Allina Liu Gives Her A24 Horror Picks

Allina Liu’s Instagram bio for her namesake clothing label describes her brand as “Wearable Romance Inspired by Horror, Shibari, & Dutch Old Masters.” This description perfectly conveys the tasteful dark femininity of her clothing—if Jane Eyre were wandering the Bowery in 2024 instead of the grounds of a Victorian estate, this is what she would wear. Here, Allina Liu tells us about her morbid obsessions, the salad she can’t stop making, and her favorite drugstore eyeliner.  — Maraya

SIGHT

Horror Movies: Even though I was terrified of anything horror-related as a kid, that's pretty much the only content I consume these days. Not sure what happened, maybe it manifested from the head injury I obtained when I was 10 (joking).

Both Midsommar and Hereditary by Ari Aster have been on my mind nonstop lately. I just recently watched the extended edition and read through the screenplay of Midsommar and there are so many hidden nods to folklore. My brand focuses a lot on worldbuilding so I like to look at filmmakers like Aster and Robert Eggers for inspiration.

If you're not squeamish and love horror, both Aster films as well as Eggers films (The Vvitch & The Lighthouse) are must-sees in my opinion.

SOUND

True Crime: My love of horror doesn't just stop on screen! I listen to true crime podcasts religiously. Some of my favorites are Casefile, That Chapter, and Cold Case Files. If you're more into mythology and lore, I highly recommend Lore by Aaron Mahnke—great storytelling and fun history lessons! I also watch a ton of video game horror content on YouTube. My favorite gamer currently is Hollow (check him out, he's hilarious).

As for music, this might sound odd (because you'd probably guess that I'd be sick of it by now), but the Fall 24 soundtrack for our NYFW show has been playing on repeat lately. Plenty of Chelsea Wolfe, Isabel LaRosa, and FKA Twigs on there for your eargasm pleasure.

TASTE

Sunomono: I haven't been able to stop making Sunomono (Japanese cucumber salad). It's truly addictive and the best addition to heavy meals because the rice vinegar helps cleans your palette between bites! Another dinner dish that I make weekly even though it's really labor intensive is Bo Luc Lac (Vietnamese shaking beef) because my husband can't get enough of it. This is the best recipe I've come across for it, definitely worth all the effort!

Given that this is NYC though, I have to mention my favorite restaurants. Currently, my go-to restaurants are Nom Nam, Rule of Thirds, and da Toscano. Bonus: If you ever find yourself in Hudson Valley, check out Goosefeather!

SMELL

Boy Smells Cedar Stack Candle: Buy it. Light it. Sniff it. Enough said.

FEEL

The Castell Top by Allina Liu: Is it weird to self-plug? Given that I'm a fashion designer, I shall shamelessly promote my own piece: The Castell Top. The weather in NYC has been abysmal lately but this top always makes me super happy when I wear it out. It feels sexy and sweet at the same time and it encompasses the A.L. DNA entirely.

I just had a desperately needed facial that was performed by Danae from Facials By Bonnie. It was fantastic. Whiteheads be gone!

ALLINA’S ESSENTIALS

Like every designer, I wear a lot of black. It's gotten to the point where it's a bit of a problem because I can't tell what I'm looking at in my drawers/closet anymore—it's all the same color.

My approach to style is really based more on comfort than anything. At home, it's usually leggings and a T-shirt but when I head out, I'm excited to throw on my favorite pieces. The only requirement with the clothes I buy is that they need to be comfortable. The shoes I choose to buy have to be comfortable since I'm often running around NYC, and any article of clothing that I find myself fussing with is a no-go.

I generally only shop when I really need something, otherwise my credit card will be perpetually sobbing.

The Castell Top by Allina Liu AKA me. I promise I truly do love this piece and wear it often

Black Crystal Cobra Camera Bag by Kara The brand has since closed and I'll treasure this bag forever.

Prada Monolith Lace-up Shoes I saw Jenna Ortega wearing these in Netflix's Wednesday and couldn't stop thinking about them which led me to be fiscally irresponsible.

Basic tank top from Aritzia Sometimes you just need a really, really good basic tank.

The Break Skirt by Alina Liu Sorry for another self plug but this is one of my bestsellers and most worn items!

“Horror is the only film genre creating truly original storylines these days, don't @ me!!”

Allina Liu

VANITY

Luxury/Splurge: Sk-II Skinpower Advanced Airy Cream: Once I entered my 30s, I realized I'd never given my skincare that much thought. My mom is a face cream addict and turned me onto SK-II's cream. It's so fluffy and luscious but best of all, it doesn't make me break out (where are my sensitive skin girlies at?).

Drugstore Discovery: Physician’s Formula Eye Booster Waterproof Ultra-Fine Liquid Eyeliner: When I found Physicians Formula's liquid liner, it validated all the time I spent loitering outside CVS's as a teen. Drugstore eyeliner that doesn't run? Sign me up. So many years spent with raccoon eyes. So much regret.

Cult Classic: Glossier Invisible Shield Sunscreen: Glossier products are branded in such a fantastic way that I'll always try to work something into my routine from them. Their Invisible Shield sunscreen is perfect for every day. Doesn't feel heavy at all.

Indie Option: Kaleidos Products: Have to plug Kaleidos because they're an indie brand like me and are also AAPI-owned, like me too! Their products are so fun and the quality is great.

All Time Ole Reliable: Dr. Jart Ceramidin™ Skin Barrier Moisturizing Cream: Like I mentioned earlier, I have really sensitive skin and usually, everything makes me break out. I also have really dry skin and Dr. Jart's Ceramidin Cream is something I swear by. It keeps my face super hydrated and has never made me break out. If the world ever ends, I could probably make a killing with the stash I have under my bathroom sink.

LATELY ON COVETEUR

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