Bwog took a break this week from photographing eclectic students-about-campus to discuss fashion with the CU fashion experts: the editorial staff of Columbia’s new fashion magazine, Hoot Mag, and its associated blog.

Noel Duan, CC ’13, Low Steps

Where are you from? San Jose, California.

What are some style points? I’m the co-editor-in-chief of Hoot Magazine, the new fashion magazine I started with Jina Lim, CC ‘ 13. We got a grant from the Gatsby Foundation and the editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue endorsed us. I hope people check it out.

What are some blogging points? I have a blog called Miss Couturable. I started it the summer before junior year of high school and I guess it got kind of big. It was on teenvogue.com and received about 10,000 hits a day. There’s definitely personal stuff on my blog–anything I felt like I wanted to share with my readers. It’s alarming to know that editors are reading it, though. I’ve encountered a lot of mean comments, but you learn to fight that off. I’ve also had a lot of fun experiences as a blogger. I even got to go to Betsey Johnson’s fashion show. Sometimes around the city, people stop me to tell me that they know my blog. It’s really awkward.

Describe your style. Prim and proper, maybe a little quirky. I like structured shoulders, tights, and bows.

What was a recent excitement? [Two weeks ago] I went to fashion week and sat front row, a few seats away from Chloë Sevigny.

What’s your response to people who say being so passionate about fashion is just materialistic? People confuse fashion with shopping too much. I’m interested in the design, art, and writing side of fashion.

Tell me about your outfit. [The six-inch platform booties] are actually really comfortable because my heels are only raised two inches and the platform is four inches high. I’m 5′ 1″, so with these on I’m 5’7″. I’m wearing sheer leggings layered over other tights, and my friend made the bow. It’s kind of dorky, but I like it.

Helen Chen, SEAS ’13, Low Steps

Where are you from? Dallas, Texas.

Describe your style. Eclectic, maybe a little disheveled. I just wear clothes that I think look good on me.

What was a recent shenanigan? [Two Tuesdays ago], I wen to a fashion show and I sat front row next to this guy from Italian Vogue. We started talking and eventually exchanged contact info. I thought it would be this great business contact for an internship at Vogue, and then the next day he texted me and asked me out for a drink. So apparently I totally misunderstood the situation. Awkward. Well, I’m going tonight—that’s the scandalous part. I guess I’m just taking it as it goes. . .

Tell me about your outfit. Tights are fun. This is one of my crazier pairs. And my mom made the scarf. This winter I’m loving layered knits.

Update, 9/23/12:The final interview has been removed at the request of the subject.