As one of the biggest pop stars of this generation, Taylor Swift is quite literally everywhere — both in the real world and on the internet. Though the discourse around Swift had long been reserved for music, easter eggs, and gossip, her fashion has also become as hot a topic as the former, thanks to world tours and NFL games — which is what drew content creator Samyra to explore the superstar’s style as the center of CTRL+C‘s comeback.
If you’re a regular reader of this series, you would have already noticed that I, Aiyana Ishmael, am not in front of the camera this time. After two years of writing this column, I’ve decided to step away from the limelight. Between receiving nods from Bella Hadid and Zendaya and being featured on NPR, CTRL+C has grown in ways I never imagined. It’s even reached a slew of lovely supporters in Brazil, something I could’ve never fathomed, which is why I wanted this column to evolve.
So, welcome to CTRL+C 2.0, where we’re all in control. Each month, I’ll be tapping different content creators and culture influencers so they can try out their favorite celebrities’ looks in their bodies. From plus-size to mid-size, non-binary folk and modest dressers, we will be seeing the different ways fashion can be recreated for any and all marginalized bodies. This column is a space to show the triumphs and failures of following the trends our favorite celebrities are wearing. That is what CTRL+C is all about. It’s a reminder that you’re allowed to be stylish, on-trend, and not sample size. You’re allowed to try new things in hopes of getting that much closer to finding your personal style. You’re allowed to exist out loud because fashion is for everybody — and every body.
There was no one else I wanted to start this relaunch with than Samyra. Whether you’ve come across her page because of her musical performances or her unabashed advocacy for plus-size shopping, she’s all over our timelines. Her sartorial journey with Taylor Swift started last year when she attended the Grammys wearing an almost identical look as the 35-year-old. And now she put some of Swift’s most notable looks to the test.
