Babe in HART Mini Feature: Rebelle with Marla
Meet Marla Paul - a fashion chameleon with a passion for bold, eclectic self-expression. For her, getting dressed is an art form—a daily opportunity to reflect her mood and creativity. Whether channeling rock 'n roll vibes with black and edgy pieces or embracing her California roots with breezy layers, Marla’s style is anything but predictable. Inspired by the free-spirited fashion of the 60s, she has a deep love for fringe, tie-dye, and perfectly worn-in denim.
Marla’s fashion journey began in high school, where she designed and made her own clothes, but it wasn’t until her time working at Women’s Wear Daily that she truly rediscovered her love for daring, standout fashion. With a history of creating memorable looks—like her custom prom dress in a vibrant Asian silhouette—and a love for vintage treasures like her antique Japanese kimono, Marla’s wardrobe is filled with unique pieces that tell a story.
Now, through her passion for upcycling and her small business rebelle, Marla continues to bring new life to denim, proving that fashion is not just about what’s new, but how you make it your own.
Read her Q+A below and get inspired to get dressed.
1. How do you view getting dressed as a form of self-expression?
I think of my outfit and jewelry as a mini-art project every morning. I ask myself what mood am I in and how do I want to express that today? I may want to feel rock ‘n roll one day and wear something black and edgy with silver jewelry. Another time I may want to express my Cali girl and layer shell jewelry over a breezy summer dress. Sometimes I feel boho or even ladylike. I live in the land of athleisure but that is never my style.
2. Who is one of your favorite style icons? Are there any fashion icons or eras that have inspired your style?
The 60s have had the most influence on me. I love the music and the fashion – all the swingy fringe, tie dye, beads and patched, ripped, and faded denim is my happy place. The rips were earned, though!
I don’t have a favorite style icon, but I admired Iris Apfel’s “wear whatever you love” philosophy. I admire people with great style who can mix high and low pieces and different eras. I like vintage and modern.
3. Has your fashion sense evolved over the years, or have you always been drawn to bold, fun pieces?I used to design and make my own clothes when I was in high school. They were bold, fun and original. I made a pink and white wool sailor dress, a prom dress in a bright, vivid print in an Asian silhouette. I also made a suede vest and matching mini skirt. But once in college and in the work world, I lost my style. I also had no money for clothes. Everything, sadly, was beige and brown.
When I worked for Women’s Wear Daily, happily I got my style mojo back! I especially loved Norma Kamali and her big shouldered dresses.
4. Can you share a bit about your time working at WWD? We are big fans of the outlet over here at HART!WWD covers fashion and retailing like a business newspaper. As a writer, you work really hard! I also covered the social scene and the beautiful people for The Eye. When I wrote an article for WWD, I would travel to a location and photograph/interview the wealthy about their lifestyles.
I always knew the people who acted like my friends just wanted coverage. I once had a socialite call me from her bathtub to tell me about her latest adventure. The most fun was seeing what the designers were showing and photographing their fashions.
5. What’s the most unique or memorable piece in your wardrobe, and what’s the story behind it?
Interesting question! I gotta include my prom dress. I didn’t want to look like the other girls who were wearing pastel chiffon. My dress was a very bright, bold print with a mandarin collar and fabric-covered “frogs” at the neck. I also made a matching short jacket. It got a lot of attention at senior prom. I still love it and can’t part with it.
I also have a beautiful antique Japanese kimono that was patched in the boro style. It has lots of holes in it. I have bought antique fabric to patch it, but haven’t done it yet. When I moved, the woman who helped me unpack told me to throw away the kimono because it was holey. I tried to explain that’s what made it so beautiful.
I also have my denim overalls from college! They are a bit, umm, snug, but I plan to upcycle them with bright fabric and let out the seams. I love to upcycle denim and give it new life. I actually have a small company called rebelle where I do this with jean jackets and chambray shirts.
Marla's Necklace:
18" Jumbo Chain, Lightning Bolt Charm, Love and Fear Coin, Janus with Moon Phases Coin, Strength Lion Coin, Number 4 Charm
