[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”23741″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Our interview with fashion influencer and blogger Daria Rose Huber.
She transitions from years writing for lifestyle and sports publications to focusing on fashion through her fashion website launch in late summer 2017. Daria’s focus will be emerging and niche designers, to provide not just news on designers, but their stories as well. These are the brands and designers that inspire Daria.
Daria began her career studying at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. She has written articles for Major League Baseball, Phoenix Magazine, and ArizonaSports.com. For a time, Daria worked for the news division of KTAR FM.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”23742″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Hi Daria, please tell us a little about you?
I am a New Jersey native and now reside in Scottsdale, Arizona with my husband Colin. I graduated from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University in 2009, then interned with Major League Baseball in New York City. I have years of sports and lifestyle writing experience, including published features for Major League Baseball publications, Phoenix Magazine, ArizonaSports.com, and my former baseball blog “Ace of Braves.” I am now transitioning my focus to fashion and couldn’t be more excited about launching my own website, DariaHuber.com in late-summer 2017.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Passionate, Creative, Innovative.
Who has been the biggest influence on your life?
My mom — a single mother — is the true hero and inspiration in my life. Throughout my childhood, she worked from home as a successful freelance writer in her own right. She is truly selfless and always put me first. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, I felt overwhelming sadness and fear. Throughout her surgery and treatment, she demonstrated remarkable courage and strength, which was so heartening and uplifting. She isn’t just my mom – she’s also my best friend and confidante.
How would you describe your style?
Timeless elegance meets modern femininity.
How did you get started into Fashion & Blogging?
I have always loved clothes, especially dresses. As a little girl, I often changed my outfits five or 10 times a day. I always had a good sense of style and eye for fashion. As I got older, I gravitated towards higher quality items that I knew would withstand the test of time. I often opt to invest in more expensive, statement pieces. Quality over quantity is my motto. As a writer, I knew I had a unique voice and wanted to use blogging as a platform to highlight emerging designers and showcase my personal sense of style. While I know the fashion blogging market is saturated, I feel my site will offer compelling content and something stylistically and editorially that’s a little different.
Who are some of your favorite models and designers, and why?
For models, I’d have to say Kate Moss, Adriana Lima, Irina Shayk and Cindy Crawford. These women are iconic and the mark they’ve made on the fashion industry is legendary. While sometimes polarizing, you can’t discredit what Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid and Bella Hadid have meant to the new social media driven generation of supermodels. They are certainly leaving an indelible mark on the industry in their own right — and I respect their influence and power.
Designers, wow! What a loaded question! Where do I start? Christian Dior, Gucci and Louis Vuitton, hands down. I am a huge fan of Jonathan Simkhai, David Koma, Altuzarra, The Row, Self-Portrait, Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini and Cushnie Et Ochs, especially for dresses. This is such an exciting time for fashion with so many designers paving their way and making a huge mark on the industry. Adam Selman, Brock Collection, Attico, LaQuan Smith, Colton Dane, Monse, Cienne NY, Off-White, Faith Connexion, Redemption, Area, Gabriela Hearst and Markarian are giving me serious life right now.
What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion, to me, is one of the greatest forms of creative expression. It allows you to express your personality, mood, style, values and individuality — through clothes and accessories. Your outfit tells a story. It’s a reflection of your inner self. It’s very personal. Everyone has a different interpretation of what is fashionable and chic — and I LOVE that! Confidence never goes out of style — and I feel that is certainly reflected in how you dress and own your look. Also, style often evolves when you do – and I find freedom and excitement in those transformations. As you grow and change, so does your sense of style.
Who is your biggest beauty inspiration?
Audrey Hepburn. She’s the definition of classic, timeless elegance, in my opinion.
Tell us about your Fashion site?
My website, DariaHuber.com, will launch late-summer 2017. My goal is to showcase and champion emerging designers within an innovative, editorial format, offering intriguing perspectives on fashion, as well as in-depth features and interviews with the names and brands to know now. The fashion industry landscape is rapidly changing and traditional retail is becoming more obsolete. Social media has never played more of a role in setting trends and discovering talent. I have found some incredible, innovative designers who value the same high quality that I do, through Instagram. So now is an ideal time to launch a website to highlight up-and-coming designers, who are producing beautiful, sophisticated, high-end and/or sustainable fashion. I want to take my readers on a journey and tell these stories.
How often do you post content?
I am sure the frequency of my posts will evolve, as my site does. I am aiming for once a week to start.
What do you think is the secret to have a successful fashion blog?
Being authentic and unapologetically yourself, while also providing compelling content that people want to read! I have a dressier style by nature, and I am often in heels. I once wore heels to the Grand Canyon! I owned it! I’ve accepted my style might not be for everyone, but my goal is to provide content that reflects and truly represents my personal taste.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Grilled salmon. I eat it at least 4-5 times a week.
And your favorite cheat food?
Bagels. I also eat steamed white rice with almost every meal. I can’t live without carbs. They give me energy and keep me full longer so I don’t snack mindlessly!
