CULTURE

Model and Muse Kate Bowman Is Getting Ready For Back-to-School

The budding style star recently purchased a Juicy Couture sweatsuit, and wouldn’t be caught dead in stilettos.


New York City native Kate Bowman, 20, has caught the attention of Purple’s Olivier Zahm, i-D, Seventeen, Mansur Gavriel‘s designers, and even legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath, who included her as one of the “Instagram Makeup Muses” in Teen Vogue. A quick scroll through her social media is all it takes to understand Bowman’s allure: Her style is a mixture of glitter, Gucci, and vintage, and her youthful blush is reminiscent of a twenty-something Liv Tyler.

Currently a part-time intern at a gallery, in September Bowman will be heading back to class at The New School’s Eugene Lang College, where she’ll continue her studies art history and writing with a focus in women’s health and sex education. In her free time though, you can find her hanging out at Dimes Deli or perusing the galleries at MoMA in her new Juicy Couture velour sweats.

Three words that describe your style: Late to class…

Icons/inspirations: Iwona Petry in Szamanka has the best looks I’ve ever seen. She’s psychotic, but always manages to look put together.

Daily uniform at your internship: I’ve worn these black mesh Stuart Weitzman sandals nearly every day since I bought them. Usually, I pair them with big black culottes and a tiny tank.

First day back-to-school look: Oh god! I have no idea. I’ll probably wear my black vintage Kinks shirt inside out with a silk floral micro mini I just thrifted and my beloved low-top Dr. Martens.

Favorite store(s) in New York: My favorite places to shop are actually outside of the city. I love going up to Hudson, NY or visiting my family in New Jersey to do so.

Last art show that you saw (and liked): I went to the Nan Goldin show at MoMA the other day. I had never seen her “Ballad of Sexual Dependency” in person before, so it was incredible to spend time with the prints in real life.

Summer reading: You can find me with my nose in Art Forum or Paris Review.

Currently listening to: Hoops! They are my new favorite band.

Night out look: Tons of glitter eyeshadow! I’m obsessed with wearing Pat McGrath’s Skin Fetish with a layer of Wet N’ Wild chunky glitter on top. I don’t wear much makeup other than a bit of Glossier concealer on the occasional hormonal zit, so it’s fun to sparkle when the sun goes down.

Go-to New York spots: I get my coffee at Grumpy or Mud and my food at Dimes Deli. I love to sit by the East River or on a bench in Seward Park.

Preferred footwear: Anything comfy! I’m in love with my Curry 2 Lows for tennis or a long day of walking around.

Beauty secrets: I put coconut oil everywhere. I have also been loving the Mario Badescu rose water spray — I feel so refreshed after a spritz or two!

Best recent discovery: Uber Eats.

Last purchase: Juicy Couture Velour Sweats in navy.

Lusting after: That pink fox fur Gucci coat! I need a faux-version.

What’s always in your bag: Aquaphor! My lips get so dry especially in this unbearable NYC heat.

Something you would never wear: Stilettos.

Most prized possession(s) in your closet: Hello Beautiful USA underwear! It’s 100% cotton — very important for vaginal health, but also ultra sexy!

Favorite accounts to follow on Instagram: My best friend @paulena, my current style icon @saintrecords, my dream moodboards Lauren Faye and @onderdonxx.

Kate Bowman / Instagram

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