Psychology, But Make It Fashion as a resource for Gen Z, it was never intended to be a personal blog. I need to use this question as an article title or caption.
Why do you offer free stuff?
Knowledge is power.
What fashion influencers do you watch on YouTube?
I don’t really watch ‘influencers’ as much anymore, but from the top of my head I’ve been subscribed to Jordan Lipscombe, Nuria Ma, and Sian Lilly for nearly a decade now. I’ve always enjoyed their vlogs. I also think Heejoo's (Yoo's Beauty), Veiled's, Ena J’s and yuyusai's channels are fun to watch. I like urbex (urban exploration) channels too where they explore ‘dead malls’/abandoned shopping centres (does this count?). With YouTube (and any other social media platform) you can live vicariously through other people without having to visit places/experience things yourself anymore. I like to see what type of content the algorithm serves me these days—Just out of curiosity. But, it’s nice to watch content that aligns with you and makes you feel content.
Do you have a favourite quote?
I like quite a few but here are the contenders: ‘People can only meet you as deeply as they’ve met themselves’; ‘What would you do if success was guaranteed?’; and how could I forget… ‘It is what it is’.
What’s your go-to outfit when you need a confidence boost?
While I don’t particularly have a confidence-boosting outfit, I find that feeling put-together gives me confidence. And for me, that feeling comes from knowing I’m prepared. My handbag is always stocked with things I need such as tissues, gum, hand sanitiser, snacks, hair-ties, things like that.
Bonjour. What’s your coffee?
Bonjour! I’m a tea person, I like black tea with milk. I grew up drinking Lipton Yellow Label (controversial I know). Caffeine and I have a bit of a disagreement (Not that kind of disagreement, more along the lines of I won’t be able to sleep). I’m into loose leaf now because of microplastics and all that. There’s always something!
Love PBMIF. What are your biggest challenges in maintaining a brand?
Thank you! By brand, do you mean PBMIF? If so, I would say sticking to a consistent visual identity. Also I don’t like putting out low quality content at all. There was a time where I was posting daily on TikTok and while PBMIF was getting engagement I wasn’t happy with the content. I’d rather not post at all than post lame content.
Do you analyse people by what they’re wearing?
Absolutely not. I don’t analyse people either. Could you imagine? “Oh, your shoes suggest you’re feeling a bit off today...” Haha. That would be annoying, no?
Tell me something?
One of my friends had a rabbit that was allergic to carrots. Does this qualify? He used to eat lettuce. Not my friend, the rabbit.
Can you read my mind?
You know what? Yes, yes I can (no).
How do you feel about overconsumption culture on social media?
I’ll leave a GIF set here of Britney Spears that’s been in my screenshots folder for years. I think it sums up how I feel about both overconsumption and social media. Life is about meaning and values. We all assign different meanings and values to everything. I have quite a lot of thoughts that you may have experienced as well such as ‘why are we here?’, ‘we’re on a floating rock’, ‘the planet is awesome with so many resources’, ‘why are we destroying the planet’, etc. What we choose to do or spend our time doing, willingly, can show what you place value in. We need to spend way less time on social media - that’s for sure! We need to be ourselves, find out what we place value in, and not copy trends. We’re losing our indivduality.
All this stuff goes away and it’s just yourself and your soul that you have to deal with.
Hi I’m from TH. Your journal has improved my life so much. Can you make a 2026 digital journal?
Hello! Thailand? What a stunning place. I like a novel by Alex Garland called ‘The Beach’ which is set in Thailand! I’m super glad to hear the journal has made a positive impact on your life. This is the best feedback I could ask for. Yes, I will surely make one for 2026. If you want it, I will make it.
Three words of advice you would give to people starting their own fashion brand?
Only three? I can’t, please... I need more time to decide. Research, create, connect... Can I add one more? Persevere... And one more? Refine.
Fashion Psychology student here, I’m stuck on choosing a dissertation topic, what did you write your dissertation on?
The wellbeing of fashion undergraduates and the impact of male plus size clothing models in TV Adverts. Quick advice for you: You should find a topic with enough literature to talk about! You’ve probably chosen it by now! Best of luck.
What’s your favourite way to unwind?
There’s nothing better than a very, very toasty shower. Very toasty.
If you could time travel and give your younger self one piece of fashion advice, what would it be?
You know what? I would tell myself, “You do not need to go to H&M to buy lots of shirts for sixth form, do your maths chemistry homework instead”. To this day I still have dreams about not revising for my A-Level chemistry exams. I despised chemistry.
Not a question, but I love this blog.
That’s so lovely, thank you. I’m glad you enjoy it.
Thank you for sending questions in. Bye! :)