Name one beauty product you can’t live without?
SkinCeuticals Age Interrupter. It was the first product I used when I started my skincare regimen years ago. And it’s still my go-to hero product.
What are your makeup bag staples when traveling?
I am a bit of a beauty junkie! I love SkinCeuticals and also Skin Worship’s line of skincare products. Both have been lifesavers for my sensitive skin! For splurge products that are totally worth the investment, I swear by Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Complexe. It’s a 2-in-1 for your skin, providing sheer coverage while also working to improve the skin with a proprietary formula that combats aging. Also, it’s lightweight on the skin, so you can forgo your normal foundation or mix them together if you’re transitioning your make-up from day-to-night. I depend on a nice concealer with great coverage. I love La Mer’s formula. It’s been a game-changer for my dark circles. I also always travel with a good highlighter (I love Tom Ford and/or Glossier’s Haloscope) as well as Glossier’s Boy Brow. For lips, I love Charlotte Tilbury. The formula is super hydrating and a brilliant, wide-range selection of colors.
Any exciting news you want to share with us?
When I interned with Major League Baseball, I had the honor of writing a high profile, multi-page feature spread “Season in Review” in the 2010 World Series program. It was the culmination of a life-long dream of working and covering baseball. I am still so proud of that moment in my career. Baseball will always be a passion and love.
In five years from now, where do you see yourself and your career?
I hope to have a thriving fashion website that affords me the opportunity to travel and explore the country and the world, while continuing to discover new designers and talent locally and globally.
What music do you like?
I truly appreciate music from many different genres. It depends on my mood. Some of my favorite artists today include Dave Matthews Band, Ed Sheeran, Adele, Selena Gomez, Rhianna, Bruno Mars, and Taylor Swift. The best concert I ever attended was Bruce Springsteen. And I also love Motown!
Do you support any charity?
Yes, many. My mom has worked for many non-profit organizations so I’ve volunteered and supported quite a few over the years. The Alzheimer’s Association is especially close to my heart, in loving memory of my grandmother Mimi, who influenced my life significantly. In lieu of wedding favors, we donated to Alzheimer’s research at the Mayo Clinic in my Mimi’s memory. I also donate and walk every year for Susan G. Komen and proudly participate in the fight against breast cancer in honor of my mother. I support American Heart Association.
3 things you can’t leave home without?
My phone, hand sanitizer and bottled water!
How’s a normal day in your life?
I am a pretty habitual person. I work out 3-4 times a week, mixing in Pilates and yoga. I’ve battled some nagging, health issues the past three years, so I am forced to prioritize my health. I believe in cryotherapy, acupuncture and massage therapy to help treat chronic pain. It’s been my lifeline, especially during the most trying of times. Every week, I schedule time for these treatments. I believe self-care is not a luxury but essential.
Creatively, I spend a good part of the day looking for fashion inspiration for my website or working on putting together future looks or planning shoots for my website. In my next life, I would come back as a celebrity stylist. I just love the creative and planning process of putting together a look for an event or trip, everything from hair to makeup to clothes and shoes, and then working to make that vision come to life! It’s an incredibly satisfying, fulfilling and invigorating feeling when you know you killed a look!
What is your idea of a perfect Sunday?
Depending on the time of year, watching either a baseball or football game on the couch, getting a massage or facial, relaxing at the spa, ordering takeout from Postmates and bingeing a good show like House of Cards on Netflix with my husband. It’s the simple things that truly bring me the most joy.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think it’s a double-edged sword. Depending on the platform, if used properly, it can be an extremely powerful tool to help build your business or brand. I love Instagram because I also use it like a Pinterest board. I’ve found so much fashion, beauty and travel inspiration daily through it, and it helps keep me motivated and focused on my professional goals. Obviously, it’s a highlight reel and not a true representation of day-to-day life, so everyone should know that and take it with a grain of salt. But still, I’ve found some incredible designers and labels through Instagram, and always felt the positives outweigh any potential negatives.
Where we can follow you?
You can follow me on Instagram at @dariahuber and on Twitter at @dariadel.
Song: Unforgettable by Nat King Cole. It was our wedding song. I am an old soul.
Travel destination: Maui, Hawaii.
Celebrity Crush: Former Atlanta Braves Third Baseman and future Hall of Famer, Chipper Jones. He was my hero and inspiration growing up and still to this day, if you ask anyone who knows me, they’ll tell you what a huge influence he’s had on my life. The 1995 Braves team is my all- time favorite – I loved Chipper Jones, Javy Lopez, and that unparalleled pitching staff!
Restaurant: Il Mulino in New York.
Actor/Actress: Matt Damon and Salma Hayek.
Quote: “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” – the iconic and incomparable Coco Chanel.
Book: Manifesting Change
Movie: Good Will Hunting
Drink: Cakebread Sauvignon Blanc or a nice sparkling Brut Rosé
Sports Team: The Atlanta Braves[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_column_text]Photo Credit: Rochelle Brodin / Shandrew PR.
MUA: Lizzie K. Scissorhands[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
