Merging Science, Style & Spirit: In Conversation with VVUTURA

In this interview, GATA talks to NYC-based stylist and creative director, VVUTURA, aka Stephanie Perez. With a style that leans toward the utilitarian and a deep connection to spirituality, Stephanie has cultivated a unique and impactful approach to both her work and her personal life. From her favorite material, metal, to her thoughts on balancing the chaos of New York with moments of stillness, Stephanie dives into how finding her balance is essential to her creativity. She also shares insights into her current projects, her passion for science, and the exciting journey she’s on as she prepares to launch her own brand.

GATA: Stephanie, let's start at the beginning: Tell us who you are! How did you find your way into styling and creative direction? Was there a specific moment or experience that sparked your interest?

Hiiii, So i fell into styling accidentally- i worked in social media when i was like 19 years old and was so excited to be in nyc and close to fashion so i pitched a lot of ideas and was able to style stories for the store i worked for. There wasn't an exact moment for me, i was interested in creative direction/ world building and felt that styling was a good medium to work with.

GATA: You moved back to New York in 2016. How has the city shaped your creative process since then? Do you find that the energy and pace of NYC influence the way you approach your work?

Actually was 2018, i was born in BK and grew up in florida from the age of 6/7. I think the city accelerated my interests and sped up my evolution as a human being. Its almost like being in a black hole; the immense amount of condensed energy ,information, and boundless experiences. I think it has given me the confidence to do whatever i want and do it asap, everyone has a home here and manifestations happen very quickly once you put things into motion.

GATA: New York is known for its high-energy, high-pressure environment. Yet, spirituality and inner peace are really important to you. How do you balance the demands of your career with your need for spiritual grounding?

STEPHANIE: I've learned to protect my energy by being selective of my surroundings, friends and projects I participate in. I also live a bit further from the city in a more residential area and it is very peaceful here and much more spacious.

GATA: I’ve seen you post about meditation and brainwave frequencies. What does inner peace and balance look like for you? Do you have a regular meditation practice, or are there other methods you use to stay centred?

STEPHANIE: It’s different every day for me especially with my chaotic schedule. I have learned that it’s unrealistic for me to rely on strict routines so i focus on habits that i merge into whatever my day looks like. Ill try to journal, meditate, walk or read for 15-30 mins, i usually pick one or two or whatever is feasible for me. I have weeks where i focus solely on health/wellness- I think it helps me realign and quiet the outside world. Breathwork meditation is insanely powerful and i also love the artists’ way! Reading to me also helps me so much, it helps me slow down and adds new layers to my mind about topics i am already interested in.

GATA: You’ve mentioned in the past that you're fascinated by science. How does that passion for science intersect with your creative work in fashion and styling? Do you see any overlap between the two fields?

STEPHANIE: I'm still working on this merging, for me it's also still valid to be subtly inspired by concepts. It’s what drives me. I think the work I have done with CODE magazine for issue 2 was a good beginning of merging both fields by starting conversations. Marie continues to expand on these topics and it's been exciting working with her on each new issue. The shoot we did with ARCA was so insanely inspiring to me because the concepts I was working from for the styling stem from science and spirituality that I continue to experiment with.

GATA: Speaking of creative choices, do you have a particular material or fabric that you gravitate toward when styling or designing? What is it about that material that resonates with you?

STEPHANIE: Magnets and steel have been my favorites. I have always been attracted to metal, I love that light shines off of it so brightly, the feeling of it, and the color. With magnets it's similar with the additional reaction from them.

GATA: Imagine a “superwoman” in your world. What is she wearing, and what kind of impact is she making? How does her style reflect her power and purpose?

STEPHANIE: Something sexy, sleek, and utilitarian. I can imagine her transforming and transcending through different dimensions helping people ascend to their best self. I like the idea that she can go anywhere and is not dainty- she wears indestructible shoes and materials, sleek bodysuit and integrated pockets. This is how i think of my own style, i wanna do my errands, go on a date, workout and go to the club in the same fit lol.

GATA: The fashion industry is attempting to shift, with many calling for a more conscious, sustainable future. How do you see the evolution of fashion in a more slow, thoughtful way? What role do you think you can play in that change?

STEPHANIE: I am hoping for the idea of less is more and also thinking of products and materials as having an expiration date. I think part of a sustainable future is death, where do things go when they die? I'm hoping I can make things that have a life cycle.

GATA: Are there any specific designers, brands, or fashion houses you particularly enjoy working with? What makes those collaborations stand out for you?

STEPHANIE:I love working with Rick Owens, the pieces are so amazing- they just are an actual sculpture. They are very particular when they do allow pulling so it is a very special experience every time.

GATA: You’ve spoken about designing for a potential apocalyptic future. If you had the opportunity, what kind of agency or mission would you want to collaborate with in designing, styling, or planning for that future?

STEPHANIE: I think creating pieces that have a life cycle like we just spoke about, also things that are utilitarian and chic at the same time.

GATA: Tell us about your concept for the editorial you created.

STEPHANIE：The idea was about regeneration within chaos, we used the flower to represent regeneration and the droplets were inspired by the idea of particles coming together to form one.