For Valerj, dressing is such an extension of her moods that she morphs from season to season into the influences of her clothing designs for that moment. When I was with her, she was submerged in dark visions of Asian silhouettes, like a kimono with ropey bondage detail and a twisted take on a ’20s Poiret silk cocoon covered in dramatic dripping colors, reflecting the impact of her artist parents. The glamorous Italian in her finds comfort in her flaming orange hair and blunt asymmetrical cut, despite short forays into hot pink mohawks. Though a hint of punk remains in Valerj’s patent Dr. Martens and a studded hip belt, she wears the latter with an elegant floor-length dress that is influenced by David Bowie’s ’95 Mansfield tour. Mystical Sardinian nuances are evident in the Christian iconography that line her shelves and the skulls that are present everywhere, including her wedding band. The American flag draped over a leather chair is not an indication that Valerj would be caught dead in a tracksuit, no matter what the occasion, air travel included. You’re more likely to see her on a Sunset Boulevard stroll in West Hollywood in a bewitching Dries Van Noten ankle duster, Westwood pumps with hearts and a vintage cloche with netting. It is more about the art of fashion and the immersion into eras for Valerj and as she says, “There is no excuse not to look good.”

If you love Valerj, you may also enjoy Fatima Al Qadiri, Celia Ingesson and Liza Thorn.